Attending one of the cheapest colleges in North Carolina is a great way to get a college degree without much financial burden. The average cost of tuition at public schools is $9,400 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, there are plenty of low-tuition colleges in North Carolina that offer cheaper tuition rates.
In this article, you’ll find everything you should know about the most affordable colleges in North Carolina, from tuition rates to financial aid opportunities. For students who want flexibility in their studies, we also cover the cheapest online colleges in North Carolina. You’ll also find the highest-paying career options that await college graduates in this state and how to pursue them.
How Much Does College Cost in North Carolina?
On average, college in North Carolina costs $3,500 per semester for in-state students, according to the College Foundation of North Carolina. Most public universities in North Carolina offer tuition rates around this price. Additionally, there are plenty of scholarships and financial aid options available to students attending college in North Carolina.
In addition to tuition and fees, the overall cost of attendance for college includes the cost of books, transportation, and housing. According to the Education Data Initiative, the cost of room and board ranges from $9,395 to $12,540 per year, and the cost of books exceeds $1,200 per year.
Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University | Boone | $177/credit (in state), $844/credit (out of state) | $269/credit (in state), $1,103/credit (out of state) |
| Western Carolina University | Cullowhee and Asheville | $182/credit hour (in state), $349/credit hour (out of state) | $359/credit hour (in state), $937/credit hour (out of state) |
| University of North Carolina School of the Arts | Winston-Salem | $271/credit (in state), $989/credit (out of state) | $511/credit (in state), $1,328/credit (out of state) |
| University of North Carolina at Asheville | Asheville | $305/credit (in state), $1,028/credit (out of state) | N/A |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville | $341/credit (in state), $825/credit (out of state) | $442/credit (in state), $1,056/credit (out of state) |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh | $380/credit (in state), $1,286/credit (out of state) | $650/credit (in state), $1,717/credit (out of state) |
| Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City | $396/credit (in state), $562/credit (out of state) | $796/credit (in state), $1,523/credit (out of state) |
| North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro | $442/credit (in state), $2,131/credit (out of state) | $593/credit (in state), $2,193/credit (out of state) |
| Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem | $498/credit (in state), $942/credit (out of state) | $572/credit (in state), $1,157/credit (out of state) |
| East Carolina University | Greenville | $901/credit (in state), $1,580/credit (out of state) | $980/credit (in state), $1,710/credit (out of state) |
Cheapest Universities in North Carolina: A Closer Look
Some of the cheapest universities in North Carolina are Western Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Appalachian State University, and North Carolina A&T State University. Keep reading to learn more about these low-tuition schools and the programs they offer.
Cheapest Online Colleges in North Carolina
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | $66/credit (in state), $232/credit (out of state) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificate, PhD |
| North Carolina A&T State University | $120/credit (in state), $576/credit (out of state) | Bachelor’s |
| Winston-Salem State University | $166/credit (in state), $526/credit (out of state) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Appalachian State University | $177/credit (in state), $844/credit (out of state) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificate, PhD |
| North Carolina Central University | $184/credit (in state), $727/credit (out of state) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificate |
Cheapest Colleges in North Carolina by In-State Tuition
- Appalachian State University | $177/credit
- Western Carolina University | $182/credit hour
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts | $271/credit
- University of North Carolina at Asheville | $305/credit
- Fayetteville State University | $341/credit
Cheapest Colleges in North Carolina by Out-of-State Tuition
- Western Carolina University | $349/credit hour
- Elizabeth City State University | $562/credit
- Fayetteville State University | $825/credit
- Appalachian State University | $844/credit
- Winston-Salem State University | $942/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is so expensive because of factors such as tuition, room and board, books, and transportation. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), on average, the cost of attendance for undergraduate students is $28,775 per year.
Tuition
According to US News & World Report, in-state tuition and fees at public institutions have grown by 211 percent in the past 20 years. Meanwhile, the College Foundation of North Carolina reported that the average cost of tuition and fees for undergraduate students in North Carolina averages $3,500 per semester. However, this cost may vary widely across different schools.
Books and Supplies
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college textbook prices have increased 88 percent since 2006. On average, college students spend approximately $1,240 per year on books and supplies such as paper, pens, notebooks, and other basic stationery items, based on research by Education Data Initiative.
Personal Expenses
College students spend between $2,733 and $6,022 on personal expenses every year, according to the Education Data Initiative. Thes costs include necessary living expenses, such as food, transportation, and personal care items, as well as social and entertainment expenses.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Apply for financial aid. Scholarships and other types of financial aid, such as grants and work-study jobs, can significantly reduce your education expenses. Filling out the FAFSA form is a must if you want to get financial aid.
- Get used books. Textbooks can be expensive. Buying or renting used books, instead of buying new ones, can help you save a lot of money. You can also borrow books from a fellow student or from the university library.
- Use campus amenities. College students have access to so many amenities, such as workshops, conferences, health services, and fitness facilities. Make use of these free amenities to help you save money on activities like going to the gym.
- Stay close to home. A great way to save money when attending college is to attend school close to home. This will allow you to save on room and board fees, as well as transportation expenses.
- Always carry your student ID. A valid student ID can help you get discounts on many things, including clothing, laptops, and transportation. So make sure you always have yours in hand when shopping.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in North Carolina
- Gather the necessary documents and information to fill out the FAFSA form. Be ready with your social security number, tax documents, and bank and income records.
- Fill out and sign the FAFSA form. You can do this online, through the myStudentAid app, or by hand. You’ll need to answer questions about you and your financial situation.
- Review the Student Aid Report once you’ve submitted the FAFSA form. If there are any mistakes, make the necessary corrections.
- Your school’s financial aid office will send you an offer, and you’ll have to choose the financial aid you want. It’s important to review your options before making a decision.
- Renew your FAFSA form every academic year. You’ll have to provide new income and tax information and update any information that may have changed.
Scholarships for Students in North Carolina
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship | North Carolina General Assembly | Up to $7,640 (12 credit hours) | Must fill out the FAFSA form listing at least one qualifying North Carolina college |
| North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship | North Carolina General Assembly | Up to $3,768 | Must be an undergraduate student enrolled at an eligible North Carolina institution and must meet the requirements for the Federal Pell Grant |
| Smile Scholarship | Stanley Dentistry | $1,000 (full-time enrolled) | Must be a North Carolina resident pursuing a degree in dentistry |
| Asheville Latin Americans Achieving Success WNC College Scholarship | Asheville Latin Americans Achieving Success (ALAS) | $600 to $1,000 | Must be an undocumented or DACA-recipient Latin student pursuing a degree at a Western North Carolina university |
| MPower Women in STEM | MPower | $1,000 – $6,000 | Must be enrolled in a STEM degree program at a MPOWER supported institution |
| Jagannathan Scholarship | North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority | Varies | Must be an undergraduate student enrolled at Appalachian State University with proven financial need and academic achievement |
| Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship | Golden LEAF Foundation | Up to $14,000 ($3,500/year) | Must be a high school senior or current community college transfer student pursuing a degree at an eligible North Carolina university |
| Duke Energy Hispanics in Engineering Scholarship | North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals | $500 – $2,500 | Must be a student of Hispanic/Latino background pursuing an engineering degree in a North Carolina community college or a university |
| NCNA Southwest Region Scholarship | North Carolina Nurse Association and North Carolina Foundation for Nursing | Up to $1,000/year | Must be a registered nurse and member of the North Carolina Nurse Association resident pursuing additional education |
| Davidson and Jones Hotel Corporation Scholarship | North Carolina Lodging and Restaurant Association | $1,000 | Must be a junior or senior pursuing a degree in culinary arts, hospitality management, or tourism |
How to Choose a Cheap College in North Carolina
There are many low-tuition colleges in North Carolina. To shortlist schools, consider factors such as tuition and housing cost and financial aid opportunities of each school. We give an overview below of how you can choose a cheap college in North Carolina.
Cost of Tuition
Tuition is the price you pay for classes. It’s one of the biggest college expenses, so select schools with tuition rates that fit your budget. Attending one of the cheapest colleges in North Carolina can help you save on education expenses.
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Room and Board Fees
In addition to tuition and fees, the cost of on-campus housing can make attending college very expensive. Consider your options when choosing an accommodation that suits your budget better. A great way of saving money is attending a college close to home or living with family or relatives.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Applying to financial aid packages can help you save on college tuition and other education expenses. There are many scholarships available to students enrolled in North Carolina’s colleges and universities. To apply, fill out the FAFSA application or contact your school’s financial aid office.
Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in North Carolina
| Job Title | Average Salary in North Carolina | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician | $345,230 | Medical Doctor |
| Dermatologist | $314,090 | Medical Doctor |
| Chief Executive | $262,660 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Psychiatrist | $224,080 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Dentist | $189,980 | Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $152,040 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $121,430 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Data Scientist | $113,980 | Master’s degree |
| Nurse Practitioner | $112,730 | Master’s degree |
| Soil and Plant Scientist | $102,740 | Bachelor’s degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in North Carolina: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in North Carolina Worth It?
Yes, attending a cheap college in North Carolina is worth it because it’ll allow you to get a college degree without much financial burden. The cheapest universities in North Carolina offer high-quality degree programs in a wide range of fields that can help you jumpstart your career.
Cheapest Colleges in North Carolina FAQ
Some of the cheapest colleges in North Carolina are Appalachian State University, Western Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Fayetteville State University, and North Carolina State University at Raleigh. These schools offer a wide range of academic programs with some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation.
Yes, some community colleges in North Carolina offer free college tuition. Through the North Carolina Free Tuition Plan, students can attend schools such as Warren Wilson College for free. Moreover, there are plenty of scholarships and financial aid options available to students enrolled in four-year universities in this state.
Yes, North Carolina has a college Promise Scholarship. Through the North Carolina Promise Scholarship program, select students get reduced tuition of $500 per semester. However, this scholarship is only available to students enrolled in Elizabeth City State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Western Carolina University.
To apply to the cheapest universities in North Carolina, you’ll have to fill out an application form, pay the application fee, and submit documents, such as academic transcripts and standardized test scores. Other admission requirements are recommendation letters, essays, and interviews.
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