North Carolina is home to the most breathtaking landscapes in the southeastern part of the U.S. From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Atlantic Ocean beaches, and the Appalachian Mountains, the state is an adventure haven. Aside from being an outdoor wonderland, the warm and friendly disposition is what is commonly referred to as “southern charm”- will make you feel instantly welcome. The state has rich cultural traditions and art, allowing people to enjoy music, folk art, and craft festivals.
North Carolina’s educational system offers distance learners and traditional students numerous academic and career-related resources. The state ranks 18th for the best education in the United States, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Also, it is among the top 10 states in the country for students who finished college with the lowest debt. North Carolina has a stable economy, and students in the state can take advantage of several rewarding career opportunities.
North Carolina has an eLearningNC platform, helping prospective students of all ages explore online learning opportunities as well as online resources for high school students and online college classes together with licensing, certification, and other career development opportunities. The North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities provides a comprehensive list of all the online schools and universities in North Carolina. Prospective learners planning to pursue an online school in North Carolina can find programs at all degree levels, including undergraduate and graduate certificate programs.
There are many benefits to enrolling in online programs. Online learning often provides more flexibility and convenience by delivering classes in an asynchronous format. Also, it often saves students money since online programs do not require on-campus attendance, allowing students to avoid transportation expenses as well as room and board fees. Exploring from one of the various distance education schools in North Carolina enables learners to maintain personal and professional commitments while obtaining a degree online.
Exploring from one of the various distance education schools in North Carolina gives learners the opportunity to maintain personal and professional commitments while obtaining a degree online.
METHODOLOGY
To help prospective students navigate their way toward distance education, our staff and researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com present the 5 Top Online Schools in North Carolina. The online schools that made it to this list have in common these features that provide future professionals with topnotch online education and training:
- More focused instruction techniques because of an ideal student-teacher ratio,
- Academically superior online courses that preserve each of the higher learning institutions’ standards,
- A top-rated virtual learning platform that promotes flexible and easy navigation of online courses, class schedules, and academic resources,
- Full accreditation from academic organizations to demonstrate their commitment to excellent academic standards.
Check out our Methodology Page for details on our ranking process.
North Carolina State University
A public research institution, North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 and is considered the largest four-year college in North Carolina. The university boasts more than 100 programs and more than 400 clubs and organizations to join for students, and it is home to more than 34,700 enrolled students. Distance learners access WolfWare, NC State’s distance learning toolkit and are integrated with several systems and tools in one cohesive learning platform. NC State provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate certificate programs, as well as master’s degree programs in different fields of study, such as engineering, management, agriculture, and life sciences, design, humanities, and social sciences, and education. The university provides a Virtual Orientation, providing a step-by-step guide to help distance learners make the most of NC State’s online learning resources.
Program requirements and length differ per degree program. NC State only offers undergraduate and graduate certificates as well as master’s degree programs. The Online Master of Education in Clinical Health Counseling is a graduate degree for counseling professionals focusing on clinical mental health capacities. Students take courses in career counseling and development; group counseling; techniques in counseling; introduction to clinical mental health counseling; and strategies for clinical assessment in counseling among many other featured courses. Also, they must complete a 600-hour internship in an agency counseling environment under the supervision of qualified professionals.
Tuition Fees for Distance Education vary per degree program and residency status. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition compared to in-state residents. However, they enjoy the same benefit of financial aid opportunities provided by the university. Each additional hour from the per-credit basis is billed incrementally.
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- $85 Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Official Academic Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Official Academic Transcripts from High School
- ACT or SAT Test Scores
- GRE or MAT Scores (Graduate Programs)
- Three Letters of Recommendation (Graduate Programs)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a comprehensive public university founded in 1899 and is home to more than 20,000 enrolled students. App State is a member of the North Carolina system, offering more than 140 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs as well as several online degree programs. The university offers seven bachelor’s degrees, 13 master’s degrees, one doctorate and 12 graduate certificate programs in different areas of study including education, management, communication, business administration, library sciences, and nursing. The App State Online allows students to be connected to the Appalachian campus with access to instructors and Mountaineer resources, without the majority of the fees to traditional students. Also, students have access to distance learning resources such as an online bookstore, academic advising, financial aid, and career development services.
Similar to the other online schools in North Carolina, App State offers a Bachelor of Business Administration-Management, providing students with the business skills and foundational knowledge required to efficiently manage companies or organizations in a rapidly growing, and competitive global marketplace. Students must have 120-credit hours for completion of the program. Students are required to take core courses such as principles of microeconomics, principles of accounting I and II, calculus with business applications, legal environment of business, and personal computer effectiveness among many other featured courses.
Tuition Fees vary per degree program. In-state students pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students. App State provides a wealth of financial aid opportunities for students who require assistance for their cost of education.
Location: Boone, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records
- Official High School Transcript of Records
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University was established as a public university in 1889 and is part of the University of North Carolina System. The university takes pride in providing quality academic programs including nationally accredited programs in different areas of study such as forensic science, nursing, engineering, education, natural resources conservation, emergency management, and many other programs. Also, WCU has eight undergraduate, 11 graduate, and six certificate programs. The university has integrated Blackboard, an online learning management platform where students can access their courses, assignments, research work, and other learning-related materials.
Program requirements and duration differ per program type. WCU’s Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management is specifically designed to prepare students to assume leadership and professional career roles in private sectors, governments, and non-profit organizations. The objective of the program is to develop the safety and security of the society, the state, and the country by delivering relevant education and other forms of assistance for preventing, mitigating, responding to, or recovering from human-made or technological disasters. The program requires 42-credit hours of liberal studies, 48-credit hours of major, and 30-credit hours for general elective requirements. Students take core required courses in emergency planning, homeland security, introduction to emergency and disaster management, principles of hazard mitigation, and risk assessment and vulnerability analysis among other featured courses.
WCU has a unique Master of Construction Management, designed for working professionals seeking to advance their professional endeavors in the construction industry. The program requires 18-credit hours for the core program and 12-credit hours for elective requirements. Students can choose from elective courses such as construction scheduling, land development I and II, project planning, advanced topics in construction, construction operations and safety among many elective courses offered. A letter of recommendation, a current resume, and a GPA of 3.0 are among the requirements for admission to this program.
Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records
- Official High School Transcripts
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Campbell University
Campbell University is a private university with a population of approximately 6,500 enrolled students. The university has an affiliation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Aside from the on-campus offerings, Campbell University has one certificate, eight associate, 17 bachelor’s degree, and seven bachelor’s of applied science programs. The classes are in a convenient 8-week format designed for students who are actively seeking to pursue a course of study while balancing personal and professional obligations. Students access through Blackboard for their courses, assignments, tests, and other learning-related contents. Also, they are provided with Blackboard 24/7 Support for questions and tutorials outside of business hours.
Campbell offers an Associate of Arts in Christian Studies that introduces students to a broad range of topics, such as church history, Christian ethics, new and old testament, world religions, and Christian beliefs. Students must have 62-credit hours for program completion. They take core courses such as world religions, old testament survey, fundamental Christian beliefs, introduction to Church history, and new testament survey among many other featured courses.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity helps prepare students with the knowledge and skills to join a rewarding and rapidly growing field. The program prepares graduates to fill essential roles in local, national, and state agencies by facilitating research in cyber defense and detection. This 124-credit hour cybersecurity program has core courses in cyberterrorism, computer forensics, threat analysis and management, fundamentals of information technology, and critical infrastructure protection.
Out-of-state and in-state students pay the same tuition for all online education undergraduate programs. On top of the per-credit rate, a technology fee of $30 per term is required. Campbell University offers financial aid opportunities for distance learners.
Location: Buies Creek, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Official High School Transcripts or GED
- Resume or CV
- Standardized Test Results, i.e., ACT or SAT Test Scores
- Official Transcript of Records from previous colleges or universities
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University is a public university established in 1910. The university is the first public liberal arts school for African Americans. NCCU Online offers six certificates, six bachelor’s and 12 master’s degree programs. Students have access to resources, including online library services, Upswing online tutoring, career services, and a counseling center. Also, they provide an Online Learning 101, an introduction to distance learning to help students figure out their journey as online students and learn the tricks to succeed in the distance learning environment. Students access courses, assignments, and other learning materials through Blackboard, NCCU’s online learning management platform.
Program duration and requirements differ per degree program. NCCU’s Nursing RN to BSN Program is specifically designed to meet the requirements of registered nurses with an associate or a diploma in nursing who wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing entirely online. The Department of Nursing has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Students can complete the program within two semesters or in two years on a part-time status. The online coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format.
One of the unique master’s degree programs is the Master of Science in Mathematics- Concentration in Data Science, providing high-quality education in mathematics that integrates the latest developments and discoveries in mathematical methodologies and research. The Computational Science concentration is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in basic computational techniques; and the degree will develop students who will have advanced knowledge in different areas of study such as robotics, networking, healthcare, and biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, and many other related topics.
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records
- Official High School Transcripts or GED
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
North Carolina has 16 public universities, 36 private institutions, and many community colleges and certification programs. The state’s membership in the Southern Regional Education Board provides out-of-state students the opportunity to pay in-state tuition prices for their selected online degree program. Obtaining a degree has never been more accessible as several of North Carolina’s academic institutions deliver online courses and degree programs. Also, there are numerous online Christian colleges in North Carolina for those specifically planning to study with a religious affiliation. Earning an online degree in North Carolina can prepare students for lucrative career opportunities as well as advanced studies. North Carolina students who are pursuing an online degree at an in-state institution benefit from reduced tuition expenses. On the other hand, several online programs are just affordable for out-of-state students.
Earning an online degree program is expensive, and tuition fees can be one of the critical deciding factors when considering which college or university to attend. Different factors can influence the cost of tuition, including the status of residency of students and their chosen degree program. Tuition for non-resident students is more expensive than in-state tuition fees, meaning it is more affordable for a student to go to a college or university in their home state. However, some online degree programs offer similar rates for both out-of-state and in-state students. There are numerous online colleges in North Carolina that provide affordable tuition rates.
In-state tuition in North Carolina is typically more affordable than in-state tuition fees across the U.S. North Carolina tuition for resident students is $1,764 cheaper than the national average at public two-year academic institutions and $2,758 more affordable than the national average at public four-year institutions. It pays to put into consideration, the overall cost of attending post-secondary education which includes other expenses such as course materials, textbooks, technology fees, and room and board.
While online education offers a better option for students because of the flexibility it provides, not everyone can afford it. Our list of the 5 Best Value Online Schools in North Carolina is your guide to finding the cheap online schools in the state that offers top-quality education but without the expensive tuition and fees.
University of North Carolina- Pembroke
University of North Carolina- Pembroke has more than 6,000 enrolled students and is a member of the University of North Carolina system. Online students engage in a variety of online courses through the university’s Office of Online Learning. UNCP is considered one of the most affordable universities around North Carolina, providing numerous scholarship opportunities among its distance learners. Also, online students can take advantage of the generous transfer policies of UNCP. It allows community college students to apply up to 64 credit hours before program completion. Also, the university has a Transfer Transition Office that collaborates directly with distance learners by connecting them to student services such as writing services, free tutoring, and Resource Learning Lab.
UNCP offers certificate programs in Academically & Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Education that only requires 12-credit hours for completion. The program has a core course introduction to gifted education, differentiating instruction for the skilled, methods and models of gifted education, and trends and issues in gifted education. This program will offer an add-on license credentials at the undergraduate level. It can be taken as an add-on licensure post-baccalaureate undergraduate program.
Tuition Fees vary per degree program. In-state undergraduate students pay $53.21 per credit hour, while out-of-state graduate students pay $188.34 per credit hour. On the other hand, in-state graduate students pay $237.99 per credit hour, while out-of-state graduate students pay $829.32 per credit hour. A Distance Education Instructional Support Fee of $36.75 is charged for all undergraduate and graduate online degree programs. Also, the university provides several financial aid opportunities for its online students. They are encouraged to contact UNCP’s Financial Aid Office to explore different possibilities for financial assistance.
Location: Pembroke, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official High School Transcripts or GED
- Official Transcript of Records
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University was founded in 1891. Today, the university is home to approximately 10,700 enrolled students. The university offers nine undergraduate degree programs.
One of the unique programs offered by NCAT is the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, designed to meet the growing demands for teachers certified in agricultural studies and for working professionals with training and extensive knowledge in agriscience. This degree program is integrated with two study tracks based upon the student’s interests or aspirations, namely the Agricultural Education (Secondary Education), and the Agricultural Education (Professional Service). Both tracks require 124-credit hours for the completion of the program.
NCAT provides low tuition fees and expenses based on the program level and degree type. Undergraduate in-state students pay $120 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $576 per credit hour. On the other hand, graduate in-state students pay $233 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $860 per credit hour. MBA Students are required to pay an additional $166 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. Mandatory Fees such as Educational and Technology Fee, Distance Education Access Fee, and Campus Security Fee are needed to be paid by distance learners. Online learners have the opportunity to qualify for work-study programs, state grants, and federal loan programs.
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official High School Transcripts or GED
- Official Transcript of Records
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
University of North Carolina-Greensboro
University of North Carolina-Greensboro provides comprehensive and academic programs to more than 16,100 enrolled students. The university takes pride in its online degree programs that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, providing the flexibility and convenience of distance education. UNCG provides distance learners numerous student support services such as online library, online bookstore, writing center, tutoring, academic skills program and advising, as well as a genuine interest in each student’s success, to mention a few.
Undergraduate programs of UNCG include a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Professional Studies, Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. Program requirements and length differ per program. Bachelor’s degree programs typically require at least 122-credit hours for program completion.
UNCG online students pay low tuition fees and expenses based on residency status and program type. In-state students pay $191.50 per credit hour, out-of-state students pay $703.63 per credit hour, and outside North Carolina students pay $340.89 per credit hour. All indicated fees do not yet include miscellaneous fees and other related expenses.
The university offers financial assistance to all its students based on enrollment status and majors. They have a wide selection of financial aid types where students can qualify and submit their application.
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official High School Transcripts or GED
- Official Transcript of Records
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
- ACT or SAT Test Scores
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
University of Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive is considered North Carolina’s most diverse academic institution located in Mount Olive. UMO provides different selections of quality online degree programs as well as certificate programs that offer affordable and flexible learning options for non- traditional students who want to pursue and advance a career in several fields and industries.
Prospective students seeking a bachelor’s degree in UMO can choose from its popular offerings namely Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Religion, and Bachelor of Business Administration. The master’s degree offerings include Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Education, and Master of Healthcare Management. Each program has different program requirements, course highlights, and program length. Depending on the student’s pace of learning, they can earn their degrees in a shorter period than the regular schedule.
UMO’s Tuition Fees differ per program and majors. In-state undergraduate students pay $397.05 per credit hour for lower-division courses and $471.19 per credit hour for upper-division courses, while out-of-state undergraduate students pay $909.40 per credit hour for lower-division courses and $1,083.52 per credit hour for upper-division courses. UMO provides numerous types of financial aid programs for eligible students depending on enrollment status and majors.
Location: Mount Olive, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official High School Transcripts or GED
- Official Transcript of Records
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
East Carolina University
East Carolina University offers distance education opportunities for working professionals in different areas of study, such as business, communication, education, and industrial technology.
ECU has an online Bachelor of Business Administration degree program. The program requires 120-credit hours for completion, helping students prepare themselves in a variety of lucrative and rewarding career opportunities. Students complete their degree in as fast as 24 months, depending on their time frame and pace of learning.
Tuition Fees vary per degree program and requirements. Bachelor’s degree programs cost $166.41 per credit hour for in-state resident students, while the out-of-state students pay $716.31 per credit hour. On the other hand, graduate in-state students pay $249.26 per credit hour, while out-of-state graduate students pay $893.82 per credit hour. All students must pay educational resources fees, along with, application and reservation fees on top of the tuition fee. East Carolina University offers numerous financial aid opportunities to all students, including funds scholarships and grants.
Location: Greenville, North Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official High School Transcripts or GED
- Official Transcript of Records
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
