Top 15 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina (NC) in 2024

Carolina Christian College may not be the most well-known school, but for the students it serves, it certainly makes a big difference. This school is for Black students who want to pursue Christian ministry. Its academics are rooted in the Christian Bible.

This school has very small class sizes, which is perfect for students who want to learn in a tight-knit community. Teachers here develop close, mentor-like relationships with their students. All the while, the school provides challenge, deep thought, and goal-focused learning.

Plus, its tuition is extremely reasonable, especially compared to other private, Christian schools. It even has the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. This low tuition rate, combined with its excellent learning environment, give CCC a high ranking on this list.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington benefits all kinds of students, from first-time freshmen to working professionals. In all areas, UNC Wilmington commits to greatness. This school attracts smart, talented students who want to make a difference in the world and in their careers.

Because it’s part of the bigger UNC system, it has plenty of resources to offer students, but it offers those resources at a very reasonable price. It’s a student-centered school that puts the needs of learners above everything else. UNC Wilmington prepares students to think creatively, reach career milestones, and develop a global mindset.

North Carolina State University offers a lot for its reasonable price. While its tuition remains low, its teaching style packs a punch. NC State is a leader across several disciplines, from math and science to humanities and the arts.

Students at NC State learn through participation. This school takes a hands-on approach to learning. Students don’t just focus on theories; They apply those theories to internships, mentorships, and much more. This way, students can feel confident in their abilities as they graduate and move on to their careers.

Elizabeth City State University boasts of some of the lowest tuition rates in North Carolina. Don’t let the low tuition rate fool you, though. This school still provides a great education for the price. It’s part of the broader University of North Carolina system, so it certainly has lots of resources and opportunities for its students.

Elizabeth City State offers a liberal arts education with flexibility and access to technology. This school strives for excellence at all levels of education, from Bachelor’s degrees to Master’s degrees and professional degrees. While ECSU offers several degree options, it really shines when it comes to science, health, and education.

Winston-Salem State University is a historically Black university with a reputation for changing the social and economic status of its students by providing them with an affordable, first-rate education. WSSU welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to join the campus community. Committed to their motto, “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve,” WSSU not only provides excellence in learning, but it also prepares its students to serve in various capacities. Students are given the opportunity to engage their communities through service and learn ways to make the world a better place. 

WSSU uses high-impact practices and learning outcomes to help students develop the skills they will need to carve their pathway to success and prepare them for leadership within their communities and beyond.

At East Carolina University, the price tag doesn’t keep deserving students from a great education. Instead, tuition remains relatively low, and students still benefit from a great learning environment.

ECU has many great programs and lots of chances for students to excel. All the while, it helps students develop their leadership skills so that they can make a difference in the world. As a matter of fact, making a difference is one of the core values that ECU brings to the table. This school values service, so those who want to change the world can find their home here.

North Carolina A&T State provides a great education. It especially delivers for science, technology, and agriculture students. Students get a great ROI from an A&T education. Those who graduate from this school earn consistently high earnings right out of the gate.

This school takes a direct, hands-on learning approach, and it has high-quality technology in its classrooms. Students graduate feeling prepared, confident, and ready to take on rewarding careers.

Western Carolina University is part of the UNC system, but it provides a small-school feel. This way, those who prefer a smaller learning environment can thrive, but they don’t have to sacrifice the resources that they can get from a bigger school. WCU values quality education and hard work. It blends both to make sure that students succeed after graduation.

What started as a humble school has since grown into a thriving university. Now, WCU has a big impact on the surrounding community. It serves, teaches, and employs lots of people from the local area. Meanwhile, students get a chance to serve and help the community, too.

As “North Carolina’s urban research university,” the University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides a lot for its students. Thanks to its city location, students can take advantage of networking opportunities, internships, and more. Of course, UNC Charlotte doesn’t only benefit its students. It also makes a difference in the Charlotte community as a whole. For those who want to be part of the greater good, this school provides a path.

UNC Charlotte encourages boldness, creativity, and leadership in its students. It also provides challenging and meaningful academics at a price that students can afford.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is known for a lot of things, including social mobility, high academic standards, and commitment to racial equity. For all of its benefits, UNC Greensboro doesn’t come with a high price tag. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest schools in North Carolina.

This school has strong research with the academics to match. In addition to quality classroom learning, students benefit from mentorships, hands-on application, leadership development, and much more.

North Carolina Central University has provided a great education for more than 100 years. It has a beautiful campus, but more importantly, it has a commitment to big ideas, diversity, and creativity. Whether students learn on campus or from a distance, they get a strong education with opportunities for growth.

NCCU is a highly-ranked HBCU that encourages students to serve their communities. This school provides lots of opportunities for learners to make a difference. Students get to use their skills for the common good, and they learn how to spot opportunities to help others.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a well-recognized university. Plenty of employers recognize the UNC Chapel Hill name when they see it on a resume. Compared to similar colleges, UNC-Chapel Hill comes with fairly low tuition costs, especially for residents of North Carolina. For the price, students enjoy a vibrant campus, strong academics, and great athletics.

This school combines teaching and research for a big overall impact. It has lots of majors to choose from and thrives especially in the areas of business, science, and journalism.

The University of North Carolina at Asheville has plenty to offer, and all at an affordable price. For one thing, the small class sizes make it easy for students to get to know their teachers and personalize their education. For another, this school comes with a great ROI.

Focusing on the liberal arts and sciences, UNC Asheville provides an education that is both relevant and enduring. Here, learning goes beyond the classroom. It extends to mentorships, hands-on projects, research, and more. As a final bonus, the city of Asheville is a beautiful place to live, with green grass and vibrant foliage. Overall, UNC Asheville provides a great college experience.

Fayetteville State University is an HBCU with great academics, a strong community, and a commitment to community outreach. This school serves its students and its community as a whole. FSU’s teachers emphasize leadership and global citizenship so that students will continue to make a difference in their careers after graduation.

FSU offers several majors, but its history and reputation are rooted most deeply in teacher education. With all of its majors, though, FSU helps students become great learners, leaders, and communicators.

Appalachian State University is more than just a beautiful campus, although the hills of Boone definitely provide a great view. App State also provides a world of opportunities, including opportunities for underrepresented students.

This respected school has a great ROI. Students get a lot for their money here. They get great academics, and they learn how to see themselves as global citizens. Not only do students find their own pathways to success, they also learn how to make their skills work for the good of the world.