Online students can choose from many affordable online colleges in North Carolina. Enrolling in an online college helps students save money and create a course schedule that works best for them. North Carolina is home to some of the top online colleges.

Below you’ll find out the selection of some of the most affordable online colleges in North Carolina. These online colleges have been selected by the cost of their tuition and the services offered to veterans.

#1. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T University's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

North Carolina A&T State University is one of the most affordable online universities in North Carolina. Founded in 1891, North Carolina A&T State University is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. For over 130 years, North Carolina A&T State University has been offering students affordable educations. A total of over 13,300 students are enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University.

Students looking for an affordable online university in North Carolina should consider enrolling in North Carolina A&T State University. North Carolina A&T State University offers its online degrees fully online and utilizes an asynchronous format for its courses. By enrolling at North Carolina A&T State University, students can pick from a wide selection of online degrees, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The online degrees at North Carolina A&T State University have received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition Price: $9,097

#2. University of North Carolina

University of North Carolina's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

The University of North Carolina is a great option for students searching for an affordable online university in North Carolina. Located in Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina is the flagship of the University of North Carolina System. Founded in 1789, the University of North Carolina is one of the oldest public universities in North Carolina. Currently, the University of North Carolina enrolls a student body of approximately 30,000 students.

Students at the University of North Carolina can choose from a wide array of online degree programs. , Students can choose from undergraduate and graduate degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs. These online degrees are mostly in a fully online format, while some are hybrid programs. Most of the online courses at the University of North Carolina utilize an asynchronous course format. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of North Carolina with accreditation for its online degree programs.

Tuition Price: $10,085

#3. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

Known for the affordability and quality of its online degrees, Appalachian State University is one of the top public universities in the state. Established in 1899, Appalachian State University is located in Boone, North Carolina. One of the University of North Carolina System members, Appalachian State University, has been providing education to students for over 120 years. Over 20,600 students are currently enrolled at Appalachian State University.

Appalachian State University is one of the most affordable online universities in North Carolina. Students at Appalachian State University can choose from a wide selection of online degree programs. These online degree programs include bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificate programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Appalachian State University accreditation for its online degrees. Appalachian State University offers most of its online degrees in an entirely online format that utilizes an asynchronous course format.

Tuition Price: $10,525

#4. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of North Carolina Greensboro's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

A very affordable option for online students, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro was first founded in 1891. Among the top universities in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is also part of the University of North Carolina System of universities and colleges. Since its founding over 130 years ago, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro has grown to enroll a student body of over 19,700 students.

Online students looking for an affordable university in North Carolina should consider enrolling in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers dozens of online degree programs for students to choose from. These online degree programs are modeled after their on-campus counterparts and are typically available in an asynchronous format. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with accreditation for its online degrees.

Tuition Price: $11,108

#5. Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

Winston-Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1892, Winston-Salem State University is one of the state’s top historically black public universities. A member of the University of North Carolina system, Winston-Salem State University has provided students with higher education for over 129 years. About 4,700 students are enrolled in courses at Winston-Salem State University.

Students looking for one of the most affordable online colleges in North Carolina should consider enrolling in Winston-Salem State University. Winston-Salem State University offers students a focused selection of online degree programs to choose from. Students can choose from four different bachelor’s programs, three master’s degrees, a graduate certificate, and one doctoral program. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided accreditation for these online degrees. These online degrees are offered to students entirely online, and most of the course work is made available in an asynchronous format.

Tuition Price: $11,783

#6. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

Western Carolina University is a great option for students looking for an affordable online university. Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, Western Carolina University is one of the top public universities in the state. A member of the University of North Carolina system, Western Carolina University was established in 1899. Now, Western Carolina University is home to a student body of over 12,200 students.

One of the most affordable online universities in North Carolina, Western Carolina University, offers students an array of online degrees to choose from. Students can choose from around ten different undergraduate degrees, as well as nearly a dozen graduate programs. These online degrees include bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as certificate programs. Most of these online degrees are offered entirely online and use an asynchronous format for their coursework. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Western Carolina University accreditation for its online degrees.

Tuition Price: $12,965

#7. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

North Carolina’s most affordable online university, North Carolina Central University, is located in Durham, North Carolina. Established in 1910, North Carolina Central University is one of the state’s most highly-regarded public historically black universities. Over the past 110 years, North Carolina Central University has played an integral role in shaping the higher education landscape of North Carolina. Over 8,200 students are enrolled at North Carolina Central University.

North Carolina Central University is one of the most affordable online universities in North Carolina. Students at North Carolina Central University can choose from dozens of online degree programs. Online degrees offered by North Carolina Central University include bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs. Alongside these fully online degrees, North Carolina Central University offers several hybrid online degree programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided North Carolina Central University accreditation for its online degrees. Courses are typically offered in asynchronous format affording students a greater deal of control over their course schedule.

Tuition Price: $13,755

#8. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

North Carolina State University is among the top public universities in North Carolina. A member of the University of North Carolina system, North Carolina State University was first established in 1887. Over 134 years old, North Carolina State University is known for its STEM programs. Currently, North Carolina State University enrolls a student body of over 36,300 students.

Students at North Carolina State University can choose from some of the most affordable online degree programs available. North Carolina State University offers a large catalog of online degrees, including undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, graduate certificates, doctoral programs, and a teacher licensure program. These degrees are all offered to students online. The vast majority of these degrees are made available entirely online and follow an asynchronous course delivery method. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided North Carolina State University accreditation for its online programs.

Tuition Price: $14,958

#9. University of North Carolina Wilmington

University of North Carolina Wilmington's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

Established in 1947, the University of North Carolina Wilmington is among the most affordable online universities in North Carolina. Located in Wilmington, the University of North Carolina Wilmington has been operating for over 74 years. A member of the University of North Carolina System, the University of North Carolina Wilmington enrolls over 17,600 students.

Among the most affordable online universities in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a great selection of online degrees for students to select from. Students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington can choose from undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and licensure programs. Many of these programs are offered to students entirely online, while some are also offered in a hybrid format. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided North Carolina Wilmington with accreditation for its online degrees. Online degrees at the University of North Carolina Wilmington follow an asynchronous delivery method.

Tuition Price: $17,981

#10. William Peace University

William Peace University's logo for top online colleges in North Carolina ranking.

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, William Peace University is a private college. Established in 1857, William Peace University was opened in affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. Originally known as the Peace Institute, William Peace University is named for the founder of the First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh. Over 1,000 students are enrolled at William Peace University.

William Peace University is among the most affordable online colleges in North Carolina. Students can choose from over thirty different undergraduate programs. William Peace University has spent much of its recent history developing its online degree programs and offerings for working adults. Many of the online degrees offered at William Peace University are designed to be completed entirely online and are made available in an asynchronous course format. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided William Peace University with accreditation for its online degrees. By offering these programs to students at an affordable tuition rate, William Peace University has secured its place in this ranking.

Tuition Price: $24,984

Conclusion

Choosing to enroll in one of the most affordable online colleges in North Carolina is a great way for students to advance their careers. Online colleges allow students to learn the skills they need for a new career while saving money and more flexibility with their course schedules. We hope this list of the most affordable online colleges in North Carolina helps choose the perfect online college degree.

How Does Online College Work?

A broad question, but essentially online college, on the surface, functions very similarly to an on-campus college degree. Students work through a curriculum designed to teach them the skills and knowledge needed for a particular career path or subject. Degrees are broken down into courses, and these courses are worth a certain amount of credits that are then added up to a total needed to earn the entire degree.

The main differences are found in the way that the courses are delivered to students. In an on-campus degree, students attend class at a physical location on-campus. Online degrees have their coursework delivered online. That comes in many different formats. Students can attend live lectures that are very similar to the in-person experience. Or they can view pre-recorded lectures or communicate with their professor and fellow students entirely via discussion boards.

Course work in an online degree is submitted online, and much of the exams and tests are also done online. But really, online college isn’t that much different than an on-campus degree. You’ll still be learning the same material; it’s just delivered in a bit of a different manner. 

What Degrees Are Available Online?

Online colleges and universities offer nearly the same breadth of degrees to students online as they do on-campus. That means students can enroll in all types of degrees online. Undergraduate and graduate programs are among the typical offerings made available to students. Many online colleges and universities also offer students the opportunity for degree completion and certification programs.

Most types of degrees are made available to students online. Options for programs to become more limited as you move towards doctoral programs, but even those have online options. One particular degree option that is only offered online is the accelerated degree. Accelerated degrees are online degree programs offered in a condensed format designed to be completed at a much quicker pace. This is a great option for students who want to earn their degree fast. 

Will I Make Less Money With an Online Degree?

Many students fear online education because their online degree might not be worth as much as a similar degree earned on-campus for some reason or another. This is a persisting fear that dates back to the earliest days of online learning. 

When online learning was first introduced, many people were skeptical of how effective it could be. However, online learning has become more and more popular over the past twenty years and is now just as highly regarded as an on-campus degree. Not only are online degrees just as good as on-campus degrees, but most online degrees also make no mention that they were earned online. If you really do feel self-conscious about having earned your degree online, you don’t have to let your future employers know.

The earning potential of a degree has less to do with the delivery format and more to do with the type of degree chosen. Certain degree programs are more desirable on the job market. 

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