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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

UNC Chapel Hill stands apart with $73,823 median earnings for Business Administration graduates, nearly triple what Elizabeth City State graduates earn at $23,649. This wide spread reflects North Carolina's varied business market, from Charlotte's banking headquarters to the Research Triangle's tech companies that actively recruit management talent. The state's 15 business programs range from $7,237 to $21,200 in annual costs, with public schools offering strong value propositions. NC State delivers $48,864 earnings at $16,931 total cost, while several historically black colleges provide affordable entry points under $8,000. North Carolina's Need-Based Scholarship program helps bridge funding gaps for qualifying students. The earnings data reveals clear tiers: flagship universities and select regional schools produce graduates earning $40,000-plus, while smaller institutions focus on regional job placement. Business graduates find opportunities across the state's growing sectors, from Bank of America and Wells Fargo operations in Charlotte to biotech management roles in the Research Triangle Park area.
50
Programs
$6,935 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$37,973
Avg. Program Earnings
49.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,983 $73,823 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
2 $9,918 $39,523 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
3 $7,360 $29,202 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $10,980 $42,682 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
5 $10,170 $38,991 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
6 $7,237 $23,649 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
7 $16,931 $48,864 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
8 $12,579 $34,126 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
9 $14,745 $39,979 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
10 $18,210 $48,198 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
11 $16,514 $42,607 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
12 $16,487 $42,533 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
13 $12,865 $32,711 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
14 $17,893 $41,631 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
15 $13,393 $31,133 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
16 $19,472 $43,201 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
17 $18,165 $40,222 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
18 $15,028 $32,756 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
19 $20,197 $43,798 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
20 $21,200 $45,305 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
21 $14,083 $29,866 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
22 $23,613 $46,790 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
23 $21,728 $41,789 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
24 $17,740 $32,711 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
25 $21,953 $40,312 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
26 $21,371 $38,289 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
27 $16,189 $28,598 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
28 $18,835 $32,925 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
29 $25,765 $44,649 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
30 $23,991 $39,729 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
31 $15,662 $25,194 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
32 $20,313 $32,391 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
33 $26,328 $40,853 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
34 $23,665 $36,560 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
35 $22,772 $34,704 18.8%
36 $21,376 $32,391 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
37 $20,011 $30,277 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
38 $24,978 $37,363 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
39 $27,786 $40,821 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
40 $24,137 $34,908 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
41 $22,858 $31,133 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
42 $28,901 $37,054 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
43 $23,719 $28,598 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
44 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
45 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
46 $25,876 $17,280 42.6% 63.3%
47 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
48 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
49 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
50 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $50,000 earnings gap between top and bottom Business Administration programs?

UNC Chapel Hill graduates earn $73,823 compared to $23,649 at Elizabeth City State, reflecting different alumni networks and recruiting patterns. Chapel Hill attracts major corporate recruiters and places graduates in higher-paying metropolitan markets. The 92% graduation rate at Chapel Hill versus 48% at Elizabeth City also indicates different student preparation levels and support systems.

How do North Carolina's public university costs compare for business students?

In-state students pay between $3,412 at Elizabeth City State and $8,989 at UNC Chapel Hill for business programs. Most public universities cluster around $6,000-$8,000 annually, making business education accessible statewide. Net costs after aid range from $7,237 to $16,931, with several schools under $10,000 total.

Does attending a more expensive North Carolina business program guarantee better earnings?

Not always, though patterns emerge in the data. NC State costs $16,931 but produces $48,864 earnings, while UNC Pembroke costs just $9,918 with $39,523 outcomes. However, Catawba College at $18,210 generates $48,198 earnings, showing some private schools deliver strong returns. The key is comparing total cost to earning potential rather than sticker price alone.

Where do North Carolina business graduates find the best job markets?

Charlotte's banking sector employs thousands of business graduates from across the state's universities, with Bank of America and Wells Fargo maintaining major operations there. The Research Triangle area offers management roles in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and technology companies. Graduates from schools like NC State and UNC Chapel Hill often access these high-paying metropolitan markets more easily than regional university alumni.

Is student debt manageable for North Carolina business graduates given their earning potential?

Most graduates carry reasonable debt loads relative to earnings, with debt ranging from $14,239 to $31,000 across programs. UNC Chapel Hill graduates average $14,239 debt against $73,823 earnings, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. However, some schools like Elizabeth City State show concerning patterns with $26,627 debt for $23,649 earnings, requiring careful financial planning.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.