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Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina

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2023 Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina

35 Schools Ranked
$19,104 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 35 schools in North Carolina to see which graduate certificate programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
550 Total Awards
$7,594 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named East Carolina University the most popular school in North Carolina for students working on their graduate certificate. ECU is a public institution located in Greenville, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 550 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at ECU. In 2019-2020 about 80% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#2

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
502 Total Awards
$7,713 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 35 schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, University of North Carolina at Charlotte landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 502 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

UNC Charlotte does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 82% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Charlotte

#3

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
449 Total Awards
$11,703 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,885 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend North Carolina State University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 449 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Graduate Certificate recipients from NC State accumulate an average of $18,885 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at NC State. In fact, around 78% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full North Carolina State University Report

#4

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
327 Total Awards
$59,141 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,440 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Duke University is a great place for students working on their graduate certificate. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 327 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,440 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Duke. In 2019-2020 about 2% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Duke University

#5

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
267 Total Awards
$8,007 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Appalachian State University is a great place for students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 267 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

Online graduate courses are available at Appalachian State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 86% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#6

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina
194 Total Awards
$8,265 Average Tuition & Fees

University of North Carolina at Greensboro did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #6 on the list. UNC Greensboro is a public institution located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 194 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UNC Greensboro does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In fact, around 80% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full University of North Carolina at Greensboro Report

#7

Gardner - Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina
139 Total Awards
$10,130 Average Tuition & Fees

Gardner - Webb University ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, and it awarded 139 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Gardner - Webb. During the 2019-2020 year, about 59% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full Gardner - Webb University Report

#8

Meredith College

Raleigh, North Carolina
87 Total Awards
$13,344 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,492 Avg Student Debt

Meredith College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #8 on the list. Meredith is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Raleigh, North Carolina. It awarded 87 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Graduate Certificate recipients from Meredith accumulate an average of $29,492 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Meredith. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 2% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Meredith College

#9

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
76 Total Awards
$7,480 Average Tuition & Fees

Western Carolina University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 76 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at WCU. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 87% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#10

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
72 Total Awards
$5,835 Average Tuition & Fees

Fayetteville State University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 72 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Fayetteville State University. During the 2019-2020 year, about 89% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full Fayetteville State University Report

#11

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
72 Total Awards
$7,514 Average Tuition & Fees

University of North Carolina at Wilmington ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina list. Wilmington, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out graduate certificates to 72 students in 2020-2021.

Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UNCW does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 88% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Wilmington

#12

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina
21 Total Awards
$7,938 Average Tuition & Fees

North Carolina A & T State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #12 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it awarded 21 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

NC A&T does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 82% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full North Carolina A & T State University Report

#13

Wingate University

Wingate, North Carolina
18 Total Awards

Wingate University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #13 on the list. Wingate is located in Wingate, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 18 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

Wingate does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 18% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

11 Total Awards
$20,875 Average Tuition & Fees

Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina list. Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts is a very small private for-profit school situated in Asheville, North Carolina. It awarded 11 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In fact, around 60% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts Report

#15

Greensboro College

Greensboro, North Carolina
10 Total Awards
$4,300 Average Tuition & Fees

Greensboro College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #15 on the list. Greensboro College is located in Greensboro, North Carolina and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 10 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Online graduate courses are available at Greensboro College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 79% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#15

Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
11 Total Awards
$14,166 Average Tuition & Fees

Queens University of Charlotte came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it awarded 11 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Queens does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Queens University of Charlotte

#17

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
9 Total Awards
$11,640 Average Tuition & Fees

University of North Carolina School of the Arts came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and it awarded 9 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

Online graduate courses are available at UNCSA, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full University of North Carolina School of the Arts Report

#18

Salem College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
6 Total Awards
$8,400 Average Tuition & Fees

Salem College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina list. Salem College is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that handed out 6 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 33% were women.

Since the graduate programs at Salem are online, the school is an excellent choice for graduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

#19

Strayer University - North Carolina

Morrisville, North Carolina
4 Total Awards
$15,135 Average Tuition & Fees

Strayer University - North Carolina came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina ranking. Morrisville, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 4 students in 2020-2021.

Strayer University - North Carolina is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read More…

#20

Methodist University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
3 Total Awards
$41,428 Average Tuition & Fees

Methodist University ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and it awarded 3 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#20

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
3 Total Awards
$12,566 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,691 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 3 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,691 in student loans. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that UNC Chapel Hill does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 77% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#22

Winston - Salem State University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1 Total Awards
$6,718 Average Tuition & Fees

Winston - Salem State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #22 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and it awarded 1 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at WSSU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Winston - Salem State University

#22

Grace College of Divinity

Fayetteville, North Carolina
1 Total Awards
$5,280 Average Tuition & Fees

Grace College of Divinity landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. Grace College of Divinity is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Fayetteville, North Carolina that handed out 1 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Grace College of Divinity does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 98% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Grace College of Divinity

#22

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Concord, North Carolina
1 Total Awards
$29,180 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #22, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. Concord, North Carolina is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 1 students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. Every graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Report

#22

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1 Total Awards
$39,240 Average Tuition & Fees

Wake Forest University ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in North Carolina list. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Wake Forest University does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 67% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Wake Forest University

View Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools Nationwide >

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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