Cheapest Economics Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina A&T State University stands out among economics programs with an acceptance rate of just 56%, making it more selective than UNC Chapel Hill's economics counterparts at many peer institutions. The state's public universities dominate the affordable options, with net costs ranging from $10,170 at UNC Greensboro to $16,514 at East Carolina University. This pricing advantage matters significantly in a state where Charlotte serves as a major banking center, housing Bank of America's headquarters and Wells Fargo's East Coast operations. Economics graduates from UNC Chapel Hill command the highest starting salaries at $51,794, reflecting the program's strength and the Research Triangle's concentration of corporate headquarters. Meanwhile, students at UNC Greensboro pay the lowest net cost while still accessing quality economics training. The 15 most affordable programs span from $10,170 to $21,200, with public institutions claiming eight of the top ten spots for value.

Programs

$10,170 – $41,048

Net Price Range

$46,058

Avg. Program Earnings

63.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Economics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,170	$7,593	57.9%	91.9%
2	North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,980	$6,748	55.3%	56.4%
3	University of North Carolina Asheville Asheville, North Carolina	$12,865	$7,461	55.0%	74.3%
4	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina	$12,983	$8,989	92.1%	17.1%
5	Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$13,393	$6,735	48.6%	73.4%
6	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$14,745	$7,214	67.7%	79.6%
7	Appalachian State University Boone, North Carolina	$16,487	$7,541	73.1%	83.1%
8	East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina	$16,514	$7,361	62.1%	92.3%
9	Davidson College Davidson, North Carolina	$18,127	$60,300	91.9%	17.0%
10	Catawba College Salisbury, North Carolina	$18,210	$33,400	52.1%	67.1%
11	Salem College Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$18,835	$32,236	56.3%	87.5%
12	University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, North Carolina	$19,472	$7,317	70.7%	68.8%
13	Johnson C Smith University Charlotte, North Carolina	$20,011	$20,480	34.1%	25.3%
14	Meredith College Raleigh, North Carolina	$20,197	$43,936	65.0%	73.2%
15	Guilford College Greensboro, North Carolina	$21,200	$41,140	47.7%	83.5%
16	Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory, North Carolina	$23,393	$30,900	51.0%	82.9%
17	Belmont Abbey College Belmont, North Carolina	$23,613	$19,500	46.4%	97.2%
18	Warren Wilson College Swannanoa, North Carolina	$23,719	$40,290	43.2%	84.0%
19	Campbell University Buies Creek, North Carolina	$23,991	$40,410	55.9%	88.6%
20	Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs, North Carolina	$24,137	$33,450	61.7%	75.0%
21	Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$28,746	$64,758	90.9%	21.4%
22	Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$28,901	$40,408	52.1%	73.3%
23	Duke University Durham, North Carolina	$34,454	$65,805	95.8%	6.4%
24	High Point University High Point, North Carolina	$40,721	$44,208	70.0%	78.9%
25	Elon University Elon, North Carolina	$41,048	$44,536	83.0%	74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Chapel Hill's economics program worth the $12,983 net cost?

UNC Chapel Hill economics graduates earn $51,794 annually, nearly $15,000 more than the next highest program in the state. The program maintains a 92.10% graduation rate and accepts only 17.11% of applicants. Students graduate with just $14,135 in average debt, the lowest among programs with available data.

How do North Carolina public universities compare to private colleges for economics value?

Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with eight claiming spots in the top ten by net cost. The most expensive public option, UNC Wilmington at $19,472, still costs less than most private alternatives. Private colleges like Davidson cost $18,127 net but offer a 91.90% graduation rate for students who can afford the investment.

Is UNC Greensboro's $10,170 cost sustainable for a quality economics education?

UNC Greensboro offers the state's lowest net cost while maintaining a 91.94% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. Graduates earn $35,060 annually, which represents solid value given the minimal investment. The 57.90% graduation rate indicates some academic challenges but reasonable completion odds for the price point.

Does North Carolina A&T's 56% acceptance rate indicate program quality?

The 56.39% acceptance rate at North Carolina A&T makes it more selective than most state universities, suggesting competitive admission standards. Economics graduates earn $37,208 with $26,000 in average debt. The program combines reasonable selectivity with a $10,980 net cost, creating good value for admitted students.

Where do the highest earning economics graduates come from in North Carolina?

UNC Chapel Hill produces the highest earning economics graduates at $51,794 annually, followed by UNC Asheville at $42,682. Appalachian State graduates earn $39,369, while North Carolina A&T graduates start at $37,208. The $23,582 gap between highest and lowest earners reflects program reputation and regional job market access.

More Economics Rankings

Best Value Economics in North Carolina Economics Under $20,000 in North Carolina

All Economics Programs Best Colleges in North Carolina Best Economics in North Carolina

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