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Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina

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2023 Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina

117 Schools Ranked
$40,371 Average Earnings
$21,909 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for business students. 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. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Business Degree Central has created the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 117 schools in North Carolina to see which ones were the most popular programs for business students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
2,054 Total Awards
$34,991 Average Earnings
$22,490 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Wake Technical Community College to be the most popular school for business students in North Carolina. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 2,054 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,490 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Wake Technical Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,991 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Wake Technical Community College

#2

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
1,841 Total Awards
$49,709 Average Earnings
$20,889 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means North Carolina State University is a great place for business students. NC State is a large public school situated in Raleigh, North Carolina. It awarded 1,841 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from NC State accumulate an average of $20,889 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 $285.After graduating from NC State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,709 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

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#3

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
1,760 Total Awards
$51,808 Average Earnings
$16,358 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 1,760 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UNC Chapel Hill accumulate an average of $16,358 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 $300 if they 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. Around 35% of those degree recipients were women.

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#4

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
1,520 Total Awards
$44,403 Average Earnings
$24,531 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means East Carolina University is a great place for business students. ECU is a large public school situated in Greenville, North Carolina. It awarded 1,520 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,531 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $277, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, ECU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,403 during the early year of their career. Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on East Carolina University

#5

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
1,514 Total Awards
$71,290 Average Earnings
$19,762 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Duke University. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 1,514 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Duke accumulate an average of $19,762 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $727, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Duke, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $71,290 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

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#6

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
1,513 Total Awards
$46,346 Average Earnings
$24,912 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Charlotte came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. UNC Charlotte is a large public school situated in Charlotte, North Carolina. It awarded 1,513 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,912 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $193 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNC Charlotte graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,346 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

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#7

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
1,230 Total Awards
$35,760 Average Earnings
$21,113 Avg Student Debt

Appalachian State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 1,230 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,113 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $224 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Appalachian State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,760 during the early year of their career. Around 37% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Appalachian State University Report

#8

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
1,083 Total Awards
$37,326 Average Earnings
$22,787 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, University of North Carolina at Wilmington did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a fairly large public school located in Wilmington, North Carolina that handed out 1,083 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,787 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $304 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UNCW graduates make an average of $37,326 annually. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of North Carolina at Wilmington Report

#9

Wake Forest University

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

Wake Forest University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 946 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Wake Forest University accumulate an average of $17,222 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $644, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Wake Forest University graduates make an average of $55,309 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

Read full report on Wake Forest University

#10

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

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

University of North Carolina at Greensboro landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. UNC Greensboro is located in Greensboro, North Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 851 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $24,759 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $174.After graduating from UNC Greensboro, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,140 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Greensboro

#11

Elon University

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

With a ranking of #11, Elon University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Elon, North Carolina, and it awarded 731 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,558 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $724, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Elon, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,723 during the early years of their career. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

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#12

Western Carolina University

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

Western Carolina University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business 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 724 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WCU accumulate an average of $23,228 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $198, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, WCU graduates make an average of $39,924 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Full Western Carolina University Report

#13

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
578 Total Awards
$32,325 Average Earnings
$18,293 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Fayetteville Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Fayetteville, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 578 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from FTCC accumulate an average of $18,293 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from FTCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,325 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Strayer University - North Carolina

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

With a ranking of #14, Strayer University - North Carolina did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Strayer University - North Carolina is a small private for-profit school situated in Morrisville, North Carolina. It awarded 507 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $39,315 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $121 if they 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. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Central Piedmont Community College

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

With a ranking of #14, Central Piedmont Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. This fairly large public school is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it awarded 507 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,635 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Central Piedmont Community College graduates make an average of $36,051 annually. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Central Piedmont Community College Report

#16

Gaston College

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

Gaston College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. Gaston College is a small public school located in Dallas, North Carolina that handed out 461 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Gaston College accumulate an average of $12,298 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Gaston College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,146 during the early years of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
402 Total Awards
$34,276 Average Earnings
$22,943 Avg Student Debt

Pitt Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. Pitt Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Winterville, North Carolina that handed out 402 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Pitt Community College accumulate an average of $22,943 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Pitt Community College graduates make an average of $34,276 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on Pitt Community College

#17

High Point University

High Point, North Carolina
402 Total Awards
$49,697 Average Earnings

High Point University ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. Located in High Point, North Carolina, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 402 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Once they receive their degree, High Point graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,697 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

Full High Point University Report

#19

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina
395 Total Awards
$35,227 Average Earnings
$26,823 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Pembroke came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. UNC Pembroke is located in Pembroke, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 395 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UNC Pembroke accumulate an average of $26,823 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $123, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNC Pembroke graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,227 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of North Carolina at Pembroke Report

#20

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
369 Total Awards
$37,783 Average Earnings
$28,780 Avg Student Debt

Fayetteville State University ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 369 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,780 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $87, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Fayetteville State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,783 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

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#21

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina
321 Total Awards
$43,182 Average Earnings
$30,266 Avg Student Debt

North Carolina A & T State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #21 on the list. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 321 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from NC A&T accumulate an average of $30,266 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 $143 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from NC A&T, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,182 during the early years of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full North Carolina A & T State University Report

#22

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
316 Total Awards
$30,854 Average Earnings
$22,729 Avg Student Debt

Guilford Technical Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Jamestown, North Carolina, and it awarded 316 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,729 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Guilford Technical Community College graduates make an average of $30,854 annually. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Guilford Technical Community College

#23

Campbell University

Buies Creek, North Carolina
306 Total Awards
$48,312 Average Earnings
$23,722 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Campbell University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 306 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Campbell accumulate an average of $23,722 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 $500. During the early years of their career, Campbell graduates make an average of $48,312 annually. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Campbell University

#24

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, North Carolina
304 Total Awards
$31,199 Average Earnings
$14,197 Avg Student Debt

Catawba Valley Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #24 on the list. CVCC is located in Hickory, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 304 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $14,197 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CVCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,199 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Catawba Valley Community College Report

#25

Wayne Community College

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

Wayne Community College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. Wayne Community College is a small public school located in Goldsboro, North Carolina that handed out 279 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $9,969 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

Full Wayne Community College Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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