Cheapest Physics Colleges in North Carolina

Elizabeth City State University delivers the state's most affordable physics education at just $7,237 net cost, making advanced scientific training accessible in a state where Research Triangle Park employs thousands of physicists and engineers across companies like IBM, SAS, and biotech firms. The $32,746 gap between the cheapest option and most expensive highlights how dramatically costs vary across North Carolina's physics programs. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with eight of the ten cheapest options charging under $17,000 annually. UNC Chapel Hill stands out by combining top-tier academics with a 92.10% graduation rate while maintaining reasonable $12,983 net costs. North Carolina's growing tech sector, particularly in quantum computing research at companies like IonQ and traditional manufacturing, creates steady demand for physics graduates who understand both theoretical principles and practical applications.

Programs

$7,237 – $41,048

Net Price Range

$36,848

Avg. Program Earnings

66.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Physics 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	University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, North Carolina	$9,918	$3,571	44.5%	89.7%
3	University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,170	$7,593	57.9%	91.9%
4	North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,980	$6,748	55.3%	56.4%
5	University of North Carolina Asheville Asheville, North Carolina	$12,865	$7,461	55.0%	74.3%
6	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina	$12,983	$8,989	92.1%	17.1%
7	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$14,745	$7,214	67.7%	79.6%
8	North Carolina Central University Durham, North Carolina	$15,028	$6,542	46.0%	84.4%
9	Appalachian State University Boone, North Carolina	$16,487	$7,541	73.1%	83.1%
10	East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina	$16,514	$7,361	62.1%	92.3%
11	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, North Carolina	$16,931	$8,895	84.6%	47.2%
12	Davidson College Davidson, North Carolina	$18,127	$60,300	91.9%	17.0%
13	University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, North Carolina	$19,472	$7,317	70.7%	68.8%
14	Guilford College Greensboro, North Carolina	$21,200	$41,140	47.7%	83.5%
15	Brevard College Brevard, North Carolina	$21,376	$31,250	39.0%	39.9%
16	Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory, North Carolina	$23,393	$30,900	51.0%	82.9%
17	Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$27,786	$43,285	65.9%	71.3%
18	Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	$28,746	$64,758	90.9%	21.4%
19	Duke University Durham, North Carolina	$34,454	$65,805	95.8%	6.4%
20	High Point University High Point, North Carolina	$40,721	$44,208	70.0%	78.9%
21	Elon University Elon, North Carolina	$41,048	$44,536	83.0%	74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University the cheapest physics program in North Carolina?

Elizabeth City State University charges just $7,237 in net costs, nearly $2,700 less than the second cheapest option at UNC Pembroke. The school's 74.15% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 48.10% graduation rate suggests students should prepare for academic challenges. In-state tuition of $3,412 provides additional savings for North Carolina residents.

How do public university physics programs compare to private options in terms of cost?

Public universities in North Carolina offer significantly better value, with the top 11 most affordable physics programs all being public institutions. Davidson College leads private schools at $18,127 net cost but charges $60,300 in sticker price. The price difference reflects how state funding helps subsidize education costs for residents.

Is UNC Chapel Hill worth the higher cost compared to other public options?

UNC Chapel Hill's $12,983 net cost delivers strong value given its 92.10% graduation rate, the highest among all physics programs listed. The 17.11% acceptance rate indicates highly selective admissions, while graduates earn $36,848 annually with $17,150 in debt. The school's research opportunities and reputation justify the premium over cheaper state schools.

Does North Carolina State University offer good value for physics students?

NC State charges $16,931 net cost while maintaining an 84.60% graduation rate, making it competitively priced among research universities. The 47.17% acceptance rate indicates moderate selectivity, and graduates typically carry $22,710 in debt. The Raleigh location provides access to Research Triangle Park internships and career opportunities.

Where can physics students find the best graduation rates at affordable prices?

UNC Chapel Hill leads with a 92.10% graduation rate at $12,983 net cost, followed by Davidson College at 91.90% for $18,127. Among more affordable options under $15,000, UNC Charlotte offers a 67.70% graduation rate for $14,745. NC A&T State provides a 55.30% rate at just $10,980, balancing affordability with reasonable completion odds.

More Physics 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.