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Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina

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2023 Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina

81 Schools Ranked
$40,371 Average Earnings
$21,909 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

The Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 81 schools in North Carolina to see which ones had the most popular online programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
8,408 Total Awards
$34,991 Average Earnings
$22,490 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Wake Technical Community College the most popular school in North Carolina for students working on their degree. Wake Technical Community College is a public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8,408 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,490 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Wake Technical Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,991 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

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#2

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
7,432 Total Awards
$44,403 Average Earnings
$24,531 Avg Student Debt

The programs at East Carolina University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in North Carolina. Greenville, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 7,432 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,531 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $277, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, ECU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,403 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

MyComputerCareer - Raleigh

Raleigh, North Carolina
1,831 Total Awards
$37,250 Average Earnings
$15,722 Avg Student Debt

The programs at MyComputerCareer - Raleigh helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in North Carolina. MyComputerCareer - Raleigh is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,831 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $15,722 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $137. During the early years of their career, MyComputerCareer - Raleigh graduates make an average of $37,250 annually. Around 20% of those degree recipients were women.

Full MyComputerCareer - Raleigh Report

#4

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
8,764 Total Awards
$46,346 Average Earnings
$24,912 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina list. Charlotte, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 8,764 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,912 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $193, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNC Charlotte, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,346 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Full University of North Carolina at Charlotte Report

#5

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina
4,984 Total Awards
$37,140 Average Earnings
$24,759 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina list. UNC Greensboro is located in Greensboro, North Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,984 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,759 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $174 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNC Greensboro graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,140 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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#6

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
3,186 Total Awards
$39,924 Average Earnings
$23,228 Avg Student Debt

Western Carolina University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. WCU is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,186 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $23,228 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $198, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, WCU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,924 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Western Carolina University Report

#7

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
1,407 Total Awards
$37,783 Average Earnings
$28,780 Avg Student Debt

Fayetteville State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #7 on the list. Fayetteville State University is a medium-sized public school located in Fayetteville, North Carolina that handed out 1,407 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,780 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $87. During the early years of their career, Fayetteville State University graduates make an average of $37,783 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

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#8

Stanly Community College

Albemarle, North Carolina
1,053 Total Awards
$40,419 Average Earnings
$11,203 Avg Student Debt

Stanly Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #8 on the list. Stanly Technical College is located in Albemarle, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,053 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $11,203 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Stanly Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,419 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Read full report on Stanly Community College

#9

Gaston College

Dallas, North Carolina
2,915 Total Awards
$32,146 Average Earnings
$12,298 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Gaston College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Gaston College is a small public school located in Dallas, North Carolina that handed out 2,915 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Gaston College accumulate an average of $12,298 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Gaston College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,146 during the early year of their career. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Gaston College

#10

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
2,911 Total Awards
$30,854 Average Earnings
$22,729 Avg Student Debt

Guilford Technical Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina list. Guilford Technical Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Jamestown, North Carolina that handed out 2,911 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,729 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Guilford Technical Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,854 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

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#11

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
5,301 Total Awards
$35,760 Average Earnings
$21,113 Avg Student Debt

Appalachian State University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 5,301 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,113 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $224, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Appalachian State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,760 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Appalachian State University Report

#12

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina
1,884 Total Awards
$35,227 Average Earnings
$26,823 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, University of North Carolina at Pembroke did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UNC Pembroke is located in Pembroke, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,884 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,823 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $123, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNC Pembroke, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,227 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full University of North Carolina at Pembroke Report

1,465 Total Awards
$30,561 Average Earnings
$10,798 Avg Student Debt

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #13 on the list. CCCTI is a small public school situated in Hudson, North Carolina. It awarded 1,465 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $10,798 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CCCTI graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,561 during the early year of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Report

#14

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
5,264 Total Awards
$37,326 Average Earnings
$22,787 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Wilmington landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 5,264 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,787 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $304, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UNCW graduates make an average of $37,326 annually. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Wilmington

#15

Mitchell Community College

Statesville, North Carolina
865 Total Awards
$27,286 Average Earnings
$11,870 Avg Student Debt

Mitchell Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. This small public school is located in Statesville, North Carolina, and it awarded 865 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $11,870 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Mitchell Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $27,286 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Mitchell Community College

#16

Randolph Community College

Asheboro, North Carolina
1,137 Total Awards
$22,535 Average Earnings
$11,007 Avg Student Debt

Randolph Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina list. Randolph Community College is a public institution located in Asheboro, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,137 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $11,007 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Randolph Community College graduates make an average of $22,535 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Randolph Community College Report

#17

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
2,404 Total Awards
$34,276 Average Earnings
$22,943 Avg Student Debt

Pitt Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Winterville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,404 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,943 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Pitt Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,276 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#18

Davidson County Community College

Thomasville, North Carolina
1,400 Total Awards
$36,670 Average Earnings
$20,075 Avg Student Debt

Davidson County Community College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. DCCC is located in Thomasville, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,400 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from DCCC accumulate an average of $20,075 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from DCCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,670 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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#19

Winston - Salem State University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1,167 Total Awards
$39,081 Average Earnings
$28,735 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Winston - Salem State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,167 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,735 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $111 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, WSSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,081 during the early year of their career. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Winston - Salem State University Report

#20

Strayer University - North Carolina

Morrisville, North Carolina
677 Total Awards
$52,529 Average Earnings
$39,315 Avg Student Debt

Strayer University - North Carolina landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Morrisville, North Carolina, the small private for-profit school awarded 677 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Strayer University - North Carolina accumulate an average of $39,315 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $121, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Strayer University - North Carolina, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,529 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Strayer University - North Carolina Report

#21

Miller-Motte College Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
478 Total Awards
$25,199 Average Earnings
$31,801 Avg Student Debt

Miller-Motte College Wilmington did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #21 on the list. MMC Wilmington is located in Wilmington, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 478 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from MMC Wilmington accumulate an average of $31,801 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $59. During the early years of their career, MMC Wilmington graduates make an average of $25,199 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Read full report on Miller-Motte College Wilmington

#22

Vance-Granville Community College

Henderson, North Carolina
601 Total Awards
$33,291 Average Earnings
$15,175 Avg Student Debt

Vance-Granville Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina list. This small public school is located in Henderson, North Carolina, and it awarded 601 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Vance-Granville Community College accumulate an average of $15,175 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Vance-Granville Community College graduates make an average of $33,291 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Read full report on Vance-Granville Community College

#23

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina
1,658 Total Awards
$33,473 Average Earnings
$9,969 Avg Student Debt

Wayne Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #23 on the list. Goldsboro, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,658 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,969 in student loans.After graduating from Wayne Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,473 during the early years of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Wayne Community College

#24

North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina
1,616 Total Awards
$37,008 Average Earnings
$34,797 Avg Student Debt

North Carolina Central University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,616 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from North Carolina Central University accumulate an average of $34,797 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $169 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, North Carolina Central University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,008 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Read full report on North Carolina Central University

#25

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, North Carolina
1,825 Total Awards
$40,666 Average Earnings
$24,829 Avg Student Debt

Durham Technical Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Durham Technical Community College is located in Durham, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,825 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,829 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Durham Technical Community College graduates make an average of $40,666 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Durham Technical Community College Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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