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Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina

2023 Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina

23 Schools Ranked
$18,407 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,175 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school 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.

The Best Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 23 schools in North Carolina to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
4,764 Total Awards
$7,325 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,335 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named East Carolina University the best school in North Carolina for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. ECU is located in Greenville, North Carolina and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 4,764 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ECU is $7,325. Out-of-state students pay an average of $23,602. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from ECU accumulate an average of $22,335 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ECU does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 74% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full East Carolina University Report

#2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
6,451 Total Awards
$8,989 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,485 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in North Carolina. Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 6,451 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UNC Chapel Hill is $8,989. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $37,550. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,485 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UNC Chapel Hill. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 25% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#3

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
6,019 Total Awards
$7,214 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,940 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. UNC Charlotte is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 6,019 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $7,214 in tuition and fees if they attend UNC Charlotte full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $21,338. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,940 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UNC Charlotte. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full University of North Carolina at Charlotte Report

#4

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
2,736 Total Awards
$4,453 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,479 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Western Carolina University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Western Carolina University is a fairly large public school located in Cullowhee, North Carolina that handed out 2,736 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend WCU full time pay an average of $4,453 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,453. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,479 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at WCU. In fact, around 52% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#5

Wingate University

Wingate, North Carolina
528 Total Awards
$40,806 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,863 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Wingate University is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Wingate is a private not-for-profit institution located in Wingate, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 528 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Wingate, expect to pay an average of $40,806 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,863 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Wingate. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 30% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Wingate University

#6

Pfeiffer University

Misenheimer, North Carolina
171 Total Awards
$33,290 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,335 Avg Student Debt

Pfeiffer University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #6 on the list. Pfeiffer University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Misenheimer, North Carolina that handed out 171 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Pfeiffer University is $33,290. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Pfeiffer University accumulate an average of $26,335 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Pfeiffer University does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 32% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Pfeiffer University Report

#7

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
6,518 Total Awards
$9,128 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,041 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, North Carolina State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. NC State is a public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,518 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NC State is $9,128. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $30,869. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from NC State accumulate an average of $20,041 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NC State. During the 2020-2021 year, about 53% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full North Carolina State University Report

#8

University of Mount Olive

Mount Olive, North Carolina
496 Total Awards
$23,591 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,360 Avg Student Debt

University of Mount Olive did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #8 on the list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Mount Olive, North Carolina, and it awarded 496 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at UMO is $23,591. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UMO accumulate an average of $29,360 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UMO does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of Mount Olive

#9

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
3,763 Total Awards
$7,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,614 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Wilmington landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This fairly large public school is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it awarded 3,763 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $7,238 in tuition and fees if they attend UNCW full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $21,858. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UNCW accumulate an average of $20,614 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that UNCW does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 74% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Wilmington

#10

Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
391 Total Awards
$40,830 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,834 Avg Student Debt

Queens University of Charlotte landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Queens is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Charlotte, North Carolina. It awarded 391 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Queens, expect to pay an average of $40,830 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Queens accumulate an average of $24,834 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Queens does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#11

Winston - Salem State University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
937 Total Awards
$6,276 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,413 Avg Student Debt

Winston - Salem State University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. WSSU is a public institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 937 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend WSSU full time pay an average of $6,276 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $16,932. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,413 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WSSU. In 2020-2021 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#12

Lees - McRae College

Banner Elk, North Carolina
232 Total Awards
$29,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,077 Avg Student Debt

Lees - McRae College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 232 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Lees - McRae College is $29,440. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,077 in student loans.

Lees - McRae College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 23% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Lees - McRae College

#13

Lenoir - Rhyne University

Hickory, North Carolina
323 Total Awards
$23,761 Avg Student Debt

Lenoir - Rhyne University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #13 on the list. Lenoir - Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Hickory, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 323 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,761 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Lenoir - Rhyne University, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 69% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
4,336 Total Awards
$7,450 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,655 Avg Student Debt

Appalachian State University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 4,336 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $7,450 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Appalachian State. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $23,454. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,655 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Appalachian State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 59% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

Barton College

Wilson, North Carolina
237 Total Awards
$25,582 Avg Student Debt

Barton College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Barton College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Wilson, North Carolina. It awarded 237 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Barton College accumulate an average of $25,582 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Barton College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 73% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Barton College

#16

Campbell University

Buies Creek, North Carolina
912 Total Awards
$39,230 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,423 Avg Student Debt

Campbell University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 912 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Campbell, expect to pay an average of $39,230 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Campbell accumulate an average of $22,423 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Campbell. In fact, around 37% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Campbell University

#17

Gardner - Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina
516 Total Awards
$32,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,522 Avg Student Debt

Gardner - Webb University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, and it awarded 516 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Gardner - Webb, expect to pay an average of $32,200 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Gardner - Webb accumulate an average of $23,522 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Gardner - Webb. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 55% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Gardner - Webb University Report

#18

Methodist University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
315 Total Awards
$38,138 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,124 Avg Student Debt

Methodist University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and it awarded 315 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Methodist is $38,138. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,124 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Methodist. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 46% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Methodist University Report

#19

Mars Hill University

Mars Hill, North Carolina
212 Total Awards
$24,534 Avg Student Debt

Mars Hill University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Mars Hill, North Carolina, and it awarded 212 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,534 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Mars Hill does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 38% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Mars Hill University

#20

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina
1,368 Total Awards
$3,495 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,172 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Pembroke came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Pembroke, North Carolina, and it awarded 1,368 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend UNC Pembroke full time pay an average of $3,495 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,495. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,172 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UNC Pembroke. During the 2020-2021 year, about 71% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of North Carolina at Pembroke Report

#21

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
1,091 Total Awards
$3,906 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,310 Avg Student Debt

Fayetteville State University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Fayetteville State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It awarded 1,091 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,906 in tuition and fees if they attend Fayetteville State University full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,906. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,310 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Fayetteville State University. In 2020-2021 about 91% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#22

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina
2,049 Total Awards
$6,733 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,026 Avg Student Debt

North Carolina A & T State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #22 on the list. NC A&T is a fairly large public school situated in Greensboro, North Carolina. It awarded 2,049 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,733 in tuition and fees if they attend NC A&T full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $20,243. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,026 in student loans.

Online courses are available at NC A&T, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 59% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full North Carolina A & T State University Report

#23

Miller-Motte College Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
14 Total Awards
$43,494 Avg Student Debt

Miller-Motte College Wilmington came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it awarded 14 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $43,494 in student loans.

Online courses are available at MMC Wilmington, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Miller-Motte College Wilmington

View Best Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 23 schools only.

References

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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