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Cheapest Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Colleges in North Carolina

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

Western Carolina University stands out with a net cost of just $12,579 for health sciences students, dramatically undercutting private alternatives that average over $20,000. The $23,142 gap between Western Carolina and the median private school reflects North Carolina's strong public university system supporting healthcare education. With North Carolina's healthcare sector expanding through major hospital systems like Atrium Health and Duke Health, these programs feed directly into a job market where health services graduates earn around $25,194 annually. Graduation rates vary widely from 33% to 70% across the 12 programs, suggesting significant differences in student support and program structure.
12
Programs
$12,579 – $40,721
Net Price Range
$25,194
Avg. Program Earnings
48.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
2 $17,271 $16,070 45.5% 44.9%
3 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
4 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
5 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
6 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
7 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
8 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
9 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
10 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
11 $28,901 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
12 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Western Carolina University's health sciences program so affordable?

As a public university, Western Carolina offers in-state students a net cost of $12,579, with actual tuition of just $4,532 before aid. This represents the lowest cost among all 12 health sciences programs in North Carolina, making it nearly $5,000 cheaper than the next most affordable option.

How do graduation rates compare between public and private health sciences programs?

Western Carolina achieves a solid 59% graduation rate despite its low cost, outperforming several private schools that charge significantly more. High Point University leads with 70% graduation rate but costs $40,721 annually, while some private schools like Saint Augustine's have graduation rates as low as 33%.

Is Cabarrus College of Health Sciences worth considering over public options?

At $17,271 net cost, Cabarrus College costs $4,692 more than Western Carolina but offers specialized healthcare focus and smaller class sizes. However, its 45% graduation rate falls below Western Carolina's 59%, raising questions about value for the additional investment.

Where do North Carolina health sciences graduates typically find employment?

Graduates often work in North Carolina's major healthcare systems including Atrium Health in Charlotte and Duke Health in the Research Triangle. The state's growing medical device industry and pharmaceutical companies also provide opportunities, though starting salaries around $25,194 reflect entry-level positions in this field.

More Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Rankings

Best Value Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General in North Carolina Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Under $20,000 in North Carolina

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All Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Programs Best Colleges in North Carolina Best Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General in North Carolina

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