Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in North Carolina

Elizabeth City State University delivers the state's most affordable Computer Science education at just $7,237 net cost annually, while graduates from UNC Chapel Hill earn $72,083 within six years of completing their degrees. This $40,000+ earnings gap reflects the varying trajectories available across North Carolina's 15 Computer Science programs. The state's Research Triangle region drives much of this variation, hosting major tech employers like IBM, SAS, and Red Hat alongside banking giants in Charlotte that recruit heavily from local universities. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 12 of the 15 most budget-friendly programs housed at state institutions. Net costs range from Elizabeth City's sub-$8,000 figure to NC State's $16,931, yet even the priciest public option costs less than most private alternatives. Graduate debt loads vary significantly too, from UNC Chapel Hill's modest $13,500 average to Winston-Salem State's $30,721. Acceptance rates span from Chapel Hill's selective 17% to East Carolina's open-door 92%, giving students multiple pathways into the field regardless of their academic profile.

Programs

$7,237 – $41,048

Net Price Range

$60,095

Avg. Program Earnings

62.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, North Carolina	$7,237	$3,412	48.1%	74.2%
2	Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, North Carolina	$7,360	$3,969	35.2%	81.2%
3	University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, North Carolina	$9,918	$3,571	44.5%	89.7%
4	University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,170	$7,593	57.9%	91.9%
5	North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,980	$6,748	55.3%	56.4%
6	Western Carolina University Cullowhee, North Carolina	$12,579	$4,532	59.1%	84.8%
7	University of North Carolina Asheville Asheville, North Carolina	$12,865	$7,461	55.0%	74.3%
8	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina	$12,983	$8,989	92.1%	17.1%
9	Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$13,393	$6,735	48.6%	73.4%
10	Shaw University Raleigh, North Carolina	$14,083	$17,176	20.2%	61.0%
11	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$14,745	$7,214	67.7%	79.6%
12	Appalachian State University Boone, North Carolina	$16,487	$7,541	73.1%	83.1%
13	East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina	$16,514	$7,361	62.1%	92.3%
14	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, North Carolina	$16,931	$8,895	84.6%	47.2%
15	Saint Augustine's University Raleigh, North Carolina	$17,740	$16,896	33.2%	58.9%
16	Davidson College Davidson, North Carolina	$18,127	$60,300	91.9%	17.0%
17	University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, North Carolina	$19,472	$7,317	70.7%	68.8%
18	Meredith College Raleigh, North Carolina	$20,197	$43,936	65.0%	73.2%
19	Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs, North Carolina	$24,137	$33,450	61.7%	75.0%
20	Methodist University Fayetteville, North Carolina	$24,978	$39,664	40.1%	75.7%
21	Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$28,746	$64,758	90.9%	21.4%
22	Duke University Durham, North Carolina	$34,454	$65,805	95.8%	6.4%
23	High Point University High Point, North Carolina	$40,721	$44,208	70.0%	78.9%
24	Elon University Elon, North Carolina	$41,048	$44,536	83.0%	74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University so affordable for Computer Science students?

Elizabeth City State University offers the lowest net cost at $7,237 annually, with in-state tuition of just $3,412. As a historically black university with a 74% acceptance rate, it provides accessible entry into Computer Science education. The school's affordability stems from generous financial aid packages that significantly reduce the sticker price for most students.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

UNC Chapel Hill graduates earn $72,083 six years after graduation despite the school's $12,983 net cost, while Winston-Salem State graduates earn $31,133 with a similar net price of $13,393. This $40,950 earnings difference highlights how school reputation and alumni networks impact career outcomes. NC State graduates also perform well at $70,710 average earnings, justifying its higher $16,931 net cost.

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

Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with all programs under $17,000 net cost coming from state institutions. Shaw University represents the lone private option at $14,083 net cost, though it lacks available earnings data. Saint Augustine's University costs $17,740 annually, making public universities the clear choice for budget-conscious Computer Science students.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in North Carolina?

UNC Chapel Hill achieves a 92% graduation rate despite moderate costs, while NC State reaches 85% at $16,931 net price. However, some affordable options struggle with retention, as Shaw University graduates only 20% of students and Fayetteville State manages 35%. The data suggests that institutional support matters more than price alone for student success.

Where do North Carolina Computer Science graduates typically find employment?

The Research Triangle region anchors North Carolina's tech economy, hosting companies like SAS, IBM, and Red Hat that recruit from local universities. Charlotte's banking sector, led by Bank of America and Wells Fargo, also hires Computer Science graduates for fintech roles. This geographic concentration explains why graduates from Triangle-area schools like NC State and UNC Chapel Hill command higher starting salaries.

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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.