# Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By State (Affordable)
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-north-carolina

## Methodology

Ranked by lowest net price in North Carolina

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Finding an affordable college can be daunting, especially in a state like North Carolina, where costs can vary significantly. The schools on this list share a commitment to keeping education accessible while providing pathways to meaningful employment. The average net price across these institutions is notably low, with some as affordable as $1,664.

When evaluating these colleges, focus on key outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels. The most effective institutions not only offer a low net price but also lead to stable incomes post-graduation. For instance, the top-ranked Durham Technical Community College shows an impressive earning potential of $36,142, despite a graduation rate of 40%. Comparing these metrics helps illuminate which schools might best meet your needs.

Consider Durham Technical Community College and Wayne Community College. While both offer economical options, Wayne has a higher graduation rate of 53% compared to Durham's 40%. This difference may indicate stronger support systems for students at Wayne, which could lead to better completion rates and, ultimately, better earnings potential. Keep this in mind as you explore your options.

## Key Findings

- Durham Technical Community College has an average earning of $36,142 with a low net price of $1,664.
- Wayne Community College graduates 53% of its students, the highest rate among the top five schools.
- The average debt for graduates from these schools is around $10,000, making them a manageable option for many families.
- Central Piedmont Community College has the highest earnings potential at $37,865, but a lower graduation rate of 29%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Durham Technical Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/durham-technical-community-college) | Durham, NC | 40% | $36,142 | $1,664 | $14,750 | 0.41x |
| 2 | [Wayne Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wayne-community-college) | Goldsboro, NC | 53% | $34,148 | $2,245 | $6,500 | 0.19x |
| 3 | [Wilson Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wilson-community-college) | Wilson, NC | 33% | $32,973 | $3,064 | $10,500 | 0.32x |
| 4 | [Nash Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/nash-community-college) | Rocky Mount, NC | 46% | $34,912 | $3,338 | $11,500 | 0.33x |
| 5 | [Central Piedmont Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-piedmont-community-college) | Charlotte, NC | 29% | $37,865 | $3,345 | $7,925 | 0.21x |
| 6 | [Piedmont Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/piedmont-community-college) | Roxboro, NC | 39% | $33,274 | $1,095 | N/A | N/A |
| 7 | [Elizabeth City State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/elizabeth-city-state-university) | Elizabeth City, NC | 46% | $40,026 | $6,364 | $21,463 | 0.54x |
| 8 | [Fayetteville Technical Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fayetteville-technical-community-college) | Fayetteville, NC | 22% | $31,861 | $3,589 | $11,500 | 0.36x |
| 9 | [Johnston Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/johnston-community-college) | Smithfield, NC | 32% | $37,310 | $1,776 | N/A | N/A |
| 10 | [James Sprunt Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/james-sprunt-community-college) | Kenansville, NC | 44% | $29,307 | $1,863 | N/A | N/A |
| 11 | [College of the Albemarle](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-the-albemarle) | Elizabeth City, NC | 37% | $33,234 | $2,253 | N/A | N/A |
| 12 | [Cleveland Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cleveland-community-college) | Shelby, NC | 20% | $33,755 | $995 | N/A | N/A |
| 13 | [Rockingham Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rockingham-community-college) | Wentworth, NC | 32% | $32,480 | $2,060 | N/A | N/A |
| 14 | [Robeson Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/robeson-community-college) | Lumberton, NC | 31% | $29,036 | $2,892 | N/A | N/A |
| 15 | [Craven Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/craven-community-college) | New Bern, NC | 47% | $34,231 | $3,289 | N/A | N/A |
| 16 | [Fayetteville State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fayetteville-state-university) | Fayetteville, NC | 37% | $40,144 | $7,892 | $22,987 | 0.57x |
| 17 | [Southwestern Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwestern-community-college-nc) | Sylva, NC | 53% | $34,145 | $5,207 | $10,500 | 0.31x |
| 18 | [Blue Ridge Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/blue-ridge-community-college) | Flat Rock, NC | 44% | $36,324 | $5,756 | $12,000 | 0.33x |
| 19 | [Sandhills Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sandhills-community-college) | Pinehurst, NC | 50% | $31,656 | $4,157 | N/A | N/A |
| 20 | [Vance-Granville Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/vance-granville-community-college) | Henderson, NC | 50% | $34,304 | $3,286 | N/A | N/A |
| 21 | [Martin Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/martin-community-college) | Williamston, NC | 38% | $26,016 | $2,676 | N/A | N/A |
| 22 | [Forsyth Technical Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/forsyth-technical-community-college) | Winston-Salem, NC | 31% | $34,139 | $7,200 | $10,000 | 0.29x |
| 23 | [Pitt Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pitt-community-college) | Winterville, NC | 31% | $37,259 | $7,337 | $11,977 | 0.32x |
| 24 | [Sampson Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sampson-community-college) | Clinton, NC | 55% | $33,409 | $3,108 | N/A | N/A |
| 25 | [Rowan-Cabarrus Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rowan-cabarrus-community-college) | Salisbury, NC | 33% | $34,936 | $7,981 | $9,458 | 0.27x |
| 26 | [North Carolina A & T State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-carolina-a-t-state-university) | Greensboro, NC | 56% | $44,440 | $10,846 | $27,000 | 0.61x |
| 27 | [University of North Carolina at Pembroke](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-pembroke) | Pembroke, NC | 44% | $43,407 | $10,260 | $25,000 | 0.58x |
| 28 | [Mayland Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mayland-community-college) | Spruce Pine, NC | 48% | $34,663 | $5,861 | N/A | N/A |
| 29 | [Lenoir Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lenoir-community-college) | Kinston, NC | 33% | $33,866 | $4,127 | N/A | N/A |
| 30 | [University of North Carolina at Greensboro](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-greensboro) | Greensboro, NC | 57% | $48,160 | $10,965 | $22,858 | 0.47x |
| 31 | [Wake Technical Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wake-technical-community-college) | Raleigh, NC | 32% | $41,769 | $8,759 | $12,000 | 0.29x |
| 32 | [Western Piedmont Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-piedmont-community-college) | Morganton, NC | 43% | $34,195 | $6,448 | N/A | N/A |
| 33 | [Central Carolina Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-carolina-community-college) | Sanford, NC | 42% | $33,525 | $5,446 | N/A | N/A |
| 34 | [Beaufort County Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/beaufort-county-community-college) | Washington, NC | 43% | $32,519 | $6,500 | N/A | N/A |
| 35 | [Roanoke-Chowan Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/roanoke-chowan-community-college) | Ahoskie, NC | 30% | $29,324 | $5,570 | N/A | N/A |
| 36 | [Richmond Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/richmond-community-college) | Hamlet, NC | 43% | $29,951 | $5,071 | N/A | N/A |
| 37 | [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill) | Chapel Hill, NC | 92% | $72,200 | $11,655 | $14,000 | 0.19x |
| 38 | [Haywood Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/haywood-community-college) | Clyde, NC | 40% | $34,770 | $6,723 | N/A | N/A |
| 39 | [Mitchell Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mitchell-community-college) | Statesville, NC | 23% | $33,298 | $6,481 | N/A | N/A |
| 40 | [Stanly Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stanly-community-college) | Albemarle, NC | 54% | $36,686 | $5,721 | N/A | N/A |
| 41 | [Cape Fear Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cape-fear-community-college) | Wilmington, NC | 34% | $38,654 | $9,610 | $9,500 | 0.25x |
| 42 | [Gaston College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gaston-college) | Dallas, NC | 59% | $35,386 | $6,592 | N/A | N/A |
| 43 | [McDowell Technical Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mcdowell-technical-community-college) | Marion, NC | 53% | $33,035 | $7,784 | N/A | N/A |
| 44 | [Tri-County Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tri-county-community-college) | Murphy, NC | 54% | $32,232 | $7,799 | N/A | N/A |
| 45 | [Alamance Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alamance-community-college) | Graham, NC | 38% | $34,241 | $6,109 | N/A | N/A |
| 46 | [Davidson-Davie Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/davidson-davie-community-college) | Thomasville, NC | 44% | $36,337 | $8,753 | $10,500 | 0.29x |
| 47 | [University of North Carolina Asheville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-asheville) | Asheville, NC | 55% | $44,030 | $12,250 | $20,500 | 0.47x |
| 48 | [Randolph Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/randolph-community-college) | Asheboro, NC | 56% | $33,336 | $6,918 | N/A | N/A |
| 49 | [Catawba Valley Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/catawba-valley-community-college) | Hickory, NC | 35% | $36,977 | $10,528 | $4,938 | 0.13x |
| 50 | [Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/caldwell-community-college-and-technical-institute) | Hudson, NC | 42% | $34,515 | $10,810 | $8,750 | 0.25x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-north-carolina

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.