North Carolina combines a fast-growing population with one of the country's most active academic research and development economies. The state also hosts a dense concentration of knowledge- and technology-intensive industries, which speaks to the North Carolina government's high priority on innovation.
This guide to the top online colleges in North Carolina explores the state's leading schools, along with employment and economic trends. Use it to research majors, career paths, and colleges that can help you reach your personal and professional goals.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in North Carolina for 2025
Price Check
In-state students at four-year North Carolina public colleges paid an average tuition rate of $7,327 — around 25% less than the national average in the 2022-2023 school year.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in North Carolina
Many of North Carolina's fastest-growing jobs cluster in service industries, with fields like health sciences and technology leading the way. These trends align with the 10-year projections released in 2018 by the North Carolina Department of Labor, which predicted strong near-term growth in the healthcare, social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services sectors.
The chart below explores some of the fastest-growing jobs in North Carolina.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Mean Annual Salary in NC (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 55.5% | $124,830 |
| Statisticians | 43.7% | $128,280 |
| Data Scientists | 42.2% | $118,020 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 38.7% | $131,920 |
| Restaurant Cooks | 38.4% | $34,820 |
| Physician Assistants | 36.7% | $127,820 |
| Information Security Analysts | 36.3% | $122,310 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 35.9% | $69,440 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 34.2% | $132,560 |
| Genetic Counselors | 33.3% | $88,960 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for North Carolina's Job Market
Choosing the right college major can help you enter one of North Carolina's fast-growing, well-paid career paths. To that end, consider these four fields:
Computer Science or Information Technology
Undergraduate degrees in computer science and information technology provide a versatile educational foundation while supporting entry into high-tech jobs. You can study as a generalist or pursue a specialization, such as information security, if you'd like to target a specific career path.Healthcare
Nurse practitioners, medical and health services managers, physician assistants, occupational therapy assistants, and genetic counselors rank among North Carolina's fastest-growing careers. The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management projects the state's older adult population to double to an estimated 2.7 million by 2040, giving the state's healthcare careers a future-proof profile.Business
Business majors benefit from constant labor market demand, ranking the field among the most popular and practical college degrees. Business degrees also translate well to many other professional backgrounds or majors, making them ideal for pairing with schooling or work experience in diverse fields.Mathematics
North Carolina's labor market projects a favorable growth profile for computer scientists, data scientists, and statisticians. A versatile, readily transferable undergraduate degree in mathematics offers excellent preparation for these and other STEM-focused career paths.
What Is the Cost of College in North Carolina?
Although North Carolina is home to several pricey private institutions, the Tarheel State offers lower-than-average tuition at its in-state public colleges. Even nonresident students pay less than the national average for an out-of-state education. You can potentially save even more by studying online, reducing your non-tuition costs and giving yourself a chance to make money while earning your degree.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in NC | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $7,327 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,155 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $40,176 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in North Carolina
Scholarships rank among the most desirable sources of financial aid since awards directly lower your education costs and do not require repayment. North Carolina students can take advantage of many scholarship opportunities from various sources, including governments, businesses, professional organizations, educational institutions, and philanthropic agencies.
These five scholarships offer a glimpse of what's available:
Beacon Scholarship for Rural America
High school or college students living in rural areas who meet low-income criteria may apply. Other requirements for this $1,000 award include a minimum 3.0 GPA and an essay.
Deadline to Apply: June 30 for fall and November 30 for spring
DeMayo Law Offices Arrive Alive Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship awards funding to high school seniors in certain North or South Carolina counties. Application materials may include an essay, brochure, billboard, website home page, or music video detailing the dangers of drunk or distracted driving.
Deadline to Apply: April 3
NC Education Lottery Scholarship
The NC Education Lottery Scholarship awards up to $3,768 annually to residents enrolled for at least six undergraduate credits per semester. Applicants must also meet Pell Grant requirements.
Deadline to Apply: As soon as possible after Oct. 1
The North Carolina Hispanic College Fund
This scholarship awards $1,000-$2,000 to Hispanic students who are graduates of North Carolina high schools. Application requirements include two recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Deadline to Apply: April 30
Penn Family Scholarship
Residents of North Carolina's Rockingham County with demonstrated financial need may apply for this scholarship of $1,000-$3,000. You must also enroll at a University of North Carolina institution.
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in North Carolina
Tuition reciprocity agreements extend discounted or in-state tuition rates to nonresident students from neighboring states. While most Southern states participate in some form of tuition reciprocity agreement, North Carolina does not.
With exceptions for groups like active-duty military stationed in the state and their dependents, this generally means you must be a North Carolina resident to qualify for in-state tuition rates. The most direct path to establishing residency involves maintaining an independent physical presence in North Carolina for at least 12 months prior to the start of the requested term, alongside demonstrating financial independence and an intent to make the state your home. For full details, consult this North Carolina State University resource.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in North Carolina
North Carolina hosts 133 degree-granting institutions, according to NCES data from 2022-2023. This includes two-year and four-year schools and counts public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions.
