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Cheapest Business Administration Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

North Carolina's most affordable Business Administration programs reveal a remarkable earnings gap, with UNC Chapel Hill graduates earning $73,823 annually compared to Elizabeth City State's $23,649. Wake Technical Community College leads affordability at just $6,935 net cost, offering a practical entry point into business education. The state's growing Research Triangle and Charlotte's banking sector create strong demand for business graduates across management roles. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 13 of the top 15 spots costing under $16,000 annually. In-state tuition rates drop as low as $2,336 at Wake Tech, making business education accessible even for community college students. North Carolina's economy, anchored by major employers like Bank of America and Duke Energy, provides ample internship and career opportunities for management graduates. The NC Need-Based Scholarship further reduces costs for qualifying students, making these already affordable programs even more accessible to low-income families seeking business careers.
50
Programs
$6,935 – $40,721
Net Price Range
$37,973
Avg. Program Earnings
48.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
2 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
3 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
5 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
6 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
7 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
8 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
9 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
10 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
11 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
12 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
13 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
14 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
15 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
16 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
17 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
18 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
19 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
20 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
21 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
22 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
23 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
24 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
25 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
26 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
27 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
28 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
29 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
30 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
31 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
32 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
33 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
34 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
35 $22,772 18.8%
36 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
37 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
38 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
39 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
40 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
41 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
42 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
43 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
44 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
45 $25,876 $17,280 42.6% 63.3%
46 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
47 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
48 $28,901 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
49 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
50 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Chapel Hill worth triple the cost of other affordable options?

UNC Chapel Hill graduates earn $73,823 annually, nearly double the earnings of most other affordable programs in the state. The acceptance rate of just 17.11% reflects highly selective admissions that attract top employers. With a 92.10% graduation rate and average debt of only $14,239, students see strong returns on the $12,983 net cost investment.

How do community college business programs compare to four-year options?

Wake Technical Community College offers the state's lowest net cost at $6,935 with in-state tuition of just $2,336. While earnings data isn't available, the 31.40% graduation rate provides a foundation for transfer to four-year programs. Community colleges serve as affordable stepping stones into business careers or preparation for university transfer programs.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private business programs?

Private schools like Shaw University cost $14,083 compared to public options starting at $6,935. Shaw's graduates earn $29,866 with a 20.20% graduation rate, while similarly priced public universities like UNC Charlotte offer $39,979 earnings and 67.70% graduation rates. The data suggests public universities provide better value for business students.

Does location within North Carolina affect business program outcomes?

Charlotte and Research Triangle area schools show stronger earnings potential due to regional job markets. UNC Charlotte graduates earn $39,979, benefiting from proximity to major banking and corporate headquarters. Western Carolina's more rural location correlates with $34,126 earnings despite a strong 59.10% graduation rate and low $21,836 debt levels.

What debt levels should students expect from affordable North Carolina business programs?

Average debt ranges from $14,239 at UNC Chapel Hill to $31,500 at Livingstone College across affordable options. Public universities typically generate $18,000-$28,000 in debt while offering stronger graduation rates. The lowest debt-to-earnings ratios appear at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte, where higher earnings offset educational investments.

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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.