Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2025
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.
10 Best Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
East Carolina University offers a diverse array of programs, including 22 online bachelor's completion programs and 38 online graduate programs in fields like business, health, education, and technology. ECU also has a high first-to-second-year undergraduate retention rate of 80%.
Highlights
- Offers fast-track option for criminal justice, security studies, cybersecurity, and psychology bachelor's programs
- Admitted 90% of applicants in fall 2023
- Awarded institutional grant and scholarship aid to nearly half of all eligible full-time first-year undergraduates in the 2022-2023 school year
Know Before You Apply
- Only 20% of admitted students went on to enroll at ECU in fall 2023.
- ECU only offers online degree completion programs at the undergraduate level, so applicants need eligible transfer credits to enroll.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB International
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education
- In-State$4,452
- Out-of-state$20,729
- In-State$4,749
- Out-of-state$17,898
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled26,785
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranks as the second-largest institution by enrollment in the UNC system. This school offers 10 online bachelor's programs and over 25 online graduate programs in fields like social work, engineering, respiratory care, and special education.
Highlights
- Has made significant investments in research activity, academic innovation, and student success in recent years
- Reduces the net price of attendance proportionally to student household income — the lower your income, the less you pay
- Ranks first in North Carolina for Latino/a enrollment
Know Before You Apply
- Just 4% of the student body enrolls exclusively in online coursework.
- Online programs like nursing and social work require in-person field experiences.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB International
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education
- In-State$3,812
- Out-of-state$18,474
- In-State$4,337
- Out-of-state$18,482
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled30,298
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington features 43 fully online degrees, including eight bachelor's and nearly 30 master's programs. The school boasts higher-than-average retention rates for full-time and part-time bachelor's students at 85% and 83%, respectively.
Highlights
- Features online dual degrees for business, as well as add-on licensure programs for education students
- Delivers online courses in synchronous and asynchronous formats
- Awarded institutional grant and scholarship aid to over half of all eligible full-time first-year undergraduates in the 2022-2023 school year
Know Before You Apply
- Some programs require in-person experiences like internships, clinical hours, or student teaching.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB International
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
- In-State$4,443
- Out-of-state$19,063
- In-State$4,719
- Out-of-state$19,104
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled17,843
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina A & T State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
STEM-focused North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the largest historically Black university (HBCU) by enrollment in the United States. The school's online offerings include 10 bachelor's degrees and 13 graduate programs in fields such as agricultural education, engineering, and liberal studies. Students of color make up 96% of the student body, and NCAT offers below-average tuition rates.
Highlights
- Engages both faculty and instructional design professionals in developing its online courses and programs
- Charges in-state tuition to active duty military personnel and their dependents enrolled in distance education
Know Before You Apply
- The school has selective admissions — in fall 2023, just 46% of applicants received an offer of admission.
- Some online bachelor's programs are degree completion programs that require prior college credit.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB International
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- In-State$3,540
- Out-of-state$17,050
- In-State$4,745
- Out-of-state$17,545
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled13,487
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
A minority-serving institution, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro has a 130-year history of innovation. UNC Greensboro offers over 50 online programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, liberal studies, teaching, and library science. The school retains 76% of full-time first-year bachelor's students.
Highlights
- Offers admission to 90% of applicants
- Awarded institutional grant and scholarship aid to over 80% of eligible full-time first-year undergraduates in the 2022-2023 school year
Know Before You Apply
- Over 80% of undergraduate students are 24 or younger.
- Only 23% of admitted students accept their admission offer.
Programmatic Accreditation
- American Library Association
- AACSB International
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- In-State$4,422
- Out-of-state$19,582
- In-State$5,219
- Out-of-state$18,937
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled17,743
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Appalachian State University delivers online education with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. Undergraduate and graduate students can choose from 31 online degrees in career-oriented fields such as veterinary technology, library science, healthcare, and social work.
Highlights
- Offers lower-than-average online tuition
- Has a robust online learning community, with 48% of graduate students enrolled exclusively in distance education courses
Know Before You Apply
- Only 6% of undergraduates enroll exclusively in online coursework.
- Some online undergraduate programs only accept transfer students.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council on Education for Public Health
- In-State$4,242
- Out-of-state$21,238
- In-State$4,839
- Out-of-state$19,849
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled21,253
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Part of the UNC system, Fayetteville State University is an HBCU that delivers 21 online programs to its diverse student base, including options in fields like cybersecurity, fire and emergency services administration, and psychology. In the 2022-2023 school year, 92% of eligible full-time, first-year undergrads at FSU received scholarships or grants.
Highlights
- Offers financially accessible education, especially for learners from lower-income households
- Serves a diverse undergraduate student body, 38% of whom are aged 25 and over
- Enrolls 41% of undergraduates and 82% of graduates in exclusively online coursework
Know Before You Apply
- Most online undergraduate programs are degree completion programs requiring transfer credits.
- The school's graduation rate is low, at 35%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- AACSB International
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- In-State$2,982
- Out-of-state$14,590
- In-State$3,438
- Out-of-state$14,503
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled6,787
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Western Carolina University delivers flexible, affordable online education: In the 2022-2023 school year, WCU's in-state tuition fees were almost $3,000 lower than North Carolina's statewide average tuition for public schools. That same year, the university also retained 76% of its full-time and 61% of its part-time first-year bachelor's students.
Highlights
- Offers 24 online and hybrid programs in career-oriented subjects like nursing, construction management, and human resources
- Has a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Admits 87% of applicants
Know Before You Apply
- Only 13% of applicants who receive an offer of admission actually enroll at WCU.
- Students of color are underrepresented in WCU's student demographics.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$4,435
- Out-of-state$14,842
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled11,628
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Pembroke, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Noted for its student diversity, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke combines affordable tuition with extensive financial aid programs. These aspects make UNC Pembroke's practical lineup of 24 online degree programs highly accessible.
Highlights
- Charges less than half the average tuition rate of a North Carolina public institution
- Awarded institutional grant and scholarship aid to over 40% of eligible full-time first-year undergraduates in the 2022-2023 school year
- Offers admission to 92% of applicants
- Has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1
Know Before You Apply
- The school has a relatively low overall graduation rate of 45% and relatively high transfer-out rate of 30%.
- Online undergraduate programs are degree completion programs and require transfer credits.
- Only 13% of applicants accept their offers of admission.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB International
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council on Social Work Education
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$4,280
- Out-of-state$17,000
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled8,140
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
North Carolina Central University has below-average tuition costs and retains over 70% of first-time bachelor's students. This HBCU offers 34 online bachelor's and master's programs, with online students being a key driver of the school's recent growth spurt.
Highlights
- Supports online students with tutoring, research and writing assistance, office hours, and an on-demand video library of workshops
- Achieved year-over-year online enrollment growth of 24% in fall 2024
- Committed to continuing strategic investments in online learning
Know Before You Apply
- The school's graduation rate is only 46%.
- Only 16% of undergraduates enroll fully online.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- American Library Association
- AACSB International
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- In-State$3,728
- Out-of-state$16,435
- In-State$4,740
- Out-of-state$18,048
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled7,553
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Did You Know…
- North Carolina is projected to add more than 509,500 new jobs from 2022-2032.
- Jobs for nurse practitioners, solar installers, and statisticians are projected to grow the fastest in NC, with projected growth rates of over 40% through 2032.
- North Carolina offers some of the most affordable two-year colleges in the country.
- The UNC System enrolled 242,500 students across all institutions in fall 2023.
- In 2021, the UNC System unveiled a $97 million plan to support adult online education.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Commerce, National Center for Education Statistics, UNC System, Inside Higher Ed
Why Consider Online Colleges in North Carolina?
- Many online schools in North Carolina offer accelerated programs, allowing you to earn your degree faster.
- Online universities in the state may offer fields of study you can’t find at local colleges.
- An online degree program can make juggling work and family obligations easier.
- 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.
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 hold accreditation.
Accreditation comes in two major forms: institutional and programmatic. Most accredited online colleges in North Carolina are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
10 Fast-Growing 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.
Each of the careers below requires at least a bachelor’s degree. An online college in North Carolina can help prepare you for one of these in-demand careers should you decide to move to the Tarheel State after completing your degree.
| Job | Projected Growth in North Carolina (2022-2032) | Annual Median Wage in North Carolina (May 2023) | Degree Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 56% | $121,450 | Master’s Degree |
| Statisticians | 44% | $109,950 | Master’s Degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 39% | $105,640 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Physician Assistants | 37% | $126,480 | Master’s Degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 36% | $125,930 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 34% | $105,180 | Master’s Degree |
| Software Developers | 32% | $130,970 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 32% | $80,680 | Master’s Degree |
| Actuaries | 31% | $130,190 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 29% | $106,130 | Master’s or Doctoral Degree |
How Much Do Online Schools in NC Cost?
Tuition rates for online colleges in North Carolina vary, but you’ll generally pay from $2,500-$54,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), depending on which school you attend. North Carolina’s average annual tuition costs at public universities run more than $2,000 lower than the national average.
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.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in North Carolina | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $7,327 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,155 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $40,176 | $35,248 |
How to Qualify for In-State Tuition as an Out-of-State Student in North Carolina
North Carolina is among the few states that does not participate in tuition reciprocity agreements. To qualify for in-state tuition at a North Carolina public college, you must have held residence in North Carolina for the preceding 12 months and show your intent to reside long-term in the state.
The state offers a few exceptions to this rule, primarily to active-duty military members, refugees, federal law enforcement employees, and non-citizens sponsored by a nonprofit entity. However, some universities in South Carolina and Tennessee offer in-state tuition to qualifying North Carolina residents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to 68 four-year colleges and universities and 64 two-year public and private nonprofit institutions. These numbers include top-tier research institutions, state universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges.
Many of these schools offer fully or partially online programs for in-state and out-of-state residents.
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