Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina

Find Schools Near

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.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,490 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Wake Technical Community College graduates make an average of $34,991 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read More…

#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 public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,841 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,889 in student loans. 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.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. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#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. Chapel Hill, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,760 students 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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $300. Once they receive their degree, UNC Chapel Hill graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,808 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 35% were women.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#4

East Carolina University

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend East Carolina University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. This large public school is located in Greenville, North Carolina, and it awarded 1,520 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,531 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $277, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, ECU graduates make an average of $44,403 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

Read More…

#5

Duke University

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

Out of the 117 schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Duke University landed the # 5 spot on the list. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 1,514 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,762 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #6 on the list. This large public school is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it awarded 1,513 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UNC Charlotte accumulate an average of $24,912 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $193, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UNC Charlotte graduates make an average of $46,346 annually. Around 39% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#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. Appalachian State University is a large public school located in Boone, North Carolina that handed out 1,230 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Appalachian State accumulate an average of $21,113 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 $224 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Appalachian State graduates make an average of $35,760 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 37% were women.

Read full report on Appalachian State University

#8

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

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

University of North Carolina at Wilmington ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. Wilmington, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,083 students 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. 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. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#9

Wake Forest University

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

Wake Forest University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. Wake Forest University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that handed out 946 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,222 in loans while pursuing 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. Around 39% of those degree recipients 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 a fairly large public school situated in Greensboro, North Carolina. It awarded 851 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,759 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $174, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNC Greensboro graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,140 during the early year 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

Elon University ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. Elon is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Elon, North Carolina. It awarded 731 degrees in 2020-2021.

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.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.

Full Elon University Report

#12

Western Carolina University

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

Western Carolina University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. This fairly large public school is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and it awarded 724 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,228 in loans while pursuing 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.After graduating from WCU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,924 during the early years of their career. 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

Fayetteville Technical Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #13 on the list. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 578 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from FTCC accumulate an average of $18,293 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, FTCC graduates make an average of $32,325 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read More…

#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. Morrisville, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 507 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $39,315 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $121. Once they receive their degree, Strayer University - North Carolina graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,529 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Read full report on Strayer University - North Carolina

#14

Central Piedmont Community College

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

Central Piedmont Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 507 diplomas to qualifed students 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. Of those students who received their degree, 70% 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

With a ranking of #16, Gaston College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Dallas, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 461 students 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.

Read full report on Gaston College

#17

Pitt Community College

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

Pitt Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #17 on the list. Pitt Community College is a public institution located in Winterville, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 402 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,943 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Pitt Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,276 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Pitt Community College Report

#17

High Point University

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

With a ranking of #17, High Point University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. Located in High Point, North Carolina, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 402 degrees in 2020-2021.

After graduating from High Point, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,697 during the early years of their career. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #19 on the list. University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a medium-sized public school located in Pembroke, North Carolina that handed out 395 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,823 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $123.After graduating from UNC Pembroke, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,227 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#20

Fayetteville State University

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

Fayetteville State University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and it awarded 369 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,780 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $87.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. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#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 ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. NC A&T is a fairly large public school situated in Greensboro, North Carolina. It awarded 321 degrees 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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $143. Once they receive their degree, NC A&T graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,182 during the early year 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #22 on the list. Guilford Technical Community College is located in Jamestown, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 316 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,729 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Guilford Technical Community College graduates make an average of $30,854 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Read More…

#23

Campbell University

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

Campbell University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina ranking. Campbell is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Buies Creek, North Carolina. It awarded 306 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,722 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $500, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Campbell graduates make an average of $48,312 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 40% were women.

Full Campbell University Report

#24

Catawba Valley Community College

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

Catawba Valley Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. Catawba Valley Community College is a small public school located in Hickory, North Carolina that handed out 304 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,197 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CVCC graduates make an average of $31,199 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% 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 ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Business Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 279 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Wayne Community College accumulate an average of $9,969 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Wayne Community College graduates make an average of $33,473 annually. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Wayne Community College Report

View Most Popular Business Schools Nationwide >

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.

Featured Schools

You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.

Visit School

Find Business Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited business colleges across the U.S.