Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in North Carolina provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Key Takeaways
- The best public colleges in North Carolina are consistently ranked among the top public universities nationwide, reflecting a strong commitment to academic rigor and quality education.
- The universities in our ranking provide a high return on investment, offering quality education at a lower cost compared to private institutions. For instance, UNC-Chapel Hill is recognized as one of the top 10 public universities for value by The Princeton Review.
- Students at the best public colleges in North Carolina have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, research opportunities, and vibrant campus communities, enhancing their overall college experience. For example, UNC-Chapel Hill offers numerous student organizations and activities that contribute to a dynamic campus environment.
10 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina in 2026
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- North Carolina State University
- Winston-Salem State University
- East Carolina University +1
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte +1
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro –2
- North Carolina Central University
- Appalachian State University
- Western Carolina University
- University of North Carolina at Asheville
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 15 public universities in North Carolina. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in North Carolina, schools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Below you’ll find institutions ranked and summarized with practical criteria that matter to prospective students and families: academic offerings and program strength, graduation and retention patterns, affordability and net price, and post-graduate outcomes. Use the list to compare options for program fit, cost, and career preparation rather than relying on reputation alone; each entry highlights what distinguishes the campus and which students are most likely to thrive there.
Best Public Colleges in North Carolina
- #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
15%
Graduation
91%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1460/31
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Cost of Degree: $8,989Expenses: $17,120Starting Salary: $81,094Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026 #3 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
42%
Graduation
85%
Student body
41K
Median SAT/ACT
1385/30
Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina State University
Cost of Degree: $8,895Expenses: $17,709Starting Salary: $77,810Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Carolina State University known for?
North Carolina State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
North Carolina State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Leadership In The Public Sector
- Required Credits: 12
- Format: Fully online
- #2 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #3 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #2 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
47%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
925/17
Career Outlook for degree at Winston-Salem State University
Cost of Degree: $6,735Expenses: $16,666Starting Salary: $52,558Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Winston-Salem State University known for?
Winston-Salem State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Winston-Salem State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Bachelor Of Science
Degree Concentrations
- Birth To Kindergarten Education
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120-126
- Format: Fully online
BIS in Bachelor Of Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Integrative Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn-Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #12 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
63%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/23
Career Outlook for degree at East Carolina University
Cost of Degree: $7,361Expenses: $16,970Starting Salary: $60,387Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is East Carolina University known for?
East Carolina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
East Carolina University’s Online Degrees
BS in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Interpersonal/Organizational
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Industrial Distribution And Logistics
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Management
Degree Concentrations
- Management And General Business
- Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Management Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Birth Through Kindergarten (B-K) Teacher Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Family And Consumer Sciences Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Middle Grades Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in University Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 125-133
- Format: Fully online
BS in Industrial Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Bioprocess Manufacturing
- Distribution And Logistics
- Health Information Technologies
- Industrial Engineering Technology
- Industrial Management
- Information And Computer Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #13 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
68%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Cost of Degree: $7,214Expenses: $17,458Starting Salary: $63,486Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Charlotte known for?
University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Engineering
- Business
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- History
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Online Degrees
BA in Respiratory Therapy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: 7-12 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Engineering Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Electrical
- Fire Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
- #10 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
58%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1252/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Cost of Degree: $7,593Expenses: $14,720Starting Salary: $53,402Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Greensboro known for?
University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Online Degrees
BA in Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-48 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration (Business Studies)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-30 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Information Systems And Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: 24-48 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Peace And Conflict Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-36 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-30 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Integrated Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-60 months
- Format: Fully online
BLS in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-48 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-48 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Public Health: Health Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-30 months
- Format: Fully online
- #9 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
47%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina Central University
Cost of Degree: $6,542Expenses: $20,246Starting Salary: $46,956Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Carolina Central University known for?
North Carolina Central University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Biology
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
71%
Student body
23K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/24
Career Outlook for degree at Appalachian State University
Cost of Degree: $7,541Expenses: $15,783Starting Salary: $57,488Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Appalachian State University known for?
Appalachian State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Appalachian State University’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Management
- Required Credits: 53
- Format: Fully online
BS in Workforce Leadership & Development
- Required Credits: 50-59
- Format: Fully online
BS in Child Development - Birth Through Kindergarten
- Required Credits: 63
- Format: Fully online
BS in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 70
- Format: Fully online
BS in Middle Grades Education
- Required Credits: 73
- Format: Fully online
BS in Special Education
- Required Credits: 72-75
- Format: Fully online
- #23 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$5K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
61%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/22
Career Outlook for degree at Western Carolina University
Cost of Degree: $4,532Expenses: $15,787Starting Salary: $53,764Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Carolina University known for?
Western Carolina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- History
- Social Work
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Western Carolina University’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Innovation Leadership And Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSBA in Business Administration And Law
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Concentration In Administration Of Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Emergency And Disaster Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Birth-Kindergarten Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Emergency Medical Care
- Required Credits: 16
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 30
- Format: Fully online
BS in Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 125
- #25 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1265/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Asheville
Cost of Degree: $7,461Expenses: $14,818Starting Salary: $50,562Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Asheville known for?
University of North Carolina at Asheville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Physics
- History
- Literature
- Biology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #10 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #4 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
50%
Graduation
56%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/20
Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina A&T State University
Cost of Degree: $6,748Expenses: $13,932Starting Salary: $50,279Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Carolina A&T State University known for?
North Carolina A&T State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
North Carolina A&T State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Economics
- Required Credits: 179
- Format: Fully online
BS in Electronics Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Liberal Studies
Degree Concentrations
- African American Studies
- Applied Cultural Thought
- Applied Cultural Thought
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn Completion Option
- Required Credits: 31
- Format: Fully online
BS in Agricultural Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- Agricultural Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Environmental Health And Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Geomatics
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #12 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #15 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2026 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$4K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
44%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/20
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Cost of Degree: $3,571Expenses: $15,094Starting Salary: $48,029Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Pembroke known for?
University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Business
- Communications
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Online Degrees
BIS in Applied Professional Studies (Financial Administration)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration (Finance Track)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration (Marketing)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-36 months
- Format: Fully online
BIS in Applied Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- General
- Office Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration (Management Track)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-36 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration (Economics Track)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-36 months
- Format: Fully online
BIS in Hospitality
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BIS in Public And Nonprofit Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General
- Allied Health Administration
- Public Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BIS in Applied Management Information Systems
Degree Concentrations
- Operations Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BIS in Criminal Justice Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Sociology
- Substance Abuse
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BIS in Applied Education Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Learning And Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BIS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in International Studies
- Required Credits: 39-48
- Completion Time: 24-48 months
- Format: Fully online
- #25 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #13 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #16 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2026 #24 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2026
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
46%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/19
Career Outlook for degree at Elizabeth City State University
Cost of Degree: $3,412Expenses: $11,669Starting Salary: $44,614Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Elizabeth City State University known for?
Elizabeth City State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Education
- History
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Medical
- Business
- Social Work
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Elizabeth City State University’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management & Entrepreneurship
- Marketing & Mis
- Economics & Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Global Studies
- Community Services
- Individualized
- Security Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #22 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 HBCU MBA Programs Online #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2026
Tuition + fees
$4K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
37%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
990/17
Career Outlook for degree at Fayetteville State University
Cost of Degree: $3,969Expenses: $14,338Starting Salary: $47,125Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fayetteville State University known for?
Fayetteville State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Education
- History
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
Fayetteville State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Fire & Emergency Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Intelligence Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Birth Through Kindergarten (Non-Teaching)
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in English Language And Literature
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn-Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #16 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
72%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Cost of Degree: $7,317Expenses: $19,713Starting Salary: $61,019Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina Wilmington known for?
University of North Carolina Wilmington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Literature
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Online Degrees
BA in Criminology
- Required Credits: 24
- Completion Time: 24-42 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24-48 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Clinical Research
- Required Credits: 83-84
- Completion Time: 24-48 months
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)
- Required Credits: 29
- Completion Time: 12 months
- Format: Fully online
North Carolina’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- North Carolina State University
- Appalachian State University
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- East Carolina University
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- University of North Carolina at Asheville
- Western Carolina University
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
- North Carolina Central University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Winston-Salem State University
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.
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