The best accredited online colleges in North Carolina offer flexible undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional certificates. These schools are designed for working professionals and prospective students who simply prefer the convenience of remote learning over on-campus classes.
If you’ve been looking for virtual schools in North Carolina, this article is a step in the right direction. Apart from a list of accredited online schools in North Carolina, the article explains what accreditation means and which type of accreditation is ideal for online schools. It also compares the benefits of online schools over traditional on-campus schools to make your decision of becoming an online learner that much easier.
Fully Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina: Two Types of Accreditation
The two types of accreditations for colleges in North Carolina are regional and national accreditation. Each one comes with its unique set of benefits that make it ideal for specific groups of online students, but neither is outright better than the other. At the end of the day, either type of accreditation is better than there being no accreditation at all.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
Regionally accredited online colleges are degree-granting institutions that are designed to serve a specific region. They are held to a rigorous standard by their corresponding accrediting agencies and most typically are mainstream universities or community colleges.
Due to these meticulous curriculum standards, regionally accredited universities tend to be more expensive and have far more competitive admissions. However, their credits hold a lot of value and can be easily transferred to universities that aren’t even within the same region.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
Nationally accredited colleges are degree and certificate-granting institutions that mostly focus on vocational training and other formats of hands-on learning designed to ensure student success in a niche industry. Professional training schools, license preparation schools, and certain kinds of healthcare instructions typically rely on national accreditation.
Such institutions may be cheaper and more practical in their method of instruction, but they also tend to be laxly regulated—meaning that their courses wouldn’t be as easily accepted as transfer credits between universities or colleges.
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?
Accreditation is important for college because it proves that the school satisfies a standard of education required by law. The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) also lists enhanced credibility, formal recognition, and improved information regarding resource decisions among the benefits of accreditation.
Accrediting bodies are regulatory watchdogs that oversee the activities in the school to ensure that students are getting the best version of education the institution can offer. Colleges that aren’t accredited can get away with providing a substandard education, as there is no vetting system in place to keep a check on them.
How to Find an Accredited Online College in North Carolina
You can find an accredited online college in North Carolina on the US Department of Education’s database, on the websites of accrediting bodies, or directly on the websites of schools that offer online education.
While all three of these avenues are perfectly valid means of checking accreditation, going directly to the schools’ websites also gives you the additional benefit of browsing through the available online degrees and is thus the most efficient route to take.
Check the US Department of Education’s Database
The US Department of Education has a database of all the universities across all states, including North Carolina, that covers public schools, private institutions, and community colleges. It also has a navigation system that allows you to find schools using several filters for names, locations, and the highest degree level offered.
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency’s Website
You can find accredited online universities in North Carolina on the official website of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This is the regional accrediting commission responsible for schools in the Southern belt. SACSCOC has its own database of accredited institutions with a school search feature that can be maneuvered using filters.
Visit the School’s Official Website
You can also use a search engine to identify the best online universities in North Carolina and check the website of your desired school to see if it is regionally or nationally accredited. This information is often readily available on most universities’ websites. However, if you can’t find it when navigating the website, you could just directly reach out to the school and ask them for its accreditations.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina: Overview
| Ranking | Online College | Accreditation | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 96% |
| 2 | Wake Forest University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 89% |
| 3 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 80% |
| 4 | Appalachian State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 74% |
| 5 | East Carolina University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 67% |
| 6 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 59% |
| 7 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 57% |
| 8 | Gardner-Webb University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 53% |
| 9 | Campbell University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 47% |
| 10 | Fayetteville State University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (regional) | 45% |
How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina
We ranked the best accredited online colleges in North Carolina by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools’ official websites as well as the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools and its College Scorecard tool.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina: Deep Dive
The best accredited online colleges in North Carolina listed above have been ranked on the basis of graduation rate, but there are many other aspects that also contribute to a university’s standing. Student-to-faculty ratio and average graduate salary are just some of the factors you must also take into account before deciding how good an institution actually is for you.
Duke University is one of the most prestigious universities in the US, holding similar weightage to Ivy League schools in the job market. With its Duke Online program, it has initiated a major change in how premier education can cater to flexible learning. Now, all levels of its public programs, ranging from professional certifications to doctoral degrees, can be accessed by distance learners.
Duke University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 42% (undergraduate); 2% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 96%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $93,115
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Duke University
- Master of National Security Policy. This is an extensive program that covers core aspects of national security. You will learn about cyber security, policy-making for pandemics, international health deterrence, and a host of other subjects. While the program itself is online, there is a mandatory immersion period that takes place on campus.
- Master of Engineering in Financial Technology. This versatile program combines business, computer science, engineering, finance, and emerging technologies used in the financial sector into one applicative curriculum. You will also learn about the ethical dimensions of cyber security and similar FinTech developments.
- Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation. This degree exposes you to cutting-edge technologies that employ artificial intelligence in product design and innovation. Despite lasting only 12 months, it also helps you develop your portfolio via a capstone project designed to propose a solution to an identified real-world problem.
- Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics. An accelerated master's program offered by the Fuqua School of Business, this course covers business management, data analytics, and statistics. You can also transfer graduate credits from any other school that Duke University deems compatible to meet its curriculum and shorten your course down to a year.
Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University (WFU) is a private school that emphasizes personal attention for students in its program structure. It currently has one of the best graduate schools in North Carolina and is an R2 doctoral university. While the school is popularly known for its liberal arts curriculum, it also has other highly rated programs to offer its online learners.
Wake Forest University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 11% (undergraduate); 24% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 89%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $74,968
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Wake Forest University
- Master of Business Administration. This online degree program prepares business professionals for leadership roles in various industries, placing emphasis on proven in-demand skills like management strategies, innovation, and technical skill sets. The program also offers three concentrations, including business analytics, finance, and strategy and leadership.
- Master of Studies in Law. This flexible degree program is ideal for non-traditional learners. Its curriculum is both asynchronous and collaborative, meaning that you have full control over the pace of your education. There are three concentration tracks available for this online degree, namely business law and compliance, health law and policy, and human resources.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice. This two-year nursing practice doctoral program offers part-time schooling focused on applying scientific principles to address relevant issues in the healthcare industry. To maximize the hands-on experiences for its online learners, the program also offers practical courses like utilizing information systems in healthcare, as well as guest lectures and seminars.
- Master of Project Management. The online Master's Degree in Project Management is a 30-credit program that takes about two years to complete. In addition to being entirely flexible, this online degree program offers integrated coursework, including Agile methodologies, project lifecycle, and project management in financial services and technology, among other topics.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh was founded in 1887 and is the flagship public institution in the state school system. It is an R1 doctoral university with a large online learning platform for distance students. It’s particularly famous for its online engineering school, which has been ranked seventh among online graduate engineering degrees in 2022 by US News & World Report.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 24% (undergraduate); 37% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $61,353
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Master of Science in Computer Networking. This graduate program in computer networking is for people who already have a solid background in computer science, computer networking, or a related field. In addition to a technical curriculum, it also offers concentrations in networking services, network software, network hardware, and networking design.
- Master of Civil Engineering. This 30-credit program is for bachelor's degree holders looking to learn advanced civil engineering. It also offers a non-degree option for students who are not enrolled in the program but wish to undertake the coursework, although you can later transfer credits into the degree program. In the non-degree program, there is no thesis requirement for graduation.
- Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. This is one of the few prestigious online programs available in aerospace engineering. Currently, it only accepts US citizens and permanent residents. Despite being a full 30-credit program, it does not have a thesis requirement. It mandates a three-credit project to prepare online learners for job opportunities after earning their aerospace engineering degrees.
- Master of Business Administration. This professional master's degree requires 40 credits. It is a flexible program that you can customize between an accelerated 21 months all the way up to a six-year online graduate degree. While the coursework will be entirely online, you will also be required to participate in two separate three-day on-campus residencies.
A public institution founded in 1899 to educate and train teachers, Appalachian State University has since evolved into a public university that offers over 150 majors at graduate and undergraduate degree levels. Its online programs are widely recognized in the industry.
Appalachian State University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 13% (undergraduate); 51% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 74%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $45,602
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Appalachian State University
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This is a comprehensive 120-credit bachelor's degree that is entirely online, with the flexibility to enroll full-time or part-time. This program is ideal for adult learners already in the field, as its curriculum focuses heavily on keeping up with global marketplace trends.
- Registered Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This online degree is a 30-credit advancement program for undergraduate students keen on taking their nursing careers to the next level. The course is organized with add-on licensure in mind, although it does not have any official acknowledgment of meeting licensure requirements.
- Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. This 120-credit online undergraduate degree is highly accessible, costing about $224 per credit hour. The program’s design highlights media in the context of business, health care, and education industries to teach niche-specific nuances in the art of persuasive communication.
- Master of Social Work. Like most online graduate degrees, this master’s program covers upwards of 30 credits. You can opt for either full-time or part-time learning. While the program is entirely virtual, it mandates synchronous learning, which means you will have to learn at the scheduled times with other students.
East Carolina University (ECU) was established in 1907 as a Sea Grant research school. It has since grown into a public institution with six physical campuses and a fully online platform that has ranked in both Princeton Review and US News & World Report. Apart from its curriculum, ECU also provides students with many opportunities for networking with partner programs and for hands-on experiences.
East Carolina University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 29% (undergraduate); 65% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 67%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $47,403
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at East Carolina University
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The online Bachelor of Science degree is ideal for students with associate degrees or bachelor's degree credits who want to complete their degrees at a flexible pace. Apart from general business, it offers various concentrations, including accounting, human resources management, and operations and supply chain management.
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. This degree completion program is for students with an Associate Degree in Industrial Technology and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Given its focus on interdisciplinary studies, this program’s online offerings cover a wide range from architectural design to bioprocess manufacturing.
- Bachelor of Science in University Studies. This unique undergraduate degree is part of ECU’s Partway Home program, intended to help college dropouts and transfer students complete their education. With the program’s flexible nature, you can transfer 75 and 90 college credits related to educational services from different accredited institutions to meet degree requirements.
- Master of Science in Computer Science. This highly competitive online master’s program requires both a cumulative GPA above 3.0 and an impressive GRE score to enroll. However, the curriculum is worth the competition as it includes industry-focused coursework on in-demand topics like machine learning and cryptographic protocols.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) was established in 1946 as a public university for research-intensive education at a tertiary level. It is currently an R2 doctoral university, known for its diversity and inclusivity through its Distance Education and Continuing Education initiatives. At an average of $125 per credit hour, it is also very affordable compared to other universities of the same standard.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 23% (undergraduate); 43% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 59%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $52,252
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Bachelor of Science in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology. If you already have an Associate Degree in Fire Science or in a similar field, this bachelor's degree program is the ideal stepping stone to better jobs and higher educational opportunities. Here, you will learn about active and passive fire protection systems and emergency management protocols while also being trained for leadership roles.
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. This program prepares students with associate degrees to upskill into administrative or research positions within the growing niche of respiratory therapy. It is specifically for working professionals and is highly flexible.
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. This 30-credit degree completion program offers its students an elementary education in the foundations of political science. It is an excellent option for those seeking a career in research analysis, social service management, political campaign, project management, urban planning, and other sectors related to public administration.
- Master of School Administration. Graduate students can take this 30-credit degree either entirely online or in a hybrid format. Unlike most graduate degree programs, this master’s degree also offers an in-house internship under the guidance of a principal mentor. It enables practical educational experiences that help students thoroughly understand the administrative system.
Initially founded as a women’s research college in 1891, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) has since grown a reputation as an advanced public school. It currently supports a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields of high-level research, including social studies, special education, environmental sciences, and behavioral sciences.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 29% (undergraduate); 51% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $44,195
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The hospitality and tourism field, alongside other fields in human services, is full of career opportunities. In addition to providing a solid foundation in hotel services, this program also boasts an impressive six-month employment rate of nearly 100 percent for its outgoing students.
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. This highly specialized degree advancement program requires students to have an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. It offers a thorough curriculum in human sciences, psychology, and behavioral sciences, as well as a placement program for students to work in family services or children welfare agencies.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. Information systems are the backbone of supply chain management, and technical acumen to control this dynamic process goes a long way in developing your career prospects. Housed at the AACSB-accredited Bryan School of Business and Economics, this online undergraduate degree trains students to become adept in the latest logistics and transportation trends.
- Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, this degree can teach you the skills required to develop a strong business base, including developing concept models and business plans. With its focus on interdisciplinary studies, the program allows virtual campus students to customize their syllabi by choosing topics from 27 different departments.
Set in the heart of Boiling Springs, Gardner-Webb University (GWU) is a private Christian school that was founded in 1905 as a local high school. Today, it is one of the best online colleges in North Carolina for tertiary education. GWU is home to over six professional colleges and is known for its high research activity, especially as a liberal arts institution.
Gardner-Webb University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 31% (undergraduate); 52% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 53%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $42,248
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Gardner-Webb University
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting. The 60-credit degree is available virtually and teaches the fundamentals of accounting in various business sectors, including tax audits and legal business environments. You will also learn how to use technology for accounting practices on a commercial scale.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. This online bachelor's degree sets itself apart from other undergraduate programs by combining core information systems with business in its curriculum. It equips you with the knowledge base you need to be successful as an information systems expert in financial establishments, government agencies, academic institutions, and businesses.
- Master of Arts in English. With its English education curriculum, including courses in literature theory, critical thinking, and communication, this online master’s degree is the ideal next step for bachelor’s degree holders. However, you will need to demonstrate high academic success with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA to get admission into this highly competitive program.
- Master of Arts in Sport Education. This 30-credit course is a lucrative entry point into sports and fitness instruction. It provides a well-balanced curriculum covering science, socio-culture, sports methodology, and administration. To ensure admission, graduate students must present a minimum GPA of 2.5 from a relevant bachelor's degree and a high score on the GRE.
Among private institutions, Campbell University has been a prominent participant in community service and development since its foundation in 1887. Its Adult and Online Education (AOE) program supports a wide variety of degree and non-degree options, from online certificates and licenses to doctoral programs. Cyber security and special education degrees are particularly popular among its online undergraduate programs.
Campbell University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 16% (undergraduate); 3% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 47%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $49,601
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Campbell University
- Bachelor of Art in Communications Studies. This is a four-year degree that can be pursued online or on campus. It offers three specialized degree tracks, namely in public relations and corporate communication, which come in a 100 percent online format.
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. This cyber security program prepares you for one of the most lucrative careers in the information technology industry. It covers not only ethical hacking, cryptography, and emergency management, among a host of other topics, but also encourages hands-on experiences in the form of hackathons and coding exercises with partner programs.
- Bachelor of Science in Special Education. If you want to become a specialEd teacher, this degree is for you. It is a 124-credit program that is offered online in terms lasting eight weeks each. The Special Education coursework covers K-12 elementary education, applied psychology, and course planning for integrative educational experiences.
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. This online bachelor's degree is designed to give you the skills you need to build a career in this very field. In addition to a rigorous curriculum in social security, you must also complete a capstone project and mandatory internship to graduate from the program successfully.
Established in 1867, Fayetteville State University (FSU) is a higher institution of learning that offers a wide range of undergraduate, certificate, and graduate programs. It is popularly known for its inclusive admission rates, with most prospective students getting admitted as long as they meet the degree requirements.
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Fayetteville State University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Fully Online Enrollment: 29% (undergraduate); 65% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $36,409
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Fayetteville State University
- Master of Science in Nursing: Patient Safety and Quality. This is one of the best online nursing degrees offered at a graduate level. It runs for about four semesters, covering advanced aspects of nursing. This is intended as a degree advancement program and is thus suitable for those who already have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing under their belts.
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. If you want to be a sociology major and your school search needs institutions with more inclusive admissions criteria, you can opt for this online degree that only requires a high school GPA of 2.0 for admission. Alongside coursework drawing from 21 different fields of study, you will also learn what soft skills are and how you can develop some of your own.
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This degree completion program is for psychology majors who want the flexibility that comes with online learning. Here, you learn a wide range of people skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These skillsets prepare you for careers as case managers, career counselors, and customer service specialists.
- Bachelor of Science In Computer Science. This is one of the most affordable computer science degrees you will find in the United States. Its curriculum covers fundamentals in data visualization, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
What Is the Easiest Online College That Is Accredited in North Carolina?
The easiest online college that is accredited in North Carolina is Duke University, with a graduation rate of 96 percent, as per the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool. It is important to note that this graduation rate considers students who graduated within eight years of admission and is bound to be higher than other data sets that only consider four years in their calculations.
What Is the Cheapest Accredited Online College in North Carolina?
The cheapest accredited online college in North Carolina is Fayetteville State University with affordable tuition of $5,379 per annum for in-state undergraduate students. Out-of-state students pay $16,987 in annual tuition, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). For graduate students, in-state tuition is about $3,438 per academic year whereas out-of-state tuition is around $14,503.
When you add other expenses like books, fees, and additional miscellaneous requirements, the in-state cost of attendance rises to around $16,256, while the out-of-state cost of attendance nears $27,864 for online undergraduate students. The main benefit of virtual colleges is that room and board expenses can be avoided.
Are There Free Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina?
No, there are no free accredited colleges in North Carolina at this time. If you want college-level education but cannot afford it, there are other resources you can explore that offer free accredited online courses. But these aside, you will have to pay in order to get an online certificate or degree from an accredited university.
Why Choose an Accredited Online College in North Carolina?
You should choose an accredited online college in North Carolina because the accreditation process guarantees that schools meet educational quality standards, support transferable credits between institutions, and prove to employers that the education you’ve received is at par with the skill set required to succeed in the industry.
Quality Education
Accredited universities are required by their accrediting agencies to meet certain standards of education. These standards are reevaluated at regular intervals to ensure that they remain up to date. If you attend a university that isn’t accredited, there is no guarantee that you will get the educational experiences necessary for job growth.
Transferable Credits
In the United States, you can only transfer credits to an accredited college from another accredited college. This means that if you do not attend an accredited school, you might miss out on being able to use your existing coursework to fast-track a higher degree in another university.
Recognized by Employers
Accreditation stands to vouch for the skill set you learn post-elementary education. Without this seal of confidence, it becomes difficult to find a reputable employer who will accept your university degree as proof of your competency. This is why it is better to go for the accredited options so that you get full recognition from your peers and prospective employers.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina
The most affordable accredited online colleges in North Carolina are Fayetteville State University, Elizabeth City State University, Western Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and North Carolina Central University.
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Tuition: $41.67/Credit. NC at Pembroke is well known for providing affordable education, especially for in-state students and residents of neighboring states in North Carolina. For out-of-state students, the cost per credit hour is $208.33.
- Elizabeth City State University | Tuition: $41.67/Credit. While in-state students pay $41.67 per credit hour, students from other parts of the country pay about $208.33 per credit hour. The out-of-state tuition rates also apply for distance education, but Elizabeth City State University remains an extremely economical option for prospective virtual campus students.
- Western Carolina University | Tuition: $181.91/Credit. Residents pay $181.91 per credit hour at Western Carolina University (WCU), while non-residents pay $348.57 per credit hour. The total cost per semester depends on how many credits a student takes and fees that may get attached.
- North Carolina Central University | Tuition: $91/Credit. The tuition per credit for in-state undergraduate students is $91, whereas out-of-state students can pay up to $441.62. For graduate students, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) charges $157.11 in state and $669.83 out of state.
- Fayetteville State University | Tuition: $5,379/Year. This is currently one of the most affordable accredited universities in North Carolina. However, this is only with regards to in-state undergraduate students, as out-of-state students pay significantly more at $16,987 per year.
Best Online Accredited Colleges in North Carolina That Accept Financial Aid
The best online accredited colleges in North Carolina that accept financial aid are East Carolina University, Appalachian State University, Gardner-Webb University, and North Carolina State University.
- East Carolina University | Tuition: $204.46/Credit. ECU offers financial aid for both in-state and out-of-state students. There are also performance and need-based scholarships given to specific students. For instance, some resident students get fixed tuition options that allow them to pay the same amount yearly.
- Appalachian State University | Tuition: $176.75/Credit. Students can apply for financial aid at App State by visiting the school’s official tuition and financial aid website. The potential scholarships they can apply for include the summer Pell Grant, federal financial aid, and veteran military benefits.
- University of Mount Olive | Tuition: $455/Credit. Heavily involved in federal and state financial aid, University of Mount Olive (UMO) offers academic, departmental, and athletic scholarships to first-year students. It also offers community and ministerial scholarships to larger student bodies.
- Gardner-Webb University | Tuition: $375/Credit. The financial aid options you can apply for at GWU are traditional federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Some students can also get the dean’s scholarship, opportunity grants, and achievement scholarships based on their academic performances.
- North Carolina State University | Tuition: $272.29/Credit. Both in-state and out-of-state students can apply for the wide range of financial aid options that North Carolina State University (NC State) has to offer. These options include scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment opportunities.
Best Online Schools in North Carolina by Popular Subjects
The best online schools in North Carolina for popular subjects like computer science, nursing, medical coding and billing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, education, criminal justice, social work, and accounting are listed below.
- University of North Carolina Wilmington. With a wide choice of online certificate courses in computer science, programming, and artificial intelligence that can be taken both online or in a hybrid format, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNC Wilmington) is well known for its technical non-degree professional programs.
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The College of Computing and Informatics at UNC Charlotte offers a wide range of computer science and information technology graduate certificates for part-time and full-time students, including specializations in artificial intelligence and information security.
- Fayetteville State University. FSU is another great place to get a degree in computer science. While it only offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science as part of its Online Degree Completion format, this degree is among the most affordable computer science degrees.
- East Carolina University. The College of Nursing at ECU offers many nursing programs, most prominently an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) advancement course. It also offers postgraduate and post-doctoral certificates in nursing leadership, education, and other related fields.
- Western Carolina University. WCU is another university famous for its RN to BSN online degree. At the graduate level, it offers a post-graduate Certificate of Nursing Education and a Certificate in Nursing Leadership.
- Winston-Salem State University. As part of its Distance Learning initiative, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) offers a fully online RN to BSN program that can be completed in just one year. Like the above two graduate programs, WSSU also offers a Master of Science in Nursing and a postgraduate Advanced Nurse Educator Certificate.
- Craven Community College. While it is not 100 percent online, Craven Community College (CCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Billing that can almost entirely be taken virtually. With this degree, you can work in healthcare, insurance companies, and any medical companies that require billing.
- Davidson-Davie Community College. While Davidson-Davie Community College (DDCC) does not have a specific medical coding and billing degree, it offers a 67-credit Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology that can prepare you for a career of administration in the healthcare industry, checking health information data to make sure it complies with regulatory standards.
- Edgecombe Community College. As part of its Medical Office Administration curriculum, Edgecombe Community College (ECC) offers both an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Administration as well as separate Graduate Certificates for Medical Coding and Medical Billing.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Department of Allied Health Sciences at UNC Chapel Hill offers a transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy. It is an advanced degree intended for practicing physical therapists who already have their licenses and thus, offers fully asynchronous classes to meet adult learner schedules.
- East Carolina University. ECU’s online Doctor of Physical Therapy is an excellent program for aspiring physiotherapists. The program’s accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) qualifies its degree holders to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure.
- Winston-Salem State University. Much like UNC Chapel Hill, WSSU offers a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy for students already holding either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy with relevant in-field work experience. The program currently has a 100 percent graduation rate, with all students passing their licensure exams.
- Western Carolina University. The School of Teaching and Learning at WCU offers multiple degrees and certificate programs for those keen to explore a career in education. At the graduate level, it offers a Master of Arts in Education, with concentrations in comprehensive elementary education and special education.
- Pitt Community College. As part of its extensive online offerings, Pitt Community College provides bachelor’s degrees, online certificates, and even an online diploma in childhood education. These programs also offer a variety of specializations, ranging from administration to special education.
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Among the online programs housed at UNC Charlotte, the educational sector is the most extensive. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, the school also offers several graduate certificates in education and teaching, ranging from K-12 instruction to school counseling.
- Appalachian State University. The Department of Social Work at App State offers both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work. However, only the master's degree has a fully online option as of 2022. In either situation, students are still expected to show up for a compulsory face-to-face field placement.
- East Carolina University. The College of Health and Human Performance at ECU offers a graduate degree in social work, both in person and online. The department’s Master of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offers an accelerated as well as a regular course timeline.
- Shaw University. Distance learners can avail several programs in social work, justice, and sociology at Shaw University. The Bachelor of Social Work covers topics like American social welfare policy, human behavior, social work practice with families and individuals, and research methods in social work.
- Western Carolina University. The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that WCU offers is entirely virtual. The degree requires one year of criminal justice experience in law enforcement, correction courts, or military police. You can also transfer up to 24 semester hours from an associate degree program to this degree.
- Fayetteville State University. FSU’s Department of Criminal Justice is the first program to be certified in North Carolina by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. The school offers both a criminal justice minor as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice.
- North Carolina Central University. NCCU offers both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Criminal Justice with specific online concentrations. There is also an accelerated degree available where students can take transferable graduate-level classes during their bachelor’s degree.
- North Carolina State University. NC State offers a unique accelerated program for high-performing undergraduate students that combines bachelor's and accelerated master's degrees in just five years. It also offers a regular Master of Accounting degree as well as an undergraduate accounting major.
- High Point University. The Earl N. Phillips School of Business at High Point University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Accounting. The 128-credit degree comes with a recommended work internship that prepares students for professional certification in accounting.
- Gardner-Webb University. GWU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting that prepares students for careers in bookkeeping, forensic accounting, and auditing. It is a 60-credit degree completion program designed for students who already have Associate Degrees in Accounting.
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Associate Degree Programs in North Carolina
The best accredited online colleges with associate degree programs in North Carolina are Appalachian State University, Wake Technical College, Edgecombe Community College, Southeastern Community College, and Central Piedmont Community College.
- University of Mount Olive | Associate of Science in General Studies. UMO is one of the best universities for adult education. Its Associate Degree in General Studies is a particularly popular online program as it also offers a pre-nursing specialization for students who need to meet general education requirements for admission into a nursing program.
- Wake Technical Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Finance. This Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree offered by Wake Community Technical College prepares students for careers in accounting, forensics, taxation, consulting, and information technology. It also has transfer options to help students take credits toward a bachelor’s program.
- Edgecombe Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration. This is a 70-credit program that ECC offers, covering the vital aspects of running a business. The coursework is spread across five semesters and includes economics, marketing, and information technology in business.
- Southeastern Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. This online AAS program at Southeastern Community College lasts between 70 to 75 credits across five semesters. Courses include an introduction to criminal justice, juvenile justice, criminology, constitutional law, communication, ethics, and community relations.
- Central Piedmont Community College | Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation. The Associate in Arts (AA) program at Central Piedmont Community College is an entirely online course that runs for about two years. It covers English composition, writing and research, public speaking, and instruction history. The program also gives its students internship and co-op opportunities.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Bachelor’s Degree Programs in North Carolina
Some of the best accredited online colleges for bachelor’s degrees in North Carolina are Appalachian State University, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, East Carolina University, Gardner-Webb University, and University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
- Appalachian State University | Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 100 percent online RN to BSN program requires 120 credits for completion. It is a part-time program that costs $224 per credit for North Carolina residents, but financial aid is also available for out-of-state students showing merit.
- North Carolina State University | Bachelor of Art in Leadership in the Public Sector. NC State’s Bachelor of Arts in Leadership is a fully online degree advancement program for students with either an associate degree or at least 60 transferable credits from a certificate program in a related field.
- East Carolina University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from ECU, you can start a successful long-term career as an entrepreneur. The school offers a wide range of concentrations alongside an industry-updated curriculum that prepares students for licensure.
- Gardner-Webb University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. This Bachelor of Science (BS) is an online degree completion program offered at GWU. Alongside a core curriculum in systems analysis and design, project design, and database management, it also offers a unique capstone course in strategic information management.
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Offered as part of UNC Charlotte’s Distance Education program, this BS degree teaches aspiring electrical engineers about digital logic systems, linear circuits, and microprocessors. Students must already have an associate degree in electrical engineering or a related field to apply.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Master’s Degree Programs in North Carolina
The best accredited online colleges in North Carolina with master’s degree programs are Duke University, Campbell University, Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Wilmington, and East Carolina University.
- Duke University | Master of Engineering Management. This online master’s degree offered by Duke University is in high demand and infamous for its extremely competitive admissions. You will need a bachelor’s degree, an impressive GRE, and at least five years of working experience to enroll in this program.
- Campbell University | Master of Business Administration. This is one of the best fully online MBA programs any university in North Carolina offers. It costs about $790 per credit, and you can choose from a large range of concentrations, including accounting, financial services, healthcare management, marketing, and leadership.
- Appalachian State University | Master of Social Work. This 33-credit graduate program offered by App State costs about $304 per unit for North Carolina residents. It is an ideal option for people aiming to be substance abuse counselors, medical social workers, child welfare counselors, and school social workers.
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington | Master of Science in Business Analytics. This accelerated master’s degree at UNC Wilmington is designed to finish in 12 months or less. It is a 30-credit program with full-time and part-time options. The program costs $578.63 and $1,346.91 per credit hour for North Carolina residents and non-residents, respectively.
- East Carolina University | Master of Science in Computer Science. ECU’s online computer science master’s program is just as good as its on-campus counterpart. It prepares aspiring computer scientists for careers in software engineering, system design and architecture, computer programming, and web development.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Why You Should Attend an Accredited Online College in North Carolina
You should attend an accredited online college in North Carolina because these colleges are affordable, offer high-quality education, and cover some of the most in-demand courses across various industries. Since these online schools can be attended from any part of the world, you also get freedom and flexibility when it comes to attending classes or taking exams.
Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina FAQ
North Carolina’s most prestigious university is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Other great options are Duke University, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, and Wake Forest University.
No, UNC and UNC Charlotte are not the same. UNC is the university system, whereas UNC Charlotte is a university within the system.
The GPA requirement for UNC-Chapel Hill is 2.5. Students must also submit standardized test scores, like the ACT or SAT, to be considered for admission.
You can get an engineering degree at Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chappell Hill, and Wake Forest University. Apart from this, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Gardner-Webb University, and Appalachian University also offer various degree options in computer science and related fields.
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