2025 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in North Carolina
Pursuing one of the most affordable online business degrees in North Carolina is the key to meeting the evolving demands of today's industries while staying within budget. These programs are designed to provide practical skills in areas like e-commerce, global trade, and team management, preparing graduates for success in a competitive job market.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro leads has a large online student body, with over 2,600 distance learners who are entirely remote.
- Campbell University stands out with a median graduate earnings of $56,327 among its business graduates.
- Lees-McRae College offers the lowest student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. This student-centric approach is especially helpful when it comes to online learning.
We selected the most affordable online business degrees in North Carolina by manually researching tuition costs to ensure accuracy. Each school on our list is institutionally accredited and offers fully online business programs with clear, accessible tuition data. To learn more, please read our methodology.
2025 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in North Carolina
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition | AACSB Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville | $5,000 | Yes | |
| Western Carolina University | Cullowhee | $6,250 | Yes | |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte | $7,624 | Yes | |
| North Carolina Central University | Durham | $8,977 | Yes | |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro | $9,324 | Yes | |
| Lees-McRae College | Banner Elk | $9,360 | No | |
| William Peace University | Raleigh | $10,500 | No | |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory | $12,000 | No | |
| Montreat College | Montreat | $12,900 | No | |
| University of Mount Olive | Mount Olive | $13,650 | No | |
| Campbell University | Buies Creek | $13,950 | No | |
| Carolina University | Winston Salem (and 1 other) | $14,700 | No | |
| North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro | $17,640 | Yes |
A Closer Look at North Carolina's Most Affordable Online Business Degrees
When considering the best online degrees in North Carolina, you鈥檙e not just evaluating price tags 鈥� you鈥檙e analyzing an ecosystem of opportunities, features, and outcomes that vary widely between programs. Here鈥檚 what stands out from this list:
Affordability vs. Value
Affordability is a core metric, but it must be paired with outcomes like graduate earnings and student satisfaction. Fayetteville State University leads the affordability pack with an annual tuition of $5,000, but its median graduate earnings ($42,451) are comparatively modest. Campbell University, while more expensive at $13,950 annually, boasts the highest median earnings among its graduates ($56,327), demonstrating that sometimes, investing a bit more upfront yields higher returns.
Student-Centric Features
Schools like Lees-McRae College, with its 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, prioritize personalized learning. This approach is particularly beneficial for online students who may need additional guidance in a virtual environment. On the other hand, larger schools like the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), which serves over 2,600 fully online undergraduates, demonstrate scalability while maintaining flexibility through diverse specializations like healthcare management or financial sales.
Graduation and Retention Insights
Metrics like retention and graduation rates provide a glimpse into how well schools support their students. For instance, UNCC boasts a retention rate of 84% and a graduation rate of 70%, signaling strong student satisfaction and success. In contrast, Carolina University鈥檚 lower retention (49%) and graduation rates (30%) might indicate potential challenges, despite its affordability.
Which North Carolina Business School is Right for You?
On a tight budget? Fayetteville State University offers the lowest tuition at $5,000 annually, perfect for cost-conscious students.
Focused on long-term ROI? Campbell University stands out with the highest median graduate earnings of $56,327, making it a worthwhile investment despite its higher tuition.
Need personalized support? Lees-McRae College鈥檚 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures individualized attention for online learners.
Looking for flexibility and specialization? University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers diverse options like healthcare management and financial sales, serving over 2,600 fully online students.
By aligning your goals with these programs鈥� strengths, you can make an informed choice for your future.
High Paying Careers for Online Business Degree Graduates in North Carolina
To help you identify the highest-paying business careers in North Carolina that require only a bachelor's degree, we analyzed state-specific data from the to simplify your search:
Personal Financial Advisors
In North Carolina, as a personal financial advisor, you would help clients navigate their financial futures, particularly in growing urban areas like Charlotte, a major financial hub, and Raleigh. Your expertise supports individuals and families in achieving financial security in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.
Purchasing Managers
Managing the procurement process as a purchasing manager, you evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure your organization gets the best value. Your decisions directly impact efficiency and profitability.
Sales Representatives
Sales representatives in North Carolina excel in industries like biotechnology, furniture manufacturing, and agriculture, connecting businesses with essential products. From marketing high-tech tools in Research Triangle Park to promoting textiles in Charlotte, these roles drive revenue and build strong client relationships.
Financial and Investment Analysts
Working as a financial and investment analyst, you analyze market trends and data to shape smart investment strategies. Your insights help businesses and individuals make confident financial choices.
This list highlights some of the highest-paying careers in North Carolina that you can achieve with just a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business online. These roles demonstrate the versatility of a business degree and its ability to cater to diverse industries 鈥� such as finance, biotechnology, and manufacturing. If you wanted to get more specific, you could also get your education in a related field like an economics degree. If you鈥檙e aspiring to advance further, consider pursuing certifications, networking opportunities, or even a master鈥檚 degree to enhance your expertise and career prospects.
Final Thoughts
With 13 affordable schools offering online business degrees in North Carolina, prospective students benefit from a wide range of options compared to states with fewer offerings. This abundance reflects North Carolina鈥檚 commitment to accessible, flexible education and its recognition of the growing demand for online learning. With tuition data manually collected, students can easily compare these programs to find the one that best aligns with their academic and financial goals.
Business careers in North Carolina are not only diverse but also highly lucrative. For instance, management occupations in the state offer a remarkable mean annual wage of , while business and financial operations occupations earn an average of annually. North Carolina鈥檚 thriving urban hubs, like Charlotte and Raleigh, play a significant role in driving these competitive salaries, supported by industries like finance, technology, and manufacturing.
As you explore your options, consider our most affordable business degrees to find schools with the lowest tuition.