Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2025
North Carolina hosts a number of quality institutions. Discover the best online colleges in the state.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.
The state of North Carolina hosts esteemed private and public institutions like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and Duke University.
These universities offer online programs so you can earn your degree with the flexibility to balance your personal and professional commitments. Online programs can also save you money.
We’ve uncovered the best online colleges in North Carolina. Our page can help you find the right fit.
Start Your College Journey Now
Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,242
$21,238
89%
56%
Why We Chose This School
Appalachian State University (App State) offers over 15 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, along with 17 certificates. Other undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral offerings include business, communications, education, and health.
App State created the country's first fully online BS in veterinary technology, a four-year part- or full-time degree program that places you in in-person clinicals to earn hours towards your degree. In-state students can take classes for $204 per credit hour.
Pros
- 73% graduation rate
- 70% of students awarded financial aid
- 13 bachelor's, 14 master's, and one doctoral program
- First fully online BS in veterinary technology
Cons
- 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
$4,839
$19,849
85%
21,253
Public
Yes
$4,242
$21,238
Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,242
$21,238
89%
56%
$4,839
$19,849
85%
21,253
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Appalachian State University (App State) offers over 15 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, along with 17 certificates. Other undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral offerings include business, communications, education, and health.
App State created the country's first fully online BS in veterinary technology, a four-year part- or full-time degree program that places you in in-person clinicals to earn hours towards your degree. In-state students can take classes for $204 per credit hour.
Pros
- 73% graduation rate
- 70% of students awarded financial aid
- 13 bachelor's, 14 master's, and one doctoral program
- First fully online BS in veterinary technology
Cons
- 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$3,812
$18,474
80%
56%
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a wide array of programs, from MBA and nursing, as well as humanities, professional credit and certificate programs, boot camps, and degree completion programs.
UNC Charlotte encourages its community to participate in the Online Niner Education (O.N.E.) platform, where you can ask other students questions and collaborate. You can also request a student mentor or become one yourself.
Pros
- 68% graduation rate
- 75% of students awarded financial aid
- Nine bachelor's, 17 master's, and two doctoral programs
Cons
- 21-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
$4,337
$18,482
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
$3,812
$18,474
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$3,812
$18,474
80%
56%
$4,337
$18,482
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a wide array of programs, from MBA and nursing, as well as humanities, professional credit and certificate programs, boot camps, and degree completion programs.
UNC Charlotte encourages its community to participate in the Online Niner Education (O.N.E.) platform, where you can ask other students questions and collaborate. You can also request a student mentor or become one yourself.
Pros
- 68% graduation rate
- 75% of students awarded financial aid
- Nine bachelor's, 17 master's, and two doctoral programs
Cons
- 21-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
70%
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is committed to affordability and charges students by credit hour for its online accelerated programs. In-state undergraduates can expect to pay $211 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $914. The university offers 13 business master's degree programs, one communications, and three healthcare and nursing programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Pros
- 74% graduation rate
- 74% of students awarded financial aid
- Nine bachelor's, 16 master's, and two doctoral programs
- Pay per credit hour
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,843
Public
Yes
$4,443
$19,063
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
70%
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,843
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is committed to affordability and charges students by credit hour for its online accelerated programs. In-state undergraduates can expect to pay $211 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $914. The university offers 13 business master's degree programs, one communications, and three healthcare and nursing programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Pros
- 74% graduation rate
- 74% of students awarded financial aid
- Nine bachelor's, 16 master's, and two doctoral programs
- Pay per credit hour
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,452
$20,729
90%
72%
Why We Chose This School
East Carolina University offers 70 degree programs from bachelor to doctoral level. The university caters to all types of students at different stages of their educational journey, offering accelerated and traditional undergraduate degree completion programs, post-master's and post-doctoral nursing certificates, and add-on and alternative teacher licensure programs.
ECU charges students per credit hour. In-state undergraduates pay $205, while out-of-state students pay $883 per credit hour.
Pros
- 62% graduation rate
- 80% of students awarded financial aid
- 21 bachelor's, 45 master's, and four doctoral programs
- Pay per credit hour
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
$4,749
$17,898
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
$4,452
$20,729
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,452
$20,729
90%
72%
$4,749
$17,898
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
East Carolina University offers 70 degree programs from bachelor to doctoral level. The university caters to all types of students at different stages of their educational journey, offering accelerated and traditional undergraduate degree completion programs, post-master's and post-doctoral nursing certificates, and add-on and alternative teacher licensure programs.
ECU charges students per credit hour. In-state undergraduates pay $205, while out-of-state students pay $883 per credit hour.
Pros
- 62% graduation rate
- 80% of students awarded financial aid
- 21 bachelor's, 45 master's, and four doctoral programs
- Pay per credit hour
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,422
$19,582
90%
69%
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has some of the most unique certificate programs — including three certificate programs in Esports, which focus on the industry's history and trends, athletic content and engagement, and sponsorships.
If Esports isn't for you, there are 44 more bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs to choose from across healthcare, business, nursing, and humanities. UNC Greensboro has a student graduation rate of 57%.
Pros
- 91% of students awarded financial aid
- 16 bachelor's, 24 master's, and four doctoral programs
- Unique certificate programs
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
$5,219
$18,937
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
$4,422
$19,582
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,422
$19,582
90%
69%
$5,219
$18,937
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has some of the most unique certificate programs — including three certificate programs in Esports, which focus on the industry's history and trends, athletic content and engagement, and sponsorships.
If Esports isn't for you, there are 44 more bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs to choose from across healthcare, business, nursing, and humanities. UNC Greensboro has a student graduation rate of 57%.
Pros
- 91% of students awarded financial aid
- 16 bachelor's, 24 master's, and four doctoral programs
- Unique certificate programs
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
Why You Should Get a Degree in North Carolina
Affordability
North Carolina colleges are some of the most affordable in the country, with some institutions offering to waive undergraduate tuition.Higher Earning Potential
Those with bachelor’s degrees are eligible for more jobs and tend to earn more than those with just a high school diploma.Job Security
With a bachelor’s degree, you’re less likely to face unemployment than someone without a college degree.State Benefits
The University of North Carolina System offers reduced student tuition, fixed tuition, scholarships, and a generous transfer credit program.
Benefits of Getting a Degree Online
- 97% of online college students and program graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
- The majority (89%) of online program graduates say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 73% of these graduates say their education prepared or will prepare them for their first job after graduation well, very well, or extremely well.
- 81% of student respondents say that online is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
How Much Does Online College Cost in North Carolina?
The average price of tuition for in-state students in public colleges and universities in North Carolina was $7,327 in 2022-2023, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Out-of-state students paid $23,155 that same year.
Private institutions charged a lot more than public colleges: around $40,180.
Tuition for online programs may be different — some colleges offer a flat fixed rate for online students, regardless of state residency.
You can offset some of these costs by applying for financial aid, which includes scholarships and grants. Apply to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you want tuition assistance to access funding.
You may qualify for financial aid opportunities such as a Pell Grant, a North Carolina Need-Based Grant, and institutional aid.
Public, In-State
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$7,327
Public, Out-of-State
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$23,155
Private
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$40,176
Source: NCES
Find Financial Aid for Your Degree
Accreditation for Online Colleges in North Carolina
What is college accreditation? Accreditation ensures colleges and universities are legitimate and provide quality education and outcomes.
Accrediting agencies are recognized by either the Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
A degree from an accredited college or university holds value to employers, and accreditation lets you transfer credits and access financial aid.
In North Carolina, the most reputable online institutions are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in North Carolina
Many STEM careers in North Carolina are projected to grow over the next ten years, according to the NC Department of Commerce Labor & Economic Analysis.
The top-growing job that requires a bachelor’s degree is a data scientist, with a growth rate of 41%. Information security analysts, web developers, and software developers are also in top positions. Careers in industries like finance and healthcare are also projected to grow faster than average.
A bachelor’s degree is the first step to qualify for these jobs, and online colleges are making education more accessible than ever.
| Job | Projected Growth Rate | Median Annual Wage (2022) | Minimum Educational Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Scientists | 41% | $121,970 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Logisticians | 37% | $68,410 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 36% | $117,860 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Web Developers | 36% | $71,740 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31% | $102,910 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Software Developers | 31% | $126,520 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Operations Research Analysts | 27% | $96,450 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 26% | $97,700 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Financial Examiners | 25% | $83,610 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Market Research Analysts | 24% | $65,710 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 24% | $49,050 | Bachelor’s degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in North Carolina
Yes, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers online programs and courses for undergraduates, master’s, and doctoral students.
This university also offers online continuing education (professional education) programs as well as certificates and bootcamps.
Explore More College Resources
Private Universities in North Carolina: A Complete List
Considering higher education in the Tar Heel State? Check out our guide to the top private universities in North Carolina.
by Reese Lopez
Updated September 18, 2023
Public Universities in North Carolina: A Complete List
Public universities in North Carolina stand out for their academic excellence and vibrant campus life. Discover the top public colleges in North Carolina.
Updated August 31, 2023
Colleges in Charlotte: All 11 Schools
Considering colleges in Charlotte? Learn more about the city’s 11 colleges, along with college cost and scholarship information.
Updated October 20, 2023