College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2024 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina

46 Colleges
$36,368 Avg Salary
$25,940 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to choose from today when trying to decide which school to attend. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our Top North Carolina Colleges for a Bachelor's ranking - to help you make that decision.

Jump to Any of the Following Sections: * Our Methodology

Your Choice of School Matters

We analyzed 46 colleges and universities across North Carolina to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. To come up with this ranking of the best schools, we look at factors that are all objective measurements. We explain more about what we look at and why we do so below.

Early-Career Salaries Are Higher

One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of bachelor's graduates during the early years of their career. While bachelor's degree recipients from schools in North Carolina earn an average starting salary of $36,368, those from the top 25 school on this list made an average of $38,377.

Starting Salary  ( 30314 to 43276 )
$0
$55,249

Average Student Debt

In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree. During their time at college, bachelor's degree seekers from schools in North Carolina take out an average of $25,940. The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.

Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology

In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking. Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.

We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.

Check Out These Other Rankings

Associate Degree Rankings Undergrad Rankings
Master's Degree Rankings Grad School Rankings
Doctorate Degrees Ranking Grad School Rankings
Overall Best Colleges Ranking Overall Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our rankings by place. In addition, we've put together a number of other college rankings that may help you in your search.

Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

1
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina
2,319 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$55,249 Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,804 Average Student Debt

Our 2024 rankings named Duke University the best school in North Carolina in terms of overall quality for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Durham, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 2,319 students in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Duke go into careers with an average salary of $55,249 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $11,804. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $727.

Full Duke University Report

2
6,496 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,883 Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,457 Average Student Debt

Out of the 46 bachelor’s degree schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill landed the #2 spot on the list. This large public school is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and it awarded 6,496 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill is $38,883 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $16,457 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $300 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Full University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Report

3
NC State crest
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
6,377 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,600 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,883 Average Student Debt

Out of the 46 bachelor’s degree schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, North Carolina State University landed the #3 spot on the list. NC State is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 6,377 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $43,600 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $22,883 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $285 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Read full report on North Carolina State University

4
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1,472 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,719 Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,031 Average Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Wake Forest University. It ranked #4 on our 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Wake Forest University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It awarded 1,472 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $44,719 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,031 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $644.

Full Wake Forest University Report

5
Elon crest
Elon University
Elon, North Carolina
1,638 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,951 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,633 Average Student Debt

A rank of #5 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in North Carolina list means Elon University is a great place for students working on their degree. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Elon, North Carolina, and it awarded 1,638 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $45,951 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $22,633. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $724.

Learn More About Elon University

6
6,358 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,359 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,408 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. UNC Charlotte is a large public school situated in Charlotte, North Carolina. It awarded 6,358 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte go into careers with an average salary of $40,359 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,408. Average monthly loan payments are around $193 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Charlotte

7
ECU crest
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
5,233 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,806 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,526 Average Student Debt

East Carolina University landed the #7 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. East Carolina University is a large public school located in Greenville, North Carolina that handed out 5,233 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from ECU go into careers with an average salary of $36,806 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $25,526 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $277.

Read full report on East Carolina University

8
4,021 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,296 Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,102 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, University of North Carolina at Wilmington did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 4,021 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $31,296 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,102. Average monthly loan payments are around $304 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Learn More About University of North Carolina at Wilmington

9
Appalachian State crest
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
4,368 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$32,629 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,518 Average Student Debt

Appalachian State University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. This large public school is located in Boone, North Carolina, and it awarded 4,368 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State make an average of $32,629 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $22,518 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $224.

Read full report on Appalachian State University

10
Meredith crest
Meredith College
Raleigh, North Carolina
401 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,979 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,563 Average Student Debt

Meredith College landed the #10 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Raleigh, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 401 students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $33,979 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,563.

Read full report on Meredith College

11
3,694 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,404 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,817 Average Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Greensboro landed the #11 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 3,694 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UNC Greensboro go into careers with an average salary of $31,404 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,817 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $174 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About University of North Carolina at Greensboro

12
WCU crest
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
2,501 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,606 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,606 Average Student Debt

Western Carolina University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. WCU is a public institution located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,501 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from WCU go into careers with an average salary of $35,606 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,606. This translates to an average monthly payment of $198 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About Western Carolina University

13
213 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,730 Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,775 Average Student Debt

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte ranked #13 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Charlotte, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 213 students in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from JWU Charlotte go into careers with an average salary of $36,730 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $26,775. Average monthly loan payments are around $381 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Learn More About Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

14
Campbell crest
Campbell University
Buies Creek, North Carolina
883 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,399 Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,498 Average Student Debt

Campbell University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 883 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Campbell make an average of $38,399 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,498. This translates to an average monthly payment of $500 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About Campbell University

15
High Point crest
High Point University
High Point, North Carolina
928 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,796 Average Early-Career Earnings

With a ranking of #15, High Point University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. High Point is a private not-for-profit institution located in High Point, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 928 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from High Point make an average of $36,796 per year during the early years of their career.

Full High Point University Report

16
Queens crest
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
503 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,601 Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,422 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Queens University of Charlotte did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Charlotte, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 503 students in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Queens make an average of $40,601 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $27,422.

Full Queens University of Charlotte Report

17
Gardner - Webb crest
Gardner - Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
495 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,166 Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,932 Average Student Debt

Gardner - Webb University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Gardner - Webb is a private not-for-profit institution located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 495 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Gardner - Webb make an average of $33,166 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $26,932. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $354.

Learn More About Gardner - Webb University

18
Strayer University - North Carolina crest
Strayer University - North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina
322 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$51,854 Average Early-Career Earnings
$52,848 Average Student Debt

Strayer University - North Carolina came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Strayer University - North Carolina is a small private for-profit school located in Greensboro, North Carolina that handed out 322 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $51,854 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $52,848 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $121 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Full Strayer University - North Carolina Report

19
Montreat College crest
Montreat College
Montreat, North Carolina
120 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,811 Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,125 Average Student Debt

Montreat College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Montreat College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Montreat, North Carolina that handed out 120 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Montreat College make an average of $35,811 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,125 in student loans.

Read full report on Montreat College

20
North Carolina Wesleyan College crest
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
441 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,765 Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,120 Average Student Debt

North Carolina Wesleyan College did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #20. Located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 441 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College go into careers with an average salary of $35,765 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $27,120. This translates to an average monthly payment of $181 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About North Carolina Wesleyan College

21
Pfeiffer University crest
Pfeiffer University
Misenheimer, North Carolina
199 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,494 Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,500 Average Student Debt

Pfeiffer University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Pfeiffer University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Misenheimer, North Carolina that handed out 199 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Pfeiffer University go into careers with an average salary of $44,494 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $26,500.

Read full report on Pfeiffer University

22
St. Andrews crest
St. Andrews University
Laurinburg, North Carolina
101 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,869 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,767 Average Student Debt

St. Andrews University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #22. Located in Laurinburg, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 101 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from St. Andrews is $31,869 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $25,767 after getting their degree. Average monthly loan payments are around $152 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Learn More About St. Andrews University

23
Catawba crest
Catawba College
Salisbury, North Carolina
278 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$28,378 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,194 Average Student Debt

Catawba College landed the #23 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Salisbury, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 278 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Catawba make an average of $28,378 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,194. This translates to an average monthly payment of $156 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About Catawba College

24
NC A&T crest
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, North Carolina
2,126 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,666 Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,995 Average Student Debt

North Carolina A & T State University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #24. North Carolina A & T State University is a fairly large public school located in Greensboro, North Carolina that handed out 2,126 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from NC A&T make an average of $40,666 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $29,995 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $143 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About North Carolina A & T State University

25
Methodist crest
Methodist University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
355 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,415 Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,794 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Methodist University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 355 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Methodist is $34,415 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $26,794 after getting their degree.

Learn More About Methodist University

View Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

More Rankings >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options