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 31 four-year North Carolina Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $30,917, reflecting a -13.08% increase compared to the previous year.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary ranks as the least expensive private North Carolina colleges. With tuition and fees at just $11,318, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Strayer University-North Carolina at$13,920 and Carolina University at$17,575 both consistently recognized among the North Carolina Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable North Carolina Private Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 66.04%, and the average SAT score is 1,070, 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 - | 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 |
| 2 - | Strayer University-North Carolina Greensboro, NCPrivate, 4-year | $13,920 - | $15,135 - | - | 3,037 | - | 33.00% | 47 to 1 |
| 3 - | Carolina University Winston-Salem, NCPrivate, 4-year | $17,575 $1,575 | $12,550 $1,050 | 39.54% | 880 | - | 22.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 4 - | Bennett College Greensboro, NCPrivate, 4-year | $19,140 - | - | 50.66% | 180 | 925 | 25.00% | 7 to 1 |
| 5 - | Greensboro College Greensboro, NCPrivate, 4-year | $21,000 $600 | $4,524 $108 | 70.14% | 967 | - | 46.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 6 - | Johnson C Smith University Charlotte, NCPrivate, 4-year | $21,300 $820 | $20,770 $1,158 | 45.21% | 1,302 | - | 34.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 7 - | University of Mount Olive Mount Olive, NCPrivate, 4-year | $27,366 $1,416 | $18,700 - | 75.75% | 2,109 | - | 52.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 8 - | Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory, NCPrivate, 4-year | $31,900 $1,000 | $13,020 $780 | 84.59% | 2,256 | - | 48.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 9 - | Salem College Winston-Salem, NCPrivate, 4-year | $33,848 $1,096 | $6,600 - | 76.67% | 549 | 1,160 | 57.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 10 - | Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs, NCPrivate, 4-year | $34,750 $1,300 | $12,125 $825 | 77.21% | 3,104 | 1,085 | 55.00% | 12 to 1 |
| Average | $23,212 | $12,216 | 66.04% | 1,760 | 1,070 | 43.00% | 16 to 1 |