How many colleges are in North Carolina?

According to the NCES, North Carolina was home to 133 recognized degree-granting institutions in the 2022-23 school year. It is ranked ninth in the U.S. in terms of both the number of institutions and population.

How many HBCUs are in North Carolina?

HBCU First lists 10 historically Black colleges and universities in North Carolina: Bennett College, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina Central University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's University, and Winston-Salem State University.

What colleges offer cosmetology in North Carolina?

The NCES counts 64 North Carolina schools with cosmetology programs. A large majority of those schools are community colleges, and 49 of the 64 are public institutions that charge annual tuition fees of $5,000 or less.

What colleges accept a 2.0 GPA in North Carolina?

Admission policies regularly change, but two North Carolina schools that explicitly accept students with GPAs in the 2.0 range are North Carolina Central University and North Carolina A&T University. In both cases, the inclusive GPA standard applies specifically to transfer students. For additional insights, consider NCES data: The NCES counts 12 degree-granting North Carolina schools that admitted at least 90% of applicants in 2023.

Does North Carolina offer free college tuition?

Some North Carolina colleges offer free or waived tuition, mainly to eligible students from families whose household income falls below a specified limit. As of 2025, these schools include some institutions in the UNC system, along with Duke University, Johnson & Wales University, Wake Forest University, Warren Wilson College, and William Peace University.

Discover The Best Online Colleges In North Carolina

North Carolina has one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States. Between the 2020 census and July 2024, the population increased by 605,000 residents and has become the ninth-largest state by population. This impressive growth rate reflects a strong and diverse economy and outstanding job prospects in the near future.

Online colleges in North Carolina provide a convenient and flexible way to upgrade your education and train for a rewarding career. As you choose where to go to school, explore the Tar Heel State's education and employment opportunities.

North Carolina at a Glance

There are 69 nonprofit four-year institutions in North Carolina.
Around 37% of adults in the state hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
In fall 2023, nearly 60% of students at North Carolina institutions were enrolled in online courses.
In fall 2023, there were over 150,000 students aged 25 and over enrolled at North Carolina colleges.

10 Best Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina

Who Accredits Online Colleges in North Carolina?

If you're considering online colleges in North Carolina, always make sure a school holds proper accreditation. Accreditation tells you that the school has met certain academic standards and will provide you with a quality education.

Attending an accredited school also means that you can qualify for federal financial aid programs. Avoid schools that are unaccredited.

Most colleges and universities in North Carolina are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

How Much Does College Cost in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, tuition rates fall well below national averages for most school types. The lone exception in the institution types listed above applies to private colleges for undergraduates.

Even so, you may need financial aid. Many online colleges in North Carolina offer in-house financial aid programs to eligible students. In addition to checking with your school, explore these state-backed scholarship programs:

The Next NC Scholarship Program, which offers at least $3,000-$5,000 per year to students from lower-income households who study at public institutions
The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students
Golden Leaf Scholarships for students from select rural and economically disadvantaged regions of North Carolina

If you plan to enroll online in the University of North Carolina (UNC) system, check your eligibility for the NC Promise Tuition Plan. This program can reduce your semesterly tuition to just $500 at four participating UNC schools.

Career Opportunities in North Carolina

$46,950
Median annual wage in NC (May 2024)

+10%
Projected job growth in NC (2022-2032)

3.7%
Unemployment rate in NC (August 2025)

Source: BLS OEWS, Projections Central, BLS LAUS

The median salary in North Carolina falls about 5% below the national median, but the state also has a below-average cost of living — especially for housing and transportation. Projections Central forecasts very high job growth in North Carolina from 2022-32, enhancing the state's appeal as a place to build a career.

The fastest-growing North Carolina jobs that require a bachelor's degree include data scientist, medical and health services manager, and information security analyst.

Popular Cities for Recent Grads

Raleigh

Raleigh is part of North Carolina's Triangle region, an economically prosperous yet affordable area of the state.
In 2025, Raleigh topped an ADP survey of the best U.S. metro areas for recent college grads for the second straight year.
The Wall Street Journal cites Raleigh's strong technology, healthcare, and financial services job pipelines.

Charlotte

Charlotte is North Carolina's largest city.
It benefits from a lower cost of living than most other cities of its size, a low unemployment rate, and a strong economic and employment growth profile.
In the fourth financial quarter of 2024, average weekly wages in the Charlotte area reached $1,460 per week, or nearly $76,000 per year.

Asheville

Asheville is a picturesque city in the Blue Ridge Mountains that is well-known as one of the top U.S. college towns.
Historically a manufacturing hotspot, Asheville has blossomed into a leading regional cultural center and a popular tourism destination.
Asheville is also noted for its excellent social mobility and affordability ratings.