Cheapest Education Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina's most affordable Education, General programs reveal a striking cost divide between public and private options. Western Carolina University leads at just $12,579 net cost, while Belmont Abbey College reaches $23,613 despite being private nonprofit. The state's expanding Research Triangle and Charlotte banking sectors create teaching opportunities in STEM and financial literacy education. Graduation rates span from 39% at Brevard College to an impressive 84.6% at NC State Raleigh. Early career earnings for Education graduates range from $26,739 to $38,289, reflecting the state's varied educational market from rural mountain districts to urban charter schools.

Programs

$12,579 – $23,613

Net Price Range

$31,776

Avg. Program Earnings

50.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Education, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Western Carolina University Cullowhee, North Carolina	$12,579	$4,532	59.1%	84.8%
2	Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$13,393	$6,735	48.6%	73.4%
3	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, North Carolina	$16,931	$8,895	84.6%	47.2%
4	University of Mount Olive Mount Olive, North Carolina	$17,893	$25,950	47.5%	74.6%
5	North Carolina Wesleyan University Rocky Mount, North Carolina	$18,165	$35,536	40.4%	68.4%
6	Salem College Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$18,835	$32,236	56.3%	87.5%
7	Guilford College Greensboro, North Carolina	$21,200	$41,140	47.7%	83.5%
8	Wingate University Wingate, North Carolina	$21,371	$40,196	46.8%	86.2%
9	Brevard College Brevard, North Carolina	$21,376	$31,250	39.0%	39.9%
10	William Peace University Raleigh, North Carolina	$21,728	$33,150	44.3%	63.2%
11	Pfeiffer University Misenheimer, North Carolina	$21,953	$33,930	42.6%	69.1%
12	Belmont Abbey College Belmont, North Carolina	$23,613	$19,500	46.4%	97.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gap among these programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 39% at Brevard College to 84.6% at NC State Raleigh. Public universities like Western Carolina (59.1%) and Winston-Salem State (48.6%) fall between these extremes. Selectivity plays a role, with NC State accepting only 47.17% of applicants compared to Belmont Abbey's 97.17%.

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

Private colleges average around $20,000 in net costs while public universities range from $12,579 to $16,931. University of Mount Olive offers the highest earnings potential at $38,289 despite its $17,893 net cost. Public options like Western Carolina provide the lowest barrier to entry at $4,532 in-state tuition.

Does North Carolina's job market support Education graduates well?

The state's growing tech sector and banking industry create demand for specialized educators in STEM and financial literacy. Early career earnings range from $26,739 to $38,289 depending on the program. The Research Triangle's expansion particularly benefits graduates who can teach in emerging technology fields.

Which schools offer the best value for Education degrees?

Western Carolina University provides strong value at $12,579 net cost with a 59.1% graduation rate. NC State offers the highest graduation rate at 84.6% for $16,931 net cost. University of Mount Olive graduates earn the most at $38,289 but costs $17,893 annually.

More Education, General Rankings

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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.