For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in North Carolina is $7,622 for North Carolina residents and $20,991 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in North Carolina, the average tuition & fees are $28,057 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in North Carolina is $8,745 for North Carolina residents and $23,161 for out-of-state students. For private schools in North Carolina, the average graduate tuition is $16,966.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $16,564 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $17,558. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
You can compare all North Carolina colleges in various ways:
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in North Carolina is $24,796 for residents and $38,165 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $45,924. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $4,282 for North Carolina residents and $10,167 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| North Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $24,796 | $38,165 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $45,924 | |
| Community Colleges | $4,282 | $10,167 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In North Carolina, 171 out of 176 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 76 public and 93 private colleges in North Carolina. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in North Carolina is $4,594 for North Carolina residents and $17,964 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $26,491
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $2,358 for residents and $8,243 for out-of-state students.
| North Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $4,594 | $17,964 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $26,491 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $2,358 | $8,243 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $19,549 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In North Carolina, 67 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in North Carolina is $5,614 for North Carolina residents and $20,030 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $15,874
| North Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $5,614 | $20,030 |
| Private Schools | $15,874 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in North Carolina is $185 for North Carolina residents and $742 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $859
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $324 for North Carolina residents and $1,136 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $736
| North Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $185 | $742 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $859 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $76 | $269 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $324 | $1,136 |
| Private Schools | $736 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in North Carolina
At colleges in North Carolina, the average living cost is $16,564 when a student lives on campus facility and $17,558 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,077 | $17,887 |
| Private Schools | $16,754 | $17,127 |
