2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in North Carolina
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in North Carolina? Our ranking highlights 163 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed 30 schools to build 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 Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in North Carolina
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Appalachian State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Graduate Degrees degree schools in North Carolina. Set in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,579, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Appalachian State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $21,992 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,836. That is a strong return on a $21,992 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Appalachian State University profile
You'll get strong value at East Carolina University, which ranked #2 this year. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about East Carolina University
You'll get strong value at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, which ranked #3 this year. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Students borrow a median of $24,673 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earned it the #4 place in North Carolina. Located in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,277, while out-of-state students pay about $24,152. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,013 in debt. 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. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington admits about 64% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #4 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in North Carolina. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 15%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
A rank of #4 makes Winston Salem State University one of the best values in North Carolina. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Winston Salem State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,126, while out-of-state students pay about $16,782. Winston Salem State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,653 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,344. Set against $27,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Winston Salem State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #7 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,113 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Fayetteville State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Fayetteville State University is a public school based in Fayetteville, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,353, while out-of-state students pay about $8,353. Fayetteville State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,869 in debt. Fayetteville State University alumni report median earnings of $40,144 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,869 median debt. Fayetteville State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Fayetteville State University
Salem College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Salem College is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,848. Graduates carry a median of $26,789 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,640 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,789 median debt. Salem College has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Salem College report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #10 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $24,977 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Western Carolina University landed the #11 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,174. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. Set against $24,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Western Carolina University profile
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #12 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,089. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. That is a strong return on a $27,089 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
North Carolina A And T State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $29,078. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,440. That is a strong return on a $29,078 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. See the full North Carolina A And T State University profile
Montreat College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Montreat, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,450. Graduates carry a median of $24,168 in student loans. 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. More on Montreat College
Wingate University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Wingate, NC, Wingate University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,576. Graduates carry a median of $25,556 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,649. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wingate University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Wingate University
Elizabeth City State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Elizabeth City State University is a public school based in Elizabeth City, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,992. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,026. That is a strong return on a $26,992 median debt. Elizabeth City State University admits about 64% of applicants. Read more about Elizabeth City State University
North Carolina Central University landed the #17 spot for value in North Carolina this year. North Carolina Central University is a public school based in Durham, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,699, with out-of-state students paying around $19,735. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $31,173. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,968. That is a strong return on a $31,173 median debt. North Carolina Central University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full North Carolina Central University report
Lenoir Rhyne University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hickory, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,900 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,543. That is a strong return on a $26,900 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lenoir Rhyne University report
Gardner Webb University placed #19 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Gardner Webb University
Pfeiffer University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Misenheimer, NC, Pfeiffer University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,070 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,375 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,562. That is a strong return on a $26,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Pfeiffer University
Queens University Of Charlotte landed the #21 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Charlotte, NC, Queens University Of Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,846. Graduates carry a median of $27,245 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,673. That is a strong return on a $27,245 median debt. Queens University Of Charlotte admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about Queens University Of Charlotte
Elon University placed #22 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Based 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 Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $74,545 ten years out. Set against $21,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elon University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Elon University
Campbell University placed #23 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Set in Buies Creek, NC, Campbell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,600. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $54,886 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Campbell University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Campbell University profile
Mars Hill College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mars Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,736. Graduates carry a median of $26,886 in student loans. Mars Hill College alumni report median earnings of $44,781 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mars Hill College
Wake Forest University placed #25 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,642. Wake Forest University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,158 ten years out. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wake Forest University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in North Carolina
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
High Point University placed #26 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Set in High Point, NC, High Point University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,312. Students borrow a median of $23,785 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,389. Set against $23,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. High Point University has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on High Point University
Mount Olive College landed the #27 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mount Olive, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,366. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $30,798. Median earnings reach $47,139 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Olive College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Mount Olive College
Duke University landed the #28 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $13,296. 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. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. More on Duke University
Strayer University North Carolina ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private for-profit school is set in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,920. Strayer University North Carolina Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $47,631 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,092 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Strayer University North Carolina
Methodist University landed the #30 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Fayetteville, NC, Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,250 in tuition and fees. Methodist University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,604 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,050 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Methodist University
Miller Motte College Jacksonville came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Miller Motte College Jacksonville
Empire Beauty School Concord placed #32 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. More on Empire Beauty School Concord
No Grease Barber School offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. See the full No Grease Barber School profile
One Stop Academy
One Stop Academy placed #34 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Read more about One Stop Academy
Stanly Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. See the full Stanly Community College profile
Richmond Community College landed the #36 spot for value in North Carolina this year. See the full Richmond Community College profile
Greensboro College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. See the full Greensboro College profile
Mayland Community College placed #38 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Get the full Mayland Community College report
South University High Point landed the #39 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Read the full report on South University High Point
University Of North Carolina At Asheville came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Asheville
Mitchells Hairstyling Academy Wilson ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. More on Mitchells Hairstyling Academy Wilson
Elevate Salon Institute Durham came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. More on Elevate Salon Institute Durham
Saint Augustines College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Saint Augustines College
Mid Atlantic Christian University placed #44 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Read more about Mid Atlantic Christian University
St Andrews Presbyterian College landed the #45 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Get the full St Andrews Presbyterian College report
Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock landed the #46 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Get the full Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock report
Health And Style Institute placed #47 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. More on Health And Style Institute
Miller Motte College Wilmington landed the #48 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Get the full Miller Motte College Wilmington report
Barton College
Barton College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. More on Barton College
Chamberlain University North Carolina placed #50 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in North Carolina. Read the full report on Chamberlain University North Carolina
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · 30 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).
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