Best Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
If you live in North Carolina, you likely know the state is no slouch when it comes to higher education. Home to the prestigious University of North Carolina (UNC) system and a number of other top-tier public and private colleges, the state offers education options that can meet your different needs.
Attending one of the many online colleges in North Carolina can give you the flexibility to maintain a career while earning your degree. Read on to learn more about online schools in NC.
Why Consider Online Colleges in North Carolina?
- Many online schools in NC offer accelerated programs, allowing you to earn your degree faster.
- Research shows that having a bachelor’s degree can lead to a higher salary.
- North Carolina is home to several top universities, including Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.
- Online universities in NC may offer fields of study you can’t find at local colleges.
- An online degree program makes juggling work and family obligations easier.
Did You Know…
North Carolina is projected to add more than 524,800 new jobs from 2020-2030.- Jobs in nursing, cooking, and information security are projected to grow the fastest in NC, with projected growth rates of over 50% through 2030.
- North Carolina offers some of the most affordable two-year colleges in the country.
- The UNC System enrolled 244,500 students across all institutions in fall 2021.
- In 2021, the UNC System unveiled a $97 million plan to support adult online education.
10 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2024
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,812
- Out-of-state$17,246
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled30,448
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,452
- Out-of-state$20,729
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled28,021
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,443
- Out-of-state$18,508
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled18,030
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina A&T State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,540
- Out-of-state$17,050
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled13,322
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,422
- Out-of-state$19,581
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled19,038
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,242
- Out-of-state$19,849
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled20,641
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled11,877
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,728
- Out-of-state$16,435
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled7,953
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Lees-McRae College
- Banner Elk, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,267
- Out-of-state$26,267
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled873
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,982
- Out-of-state$14,590
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled6,748
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
How Accreditation Works for Online Colleges in North Carolina
If you’re considering online colleges in North Carolina, always make sure a school holds proper accreditation.
Accreditation tells you that the school has met certain academic standards and will provide you with a quality education. Avoid schools that don’t don’t hold accreditation.
Accreditation comes in two major forms: institutional and programmatic.
Most accredited online colleges in North Carolina will be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How Much Do Online Schools in NC Cost?
Tuition rates for online colleges in North Carolina vary, but you’ll generally pay anywhere from $2,500-$37,000 per year depending on which school you attend.
Factors such as whether the school is public or private, whether you enroll part time or full time, and whether you’re a state resident can all affect how much you pay.
In general, public schools charge lower tuition rates than private colleges. You’ll pay the lowest tuition at public schools as an in-state resident.
Financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships can also lower your overall college expenses. You should always submit the FAFSA to see whether you qualify for federal funding.
What Are the Most In-Demand Jobs in North Carolina?
If you plan to attend one of the many online colleges in North Carolina, you may already be considering your career options after graduation.
Those living in or planning to move to North Carolina can expect huge growth for highly skilled jobs such as nurse practitioner, information security analyst, and statistician.
| Job | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 55% | $102,370 |
| Restaurant Cooks | 54% | $28,660 |
| Information Security Analysts | 51% | $119,980 |
| Costume Attendants | 50% | $50,110 |
| Statisticians | 50% | $104,670 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | 46% | $20,530 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | 44% | $27,080 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 42% | $47,570 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 39% | $37,130 |
| Dancers | 39% | Unavailable |
Sources: Projections Central, BLS
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in North Carolina?
Most of the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina require advanced education credentials, usually a master’s or first-professional degree.
That said, the state also boasts plenty of high-paying jobs you can pursue with just a bachelor’s degree, such as airline pilot, natural science manager, and financial manager.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmologists | $199,310 | First-Professional |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $195,250 | Master’s |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $172,960 | Bachelor’s |
| Dentists, General | $167,600 | First-Professional |
| Physicians, All Other | $165,890 | First-Professional |
| Podiatrists | $162,730 | First-Professional |
| Anesthesiologists | $154,540 | First-Professional |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $154,400 | First-Professional |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $152,220 | Bachelor’s |
| Financial Managers | $151,440 | Bachelor’s |
Source: BLS
City Spotlight: Explore Online Colleges in Raleigh, NC
The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is part of the state’s Research Triangle, which is home to firms such as IBM and Fidelity Investments.
Whether you’re a Raleigh resident or an out-of-state learner, you can attend a Raleigh-based community college online.
Wake Technical Community College, for instance, offers over 100 completely online associate, diploma, and certificate programs.
Many colleges in Raleigh award online bachelor’s and graduate degrees as well. For example, North Carolina State University — the largest four-year university in the state — offers over 120 online programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
| School | Accreditation | Institution Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Technical Community College | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Public 2-Year |
| North Carolina State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Public 4-Year |
| Shaw University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Private 4-Year |
| William Peace University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Private 4-Year |
