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Cheapest Ecology Colleges in North Carolina

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

North Carolina's ecology programs show a $8,789 cost spread between the cheapest option at Chowan University ($16,189) and the most expensive at Methodist University ($24,978). Public universities deliver strong value, with UNC Wilmington charging just $7,317 in-state tuition while maintaining strong graduate employment. The state's Research Triangle biotechnology corridor and coastal research stations create natural career pathways for ecology graduates, particularly those studying population dynamics and ecosystem management.
8
Programs
$16,189 – $24,978
Net Price Range
$27,597
Avg. Program Earnings
47.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
2 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
3 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
4 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
5 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
6 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
7 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
8 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Wilmington's ecology program such strong value at $7,317 in-state tuition?

UNC Wilmington combines low in-state costs with a 70.7% graduation rate and access to coastal marine ecosystems for hands-on research. The program benefits from the university's proximity to Cape Fear River estuary and Atlantic coastal habitats, providing real-world laboratory settings for population biology studies.

How do private college costs compare to public options for ecology majors?

Private colleges average $21,000-$25,000 in net costs compared to public universities at $16,000-$19,500. However, Wingate University graduates earn $33,993 annually, the highest among North Carolina ecology programs, potentially offsetting the higher upfront investment.

Does North Carolina's job market support ecology career growth after graduation?

The Research Triangle's biotech industry and Charlotte's environmental consulting firms actively recruit ecology graduates. Earnings range from $22,444 to $33,993 across programs, with opportunities in pharmaceutical research, conservation organizations, and state environmental agencies providing career stability.

More Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Rankings

Best Value Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology in North Carolina Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Under $20,000 in North Carolina

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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.