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2023 Best Business Schools in North Carolina

$40,371 Average Earnings
$21,909 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which business program to enroll in when you have so many options available. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Business Degree Central has developed this <nil> ranking.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Business Schools in North Carolina

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
$71,290 Average Earnings
$19,762 Avg Student Debt

Our rankings named Duke University the best school in North Carolina for business students working on their degree.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,762 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $727. During the early years of their career, Duke graduates make an average of $71,290 annually.

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#2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
$51,808 Average Earnings
$16,358 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best business schools in North Carolina.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,358 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $300, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UNC Chapel Hill graduates make an average of $51,808 annually.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#3

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
$55,309 Average Earnings
$17,222 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Wake Forest University is a great place for business students.

On average, students take out $17,222 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $644. Once they receive their degree, Wake Forest University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $55,309 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Wake Forest University

#4

Elon University

Elon, North Carolina
$53,723 Average Earnings
$17,558 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Elon University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best business schools in North Carolina.

Degree recipients from Elon accumulate an average of $17,558 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $724. Once they receive their degree, Elon graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,723 during the early year of their career.

Full Elon University Report

#5

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
$49,709 Average Earnings
$20,889 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend North Carolina State University. The school came in at #5 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from NC State accumulate an average of $20,889 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $285 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, NC State graduates make an average of $49,709 annually.

Read full report on North Carolina State University

#6

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
$34,991 Average Earnings
$22,490 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Wake Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

On average, students take out $22,490 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Wake Technical Community College graduates make an average of $34,991 annually.

Read full report on Wake Technical Community College

#7

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
$35,760 Average Earnings
$21,113 Avg Student Debt

Appalachian State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #7 on the list.

Degree recipients from Appalachian State accumulate an average of $21,113 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $224.After graduating from Appalachian State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,760 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Appalachian State University

#8

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
$44,403 Average Earnings
$24,531 Avg Student Debt

East Carolina University landed the #8 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

Degree recipients from ECU accumulate an average of $24,531 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $277. Once they receive their degree, ECU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,403 during the early year of their career.

Full East Carolina University Report

#9

Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
$49,246 Average Earnings
$27,540 Avg Student Debt

Queens University of Charlotte ranked #9 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from Queens accumulate an average of $27,540 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Queens graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,246 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Queens University of Charlotte

#10

Belmont Abbey College

Belmont, North Carolina
$34,921 Average Earnings
$28,397 Avg Student Debt

Belmont Abbey College landed the #10 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

Degree recipients from BAC accumulate an average of $28,397 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $441 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, BAC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,921 during the early year of their career.

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#11

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
$46,346 Average Earnings
$24,912 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, University of North Carolina at Charlotte did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,912 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $193, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNC Charlotte, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,346 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Charlotte

#12

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
$36,051 Average Earnings
$14,635 Avg Student Debt

Central Piedmont Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,635 in student loans.After graduating from Central Piedmont Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,051 during the early years of their career.

Full Central Piedmont Community College Report

#13

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
$37,326 Average Earnings
$22,787 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Wilmington ranked #13 on this year’s list.

On average, students take out $22,787 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $304, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNCW graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,326 during the early year of their career.

Full University of North Carolina at Wilmington Report

#14

Gaston College

Dallas, North Carolina
$32,146 Average Earnings
$12,298 Avg Student Debt

Gaston College ranked #14 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from Gaston College accumulate an average of $12,298 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Gaston College graduates make an average of $32,146 annually.

Read full report on Gaston College

#15

Catawba College

Salisbury, North Carolina
$28,378 Average Earnings
$25,156 Avg Student Debt

Catawba College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #15 on the list.

Degree recipients from Catawba accumulate an average of $25,156 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $156, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Catawba, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,378 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Catawba College

#16

Strayer University - North Carolina

Morrisville, North Carolina
$52,529 Average Earnings
$39,315 Avg Student Debt

Strayer University - North Carolina landed the #16 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $39,315 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $121, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Strayer University - North Carolina, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,529 during the early years of their career.

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#17

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina
$33,473 Average Earnings
$9,969 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Wayne Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,969 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Wayne Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,473 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Wayne Community College

#18

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina
$37,140 Average Earnings
$24,759 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Greensboro ranked #18 on this year’s list.

Degree recipients from UNC Greensboro accumulate an average of $24,759 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $174 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UNC Greensboro graduates make an average of $37,140 annually.

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#19

Wingate University

Wingate, North Carolina
$50,728 Average Earnings
$24,901 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Wingate University did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,901 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $315.After graduating from Wingate, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,728 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Wingate University

#20

High Point University

High Point, North Carolina
$49,697 Average Earnings

High Point University landed the #20 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

During the early years of their career, High Point graduates make an average of $49,697 annually.

Read full report on High Point University

#21

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
$39,924 Average Earnings
$23,228 Avg Student Debt

Western Carolina University landed the #21 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

On average, students take out $23,228 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $198. Once they receive their degree, WCU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,924 during the early year of their career.

Full Western Carolina University Report

#22

Surry Community College

Dobson, North Carolina
$32,152 Average Earnings
$12,403 Avg Student Debt

Surry Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

On average, students take out $12,403 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Surry Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,152 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Surry Community College

#23

Southwestern Community College

Sylva, North Carolina
$32,000 Average Earnings
$12,998 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Community College landed the #23 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,998 in student loans.After graduating from Southwestern Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,000 during the early years of their career.

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#24

Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
$35,071 Average Earnings
$18,427 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Forsyth Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,427 in student loans.After graduating from Forsyth Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,071 during the early years of their career.

Full Forsyth Technical Community College Report

#25

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
$35,547 Average Earnings
$26,578 Avg Student Debt

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte landed the #25 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

Degree recipients from JWU Charlotte accumulate an average of $26,578 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $374 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from JWU Charlotte, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,547 during the early years of their career.

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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