2026 Best Value Business Schools in North Carolina
Looking for the best-value Business degree programs in North Carolina? This list ranks 163 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Business Degree Central evaluated 56 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Business Degree Schools in North Carolina
Explore the best-value schools below:
Pitt Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Business degree schools in North Carolina. This public school is set in Winterville, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,871, while out-of-state students pay about $13,087. Typical Business student debt is $19,741. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,259. Set against $19,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Pitt Community College
You'll get strong value at Vance Granville Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Henderson, NC, Vance Granville Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,944, with out-of-state students paying around $6,552. Students borrow a median of $14,833 to complete their Business program here. Vance Granville Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,304 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt. More on Vance Granville Community College
A rank of #3 makes Wake Technical Community College one of the best values in North Carolina. Based in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Wake Technical Community College Business students take on a median of $17,900 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,769. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wake Technical Community College report
Out of the 56 schools in North Carolina in this year's value ranking, Forsyth Technical Community College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,276, compared with $6,884 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,374 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,139 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Forsyth Technical Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wayne Community College earned it the #5 place in North Carolina. Wayne Community College is a public school based in Goldsboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,566 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,710 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,148. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wayne Community College report
Catawba Valley Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Hickory, NC, Catawba Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,427, with out-of-state students paying around $7,803. Typical Business student debt is $9,842. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,977 ten years after entry. Set against $9,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Catawba Valley Community College profile
Central Piedmont Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $11,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,865. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Piedmont Community College
Gaston College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Dallas, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,186, with out-of-state students paying around $9,330. Gaston College Business students take on a median of $10,915 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,386 ten years after entry. Set against $10,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gaston College
Guilford Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Jamestown, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,696 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,501 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,934 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Guilford Technical Community College profile
Southwestern Community College Sylva came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Sylva, NC, Southwestern Community College Sylva is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,112, compared with $13,184 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $13,708. Median earnings reach $34,145 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southwestern Community College Sylva
Surry Community College landed the #11 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Set in Dobson, NC, Surry Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,668, compared with $8,812 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,537 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,012 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Surry Community College
Mitchell Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in Statesville, NC, Mitchell Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,651, compared with $8,795 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $6,313. Mitchell Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,298 a decade after entry. Set against $6,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mitchell Community College report
Wilkes Community College landed the #13 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Set in Wilkesboro, NC, Wilkes Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,716. Graduates carry a median of $9,125 in student loans. Wilkes Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,728 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wilkes Community College
Nash Community College landed the #14 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Rocky Mount, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,866, with out-of-state students paying around $8,866. The median Business program debt is $16,969. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,912 ten years after entry. Set against $16,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Nash Community College
Fayetteville Technical Community College placed #15 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. Based in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,628, compared with $8,772 for out-of-state students. Fayetteville Technical Community College Business students take on a median of $16,909 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,861. Set against $16,909 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Fayetteville Technical Community College profile
Rowan Cabarrus Community College landed the #16 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a public school based in Salisbury, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,064, with out-of-state students paying around $6,672. Typical Business student debt is $10,867. Rowan Cabarrus Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,936 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,867 median debt. Read more about Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College landed the #17 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Asheville, NC, Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,882, while out-of-state students pay about $9,026. Students borrow a median of $18,883 to complete their Business program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,048. That is a strong return on a $18,883 median debt. Get the full Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College report
Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock placed #18 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. Based in Flat Rock, NC, Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,660 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,804. Students borrow a median of $16,252 to complete their Business program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,324 ten years after entry. Set against $16,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock
Western Carolina University landed the #19 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. The median Business program debt is $24,174. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,174 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #20 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Typical Business student debt is $15,117. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public school based in Pembroke, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,089 to complete their Business program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $27,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Appalachian State University landed the #22 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. The median Business program debt is $21,992. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,836. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Appalachian State University profile
East Carolina University placed #23 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Graduates carry a median of $24,747 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on East Carolina University
Robeson Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. This public school is set in Lumberton, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,604 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,748. Typical Business student debt is $9,949. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Robeson Community College
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $22,113 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Business Degree Schools in North Carolina
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,673 to complete their Business program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,013 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,967 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,013 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Fayetteville State University landed the #28 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,353, compared with $8,353 for out-of-state students. Fayetteville State University Business students take on a median of $27,869 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,144. That is a strong return on a $27,869 median debt. Fayetteville State University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Fayetteville State University
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #29 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $24,977 in student loans. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
North Carolina A And T State University landed the #30 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. The median Business program debt is $29,078. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,440 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. Get the full North Carolina A And T State University report
University Of North Carolina At Asheville came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Asheville is a public school based in Asheville, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,501, while out-of-state students pay about $24,849. Typical Business student debt is $22,108. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Set against $22,108 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Asheville admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Asheville
North Carolina Central University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. North Carolina Central University is a public school based in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,699, while out-of-state students pay about $19,735. Graduates carry a median of $31,173 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,968 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina Central University admits about 87% of applicants. More on North Carolina Central University
Winston Salem State University placed #33 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. Winston Salem State University is a public school based in Winston-Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,126, while out-of-state students pay about $16,782. Graduates carry a median of $27,653 in student loans. Winston Salem State University alumni report median earnings of $45,344 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Winston Salem State University
Strayer University North Carolina placed #34 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. This private for-profit school is set in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $13,920. Strayer University North Carolina Business students take on a median of $47,631 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Strayer University North Carolina
Gardner Webb University landed the #35 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,750. Gardner Webb University Business students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gardner Webb University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Gardner Webb University report
Belmont Abbey College placed #36 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. Set in Belmont, NC, Belmont Abbey College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,500. The median Business program debt is $27,140. Median earnings reach $47,937 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,140 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Belmont Abbey College report
Queens University Of Charlotte landed the #37 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Set in Charlotte, NC, Queens University Of Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,846. Graduates carry a median of $27,245 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,673 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,245 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Queens University Of Charlotte
Duke University placed #38 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Duke University
Pfeiffer University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Pfeiffer University is a private not-for-profit school based in Misenheimer, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $35,070. The median Business program debt is $26,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,562 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pfeiffer University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Pfeiffer University
Elon University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Elon, NC, Elon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,958. Students borrow a median of $21,619 to complete their Business program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,545 ten years after entry. Set against $21,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elon University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Elon University
Montreat College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Montreat College is a private not-for-profit school based in Montreat, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $36,450. Typical Business student debt is $24,168. Montreat College alumni report median earnings of $45,151 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montreat College
Wake Forest University placed #42 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Students from in state pay about $67,642 in tuition and fees. Typical Business student debt is $21,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,158 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. The acceptance rate is 22%. More on Wake Forest University
Wingate University placed #43 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. Wingate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Wingate, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,576. Graduates carry a median of $25,556 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,649. Set against $25,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wingate University
Mount Olive College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mount Olive, NC, Mount Olive College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,366 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,798 to complete their Business program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,139. Set against $30,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Mount Olive College profile
Lenoir Rhyne University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Hickory, NC, Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,900. Students borrow a median of $26,900 to complete their Business program here. Median earnings reach $45,543 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lenoir Rhyne University profile
Catawba College landed the #45 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Salisbury, NC, Catawba College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,300. Typical Business student debt is $25,667. Catawba College alumni report median earnings of $48,793 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,667 median debt. Catawba College has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Catawba College report
Campbell University landed the #47 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,600. The median Business program debt is $23,641. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,886 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. Campbell University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Campbell University
Saint Augustines College placed #48 among the best-value Business schools in North Carolina. Located in Raleigh, NC, Saint Augustines College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,896 in tuition and fees. Typical Business student debt is $36,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,730 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $36,921 median debt. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Augustines College
Johnson And Wales University Charlotte landed the #49 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Charlotte, NC, Johnson And Wales University Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,982. Typical Business student debt is $25,574. Johnson And Wales University Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $43,418 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Johnson And Wales University Charlotte
Mars Hill College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mars Hill, NC, Mars Hill College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,736. The median Business program debt is $26,886. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,781 ten years after entry. Set against $26,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mars Hill College
More Business Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 56 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 163 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
BusinessDegreeCentral.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© BusinessDegreeCentral.com – All Rights Reserved.