Choosing a college in North Carolina doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in North Carolina are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in North Carolina , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 45 four-year North Carolina 4-Years Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $27,970, reflecting a -6.44% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 45 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 32 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Carolina College of Biblical Studies ranks as the least expensive North Carolina colleges. With tuition and fees at just $6,906, Carolina College of Biblical Studies offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are University of North Carolina at Pembroke at$7,648 and Fayetteville State University at$8,353 both consistently recognized among the North Carolina 4-Years Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable North Carolina 4-Years Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 74.80%, and the average SAT score is 1,075, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Carolina College of Biblical Studies Fayetteville, NCPrivate, 4-year | $6,906 $630 | $5,940 $600 | - | 212 | - | 22.00% | 4 to 1 |
| 2 2 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, NCPublic, 4-year | $7,648 ($3,648) $77 | $19,987 ($6,928) $77 | 93.26% | 7,674 | 1,080 | 44.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 3 2 | Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NCPublic, 4-year | $8,353 ($4,353) $384 | $17,856 ($6,791) $594 | 82.15% | 7,107 | 990 | 38.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 4 2 | Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NCPublic, 4-year | $8,630 ($4,630) $98 | $18,595 ($7,876) $98 | 81.83% | 11,686 | 1,180 | 60.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 5 2 | Heritage Bible College Dunn, NCPrivate, 4-year | $8,688 - | $10,440 - | - | 26 | - | 40.00% | 2 to 1 |
| 6 4 | Manna University Fayetteville, NCPrivate, 4-year | $9,105 $1,942 | $9,195 $3,232 | 52.69% | 268 | - | 80.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 7 1 | Carolina Christian College Winston Salem, NCPrivate, 4-year | $9,970 $550 | $13,222 $1,782 | - | 71 | - | 15.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 8 5 | Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, NCPublic, 4-year | $10,536 ($6,536) $3,124 | $21,973 ($8,911) $3,124 | 64.22% | 2,258 | 1,015 | 44.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 9 - | Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NCPrivate, 4-year | $11,318 $802 | $6,516 $128 | 74.63% | 3,220 | 1,110 | 58.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 10 - | Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College Wendell, NCPrivate, 4-year | $11,739 $489 | - | - | 64 | - | 42.00% | 8 to 1 |
| Average | $9,289 ($4,792) | $13,747 ($7,627) | 74.80% | 3,259 | 1,075 | 44.30% | 11 to 1 |