2025 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina
There are lots of options to choose from today when trying to decide which school to attend. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our Top North Carolina Colleges for a Bachelor's ranking - to help you make that decision.
Jump to Any of the Following Sections: * Our Methodology
Your Choice of School Matters
After analyzing 43 schools in North Carolina, we came up with our list of those that offered the best bachelor's degree programs. To come up with this ranking of the best schools, we look at factors that are all objective measurements. We explain more about what we look at and why we do so below.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with a bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree.
The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. In addition, we've put together a number of other
college rankings that may help you in your search.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
2,312
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$60,889
Average Early-Career Earnings
$40,960
Average Student Debt
Our analysis found Duke University to be the best school for bachelor’s degrees in North Carolina in this year’s ranking. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 2,312 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Duke is $60,889 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $40,960 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Duke University
6,451
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,947
Average Early-Career Earnings
$31,599
Average Student Debt
A rank of #2 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in North Carolina list means University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a great place for students working on their degree. UNC Chapel Hill is a public institution located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,451 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UNC Chapel Hill make an average of $43,947 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $31,599.
Learn More About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
1,546
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$49,846
Average Early-Career Earnings
$60,106
Average Student Debt
Out of the 43 bachelor’s degree schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Wake Forest University landed the #3 spot on the list. Wake Forest University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that handed out 1,546 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University make an average of $49,846 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $60,106 after getting their degree.
Full Wake Forest University Report
6,518
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,569
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,312
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend North Carolina State University. It ranked #4 on our 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. NC State is a large public school situated in Raleigh, North Carolina. It awarded 6,518 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from NC State is $50,569 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,312.
Learn More About North Carolina State University
1,802
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,473
Average Early-Career Earnings
$69,122
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Elon University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in North Carolina. Elon is a private not-for-profit institution located in Elon, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,802 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Elon make an average of $45,473 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $69,122 after getting their degree.
Full Elon University Report
4,764
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,076
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,643
Average Student Debt
East Carolina University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #6. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 4,764 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from ECU make an average of $42,076 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $23,643 after getting their degree.
Full East Carolina University Report
6,019
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,036
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,430
Average Student Debt
University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranked #7 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 6,019 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte go into careers with an average salary of $45,036 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $19,430.
Full University of North Carolina at Charlotte Report
3,763
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,515
Average Early-Career Earnings
$28,074
Average Student Debt
University of North Carolina at Wilmington came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 3,763 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UNCW go into careers with an average salary of $35,515 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $28,074.
Full University of North Carolina at Wilmington Report
4,336
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,346
Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,628
Average Student Debt
Appalachian State University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #9. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 4,336 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State make an average of $36,346 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $20,628 after getting their degree.
Full Appalachian State University Report
152
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,967
Average Early-Career Earnings
$33,923
Average Student Debt
Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 152 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from JWU Charlotte make an average of $34,967 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $33,923 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte
3,495
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,181
Average Early-Career Earnings
$15,068
Average Student Debt
University of North Carolina at Greensboro ranked #11 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a fairly large public school located in Greensboro, North Carolina that handed out 3,495 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UNC Greensboro is $34,181 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $15,068.
Learn More About University of North Carolina at Greensboro
1,122
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
High Point University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. High Point University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in High Point, North Carolina that handed out 1,122 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Learn More About High Point University
2,736
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,095
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,470
Average Student Debt
Western Carolina University landed the #13 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree 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 2,736 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from WCU is $38,095 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $19,470 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Western Carolina University
502
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,151
Average Early-Career Earnings
$14,145
Average Student Debt
North Carolina Wesleyan College did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #14. North Carolina Wesleyan College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina that handed out 502 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College is $38,151 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $14,145 after getting their degree.
Learn More About North Carolina Wesleyan College
516
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,955
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,611
Average Student Debt
Gardner - Webb University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Gardner - Webb is a private not-for-profit institution located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 516 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Gardner - Webb go into careers with an average salary of $43,955 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $30,611.
Read full report on Gardner - Webb University
399
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,124
Average Early-Career Earnings
$49,980
Average Student Debt
Meredith College landed the #16 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 399 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Meredith is $40,124 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $49,980.
Full Meredith College Report
391
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,913
Average Early-Career Earnings
$18,443
Average Student Debt
Queens University of Charlotte ranked #17 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Queens is a private not-for-profit institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 391 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Queens make an average of $44,913 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $18,443.
Read full report on Queens University of Charlotte
288
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,894
Average Early-Career Earnings
$12,000
Average Student Debt
Catawba College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Salisbury, North Carolina, and it awarded 288 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Catawba make an average of $37,894 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $12,000.
Learn More About Catawba College
496
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,256
Average Early-Career Earnings
University of Mount Olive landed the #19 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. UMO is located in Mount Olive, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 496 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UMO go into careers with an average salary of $42,256 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About University of Mount Olive
1,368
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,406
Average Early-Career Earnings
$10,384
Average Student Debt
University of North Carolina at Pembroke did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #20. Pembroke, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,368 students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UNC Pembroke go into careers with an average salary of $36,406 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $10,384 after getting their degree.
Learn More About University of North Carolina at Pembroke
2,049
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,577
Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,979
Average Student Debt
North Carolina A & T State University landed the #21 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 2,049 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from NC A&T is $47,577 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,979 in student loans.
Full North Carolina A & T State University Report
237
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,973
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #22, Barton College did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Barton College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Wilson, North Carolina that handed out 237 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Barton College go into careers with an average salary of $42,973 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Barton College
912
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$46,285
Average Early-Career Earnings
$48,947
Average Student Debt
Campbell University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Campbell University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Buies Creek, North Carolina that handed out 912 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $46,285 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $48,947 in student loans.
Full Campbell University Report
1,002
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,918
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,229
Average Student Debt
North Carolina Central University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Durham, North Carolina, and it awarded 1,002 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from North Carolina Central University make an average of $37,918 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $19,229 in student loans.
Learn More About North Carolina Central University
315
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,322
Average Early-Career Earnings
$54,831
Average Student Debt
Belmont Abbey College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Belmont, North Carolina, and it awarded 315 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from BAC make an average of $40,322 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $54,831.
Full Belmont Abbey College Report
