Best Value Finance and Financial Management Services Colleges in North Carolina

Finance graduates from North Carolina colleges face a remarkable earnings range, from $35,420 at Winston-Salem State to $80,510 at Wake Forest University. This $45,000 difference reflects the state's varied financial market, from Charlotte's banking giants like Bank of America to emerging fintech companies in the Research Triangle. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with Fayetteville State offering the lowest net cost at just $7,360 annually. The state's 19 finance programs serve students across dramatically different price points, with net costs spanning from under $8,000 to over $40,000. North Carolina's position as a southeastern banking center creates strong demand for finance professionals, particularly in commercial lending, investment management, and corporate finance roles that support the state's growing technology and healthcare sectors.

Programs

$7,360 – $41,048

Net Price Range

$49,025

Avg. Program Earnings

58.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, North Carolina	$7,360	$40,467	$3,969	35.2%	81.2%
2	University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,170	$43,798	$7,593	57.9%	91.9%
3	Appalachian State University Boone, North Carolina	$16,487	$54,296	$7,541	73.1%	83.1%
4	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$14,745	$48,162	$7,214	67.7%	79.6%
5	Western Carolina University Cullowhee, North Carolina	$12,579	$39,369	$4,532	59.1%	84.8%
6	East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina	$16,514	$46,282	$7,361	62.1%	92.3%
7	Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$28,746	$80,510	$64,758	90.9%	21.4%
8	Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$13,393	$35,420	$6,735	48.6%	73.4%
9	Campbell University Buies Creek, North Carolina	$23,991	$51,607	$40,410	55.9%	88.6%
10	Wingate University Wingate, North Carolina	$21,371	$37,208	$40,196	46.8%	86.2%
11	Elon University Elon, North Carolina	$41,048	$62,154	$44,536	83.0%	74.5%
12	Methodist University Fayetteville, North Carolina	$24,978		$39,664	40.1%	75.7%
13	Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$27,786		$43,285	65.9%	71.3%
14	North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,980		$6,748	55.3%	56.4%
15	University of Mount Olive Mount Olive, North Carolina	$17,893		$25,950	47.5%	74.6%
16	Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory, North Carolina	$23,393		$30,900	51.0%	82.9%
17	High Point University High Point, North Carolina	$40,721		$44,208	70.0%	78.9%
18	Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs, North Carolina	$24,137		$33,450	61.7%	75.0%
19	Belmont Abbey College Belmont, North Carolina	$23,613		$19,500	46.4%	97.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Fayetteville State University such a strong value for finance students?

Fayetteville State offers the lowest net cost among all North Carolina finance programs at just $7,360 annually, while graduates earn $40,467 on average. The university maintains an 81% acceptance rate, making it accessible to a wide range of students. Though the graduation rate sits at 35%, the combination of extremely low debt burden and solid starting salaries creates an attractive return on investment for students who complete the program.

How do public versus private finance programs compare in North Carolina?

Public universities consistently offer better value, with net costs ranging from $7,360 to $16,514 compared to private schools that start around $17,893. Wake Forest stands as the notable exception among private institutions, with graduates earning $80,510 annually and maintaining a 91% graduation rate. However, its $28,746 net cost still represents significant savings compared to other private options like Elon University at $41,048.

Is Charlotte's banking industry reflected in local university outcomes?

UNC Charlotte graduates earn $48,162 annually while paying just $14,745 in net costs, positioning them well for the city's banking sector. The university's 68% graduation rate and 80% acceptance rate create a pipeline of finance professionals for Charlotte's major employers. Queens University of Charlotte offers an alternative path with a 66% graduation rate, though specific earnings data isn't available for comparison.

Does Wake Forest University justify its higher costs for finance students?

Wake Forest graduates command the highest salaries at $80,510 annually, nearly double the state average for finance programs. The university's 91% graduation rate and relatively low $19,500 average debt load demonstrate strong outcomes despite the $28,746 net cost. With only a 21% acceptance rate, Wake Forest maintains selectivity that translates into premium job placement opportunities in high-paying financial roles.

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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.