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Public universities control North Carolina's most affordable allied health diagnostic programs, with UNC Pembroke leading at just $9,918 net cost while private alternatives like Campbell University reach $23,991. The state's 18 programs serve a healthcare sector that employs over 580,000 North Carolinians, with major health systems like Atrium Health and Duke Health creating steady demand for diagnostic imaging technicians, respiratory therapists, and other allied health professionals. UNC Chapel Hill graduates earn $58,943 annually despite charging only $12,983 net cost, while Appalachian State graduates start at $33,993. The price gap between public and private schools averages $8,000 annually, making state universities particularly attractive for students entering fields where certification matters more than institutional prestige. North Carolina's Need-Based Scholarship program helps bridge remaining costs for qualifying students.
18
Programs
$9,918 – $25,765
Net Price Range
$48,760
Avg. Program Earnings
53.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
2 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
3 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
4 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
5 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
6 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
7 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
8 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
9 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
10 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
11 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
12 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
13 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
14 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
15 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
16 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
17 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
18 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $48,083 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

UNC Pembroke charges $9,918 net cost as a public university serving rural southeastern North Carolina, while private institutions like Campbell University reach $23,991 due to higher tuition and fewer state subsidies. Public universities receive state funding that reduces costs for all students, not just residents. Private colleges often provide more financial aid but start from much higher sticker prices, making the final cost gap significant even after scholarships.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable and expensive programs?

UNC Chapel Hill achieves a 92.10% graduation rate at $12,983 net cost, proving affordability doesn't compromise quality. Shaw University graduates only 20.20% of students despite charging $14,083, while Western Carolina graduates 59.10% at just $12,579. The data shows no clear correlation between price and completion rates, with some budget-friendly public universities outperforming costlier private alternatives.

Is the $24,950 earnings gap between programs worth considering?

UNC Chapel Hill graduates earn $58,943 annually compared to $33,993 from Appalachian State, reflecting different program specializations and regional job markets. Chapel Hill's proximity to Research Triangle healthcare facilities and its medical school connections likely boost earning potential. However, Appalachian State charges only $16,487 net cost, meaning lower debt loads may offset the earnings difference for many graduates.

Where do North Carolina's allied health job opportunities concentrate?

Charlotte's banking district and Research Triangle's biotech companies create demand for occupational health specialists and clinical researchers, while rural areas need respiratory therapists and diagnostic imaging technicians. Major employers include Atrium Health, Duke Health, and Novant Health systems across the state. UNC system schools strategically place programs in underserved regions, with Pembroke serving southeastern counties and Appalachian State covering mountain communities where healthcare access remains limited.

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