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Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in North Carolina

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

Wake Technical Community College stands out with an strong net price of just $6,935 for computer science programs, making it North Carolina's most affordable option by a significant margin. The state's 20 computer and information sciences programs show dramatic cost variation, with private institutions like Davidson College charging $18,127 despite its high net price, while public universities offer strong value propositions. East Carolina University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $66,653, reflecting the strong demand for tech talent in North Carolina's Research Triangle and Charlotte's banking sector. Students can expect graduation rates ranging from 20% to 92%, with community colleges and historically black institutions providing accessible entry points into the field. The state's growing fintech industry and major employers like Bank of America, IBM, and SAS create substantial opportunities for computer science graduates across different price points.
26
Programs
$6,935 – $34,454
Net Price Range
$46,501
Avg. Program Earnings
47.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
2 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
3 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
4 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
5 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
6 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
7 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
8 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
9 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
10 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
11 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
12 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
13 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
14 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
15 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
16 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
17 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
18 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
19 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
20 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
21 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
22 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
23 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
24 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
25 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
26 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Wake Technical Community College so much cheaper than other options?

Wake Technical's $6,935 net price benefits from North Carolina's community college funding model and lower operating costs. The in-state tuition of just $2,336 makes it accessible to local students. Community colleges typically focus on foundational coursework and transfer pathways. This represents savings of over $7,000 compared to the next cheapest option.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable programs?

Graduation rates show significant variation among budget-friendly options, ranging from 20% at Shaw University to 67% at UNC Charlotte. North Carolina A&T achieves 55% despite its $10,980 cost. Community colleges often have lower completion rates due to part-time enrollment patterns. Four-year public universities generally maintain higher graduation rates in the 45-70% range.

Is there a correlation between program cost and graduate earnings?

East Carolina University demonstrates that mid-priced programs can yield high returns, with graduates earning $66,653 despite a $16,514 net cost. UNC Pembroke costs only $9,918 but produces lower earnings at $35,810. Winston-Salem State offers solid value at $13,393 with $40,647 average earnings. The data suggests institutional reputation and location matter more than price alone.

Does North Carolina offer significant financial aid for computer science students?

The NC Need-Based Scholarship provides substantial support for qualifying students across all institution types. Public universities show dramatic differences between sticker price and net cost, with UNC Charlotte's net price of $14,745 compared to in-state tuition of $7,214. Private institutions also offer significant aid packages. The average debt levels range from $20,000 to $31,000 at most schools.

Where do affordable computer science programs connect to North Carolina's job market?

The Research Triangle area near Raleigh hosts major employers like IBM and SAS, benefiting graduates from Wake Tech and nearby universities. Charlotte's banking sector creates demand for fintech skills, supporting graduates from regional programs. Greensboro and Winston-Salem areas offer emerging opportunities in healthcare technology. The state's tech job growth supports graduates from programs across all price points.

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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.