15 Cheapest Universities in North Carolina for International Students

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In North Carolina, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in North Carolina, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 45 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in North Carolina, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in North Carolina for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in North Carolina ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of North Carolina at Pembroke 5,000 USD 83%
Fayetteville State University 5,000 USD 83%
St. Augustine’s University 11,000 USD 62%
Saint Augustine’s University 11,000 USD 62%
Western Carolina University 11,200 USD 61%
Shaw University 12,800 USD 56%
Winston-Salem State University 14,100 USD 51%
Livingstone College 16,000 USD 45%
Bennett College 16,000 USD 44%
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University 17,100 USD 41%
Belmont Abbey College 18,500 USD 36%
University of North Carolina Wilmington 19,100 USD 34%
Johnson C. Smith University 19,600 USD 32%
University of North Carolina at Greensboro 19,600 USD 32%
Appalachian State University 20,300 USD 29%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 28,500 USD for universities in North Carolina.

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1. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) was established in 1887. This public institution is part of the University of North Carolina system that provides top-class higher education programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, UNCP has the safest learning environment among its member universities. It also has one of the most diverse communities as students and faculty members come from different US states and foreign countries.

2. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a historically black university providing quality education through a liberal arts foundation. The university offers over 78 student organizations, allowing students to enhance their academic skills and leadership potential. It maintains a safe space for everyone to study and achieve their dreams through academic excellence.

3. St. Augustine’s University

Saint Augustine’s University maintains a student-first learning community where each learner is trained academically, socially, and spiritually to prepare them for the complexities of the dynamic global industry. Its renowned faculty and staff are determined to bring out the student’s full potential and instill learnings that will forever be embedded in them as they graduate from the institution. Despite the challenges in recent years, the university remains steadfast in delivering its mission and purpose to the education community of its country.

4. Saint Augustine’s University

Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) is a private historically black Christian university in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1867 as Saint Augustine’s Normal School. More than 20 undergraduate majors in various disciplines are available at the university. Saint Augustine’s University’s mission is to maintain a learning community in which students can prepare for academic, social, and spiritual leadership in a global society.

5. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University (WCU) has been in the academic industry since 1889. This public higher education university offers comprehensive educational programs in the fields of education. Nursing, engineering, management, and more. WCU is among the leading universities in the western region of North Carolina. Its academic excellence assures students that they will become competent professionals and experts.

6. Shaw University

Known as the first historically black institution in the South, Shaw University has been a pioneer in higher education in the African American community after years of slavery. It was founded by the American Baptist Hope Mission Society as an institution for theological education. At present, the university offers degrees in various subject areas and carries out different activities that promote social justice and community development.

7. Winston-Salem State University

Known as a historically black public university, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) prides itself on being a regionally recognized institution for providing academic excellence in North Carolina. In addition, WSSU is part of the University of North Carolina System, an assurance that it provides only high standards of teaching and research. The university offers future-oriented study programs explicitly designed to generate skilled professionals who will significantly contribute to society. Some of its top-rated academic programs include nursing, accounting, psychology, and education.

8. Livingstone College

Originally established in 1879 as Zion Wesley Institute, Livingstone College is a historically black institute known for providing exceptional educational opportunities to the African-American community in North Carolina. The university takes pride in its visually appealing campus, state-of-the-art facilities, and notable alumni. The university’s Success Center also provides different services to support the overall well-being of its students.

9. Bennett College

Bennett College is a private liberal arts college for women in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is one of only two historically black colleges in North Carolina that accept only female students. The college is known for providing a high-quality college experience for women of color, as well as strong academic and co-curricular programs. They have a 7-to-1 faculty-to-student ratio and a global studies program for students interested in studying abroad.

10. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is considered the largest historically black university in the country. It offers a safe space for people to learn and enjoy what they are passionate about, regardless of their race. The university has grown over the years and is now the leading producer of African-American graduates.

11. Belmont Abbey College

The exceptional Belmont Abbey College is a private institution that aligns its programs with Benedictine values. The school’s primary goal is cultivating students guided by its values and principles. By doing so, the institution only provides top-rated programs and high standards of teaching to its students. In addition, this small college has a close-knit community which is incredibly beneficial as students will have the needed support among their peers. And at the same time, the academic faculty are ready to aid and mentor students to develop their talents and skills.

12. University of North Carolina Wilmington

Known for short as UNCW, the University of North Carolina Wilmington is a federal institution that puts high emphasis on research and innovation. This college was first established to academically train battle-hardened veterans, but after a legislative bill, the UNCW officially became a liberal arts college that offered a great variety of courses in various levels of higher education. When it comes to academics, the University of North Carolina Wilmington specializes in marine science due to its closeness to the Atlantic Ocean.

13. Johnson C. Smith University

Johnson C. Smith University is a private university in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was founded in 1867 as a historically black university called Biddle Memorial Institute after Mary D. Biddle, a churchwoman who was a major contributor to the school. Undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, science, technology and professional studies are available at the university.

14. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Located in a business and logistics hub, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers more than 150 degree programs to almost 20,000 students. This university is recognized for its learner-centered teaching approach and for innovating in the field of research. In fact, this was one of the first universities that created programs related to nanotechnology. It also has a very active student body, with 18 sports clubs, 36 student organizations, and dozens of culture clubs.

15. Appalachian State University

The Appalachian State University, also called App State, is a member of the University of North Carolina system. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, around 21,000 students make the university their new home. This eight-college institution is well ranked nationally, placing 251st and 600th in the US by QS rankings and Times Higher Education, respectively, and 6th in the Southern Region by US News.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in North Carolina for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in North Carolina ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Gardner-Webb University 6,180 USD - 7,800 USD 62%
Barton College 6,444 USD - 10,800 USD 60%
Elon University 6,458 USD - 52,600 USD 60%
Catawba College 7,188 USD 55%
Lees-McRae College 7,500 USD 54%
Montreat College 8,100 USD - 8,505 USD 50%
Pfeiffer University 8,160 USD 49%
University of North Carolina at Asheville 8,172 USD - 24,500 USD 49%
Campbell University 8,175 USD - 34,200 USD 49%
Queens University of Charlotte 8,250 USD - 21,800 USD 49%
Meredith College 8,625 USD - 14,800 USD 46%
Mars Hill University 8,802 USD - 19,500 USD 45%
Brevard College 9,000 USD 44%
North Carolina Wesleyan University 9,450 USD 41%
Shaw University 10,800 USD 33%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 16,000 USD for universities in North Carolina.

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1. Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University is a private Christian university located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The university is known for its professional schools and Christian higher education. The top five undergraduate majors for Gardner-Webb are Nursing, Biology, Exercise Science, Psychology, and Business Administration.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Gardner-Webb University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,180 USD to 7,800 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Barton College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Barton College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Barton College is 6,444 USD to 10,800 USD.

Barton College is a private college in Wilson, North Carolina. It was founded in 1902 by the North Carolina Christian Missionary Convention. Nursing, Kinesiology, Criminology, School Administration, and Strategic Leadership are among the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees available at the college. Students at Barton will benefit from internships, practicums, and presentations, as well as opportunities to engage with the community through service and cultural activities.

3. Elon University

Elon University is a private higher education institution with a long and rich history dating back to 1889. It has evolved into a premier university and excels in providing first-class programs and high-quality teaching and research. In addition, the university is recognized for being a student-centered university. One of its primary goals is to train and satisfy each student’s overall academic experience throughout the duration of their studies.

The tuition fee at Elon University for incoming international master’s students is 6,458 USD to 52,567 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Catawba College

Another affordable university to consider in North Carolina is Catawba College.

Catawba College is a private college in Salisbury, North Carolina. It was founded in 1851 by the Reformed Church. Over 70 different fields of study are available at the college. Business, Management, Marketing, Health, Education, Natural Resources and Conservation, and Kinesiology are among the most popular majors at Catawba College. For its students, faculty, and administration, the Catawba community upholds Judeo-Christian ideals.

The tuition fee in Catawba College for master’s program for foreign students starts from 7,188 USD.

5. Lees-McRae College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Lees-McRae College has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 7,500 USD yearly.

Lees-McRae College was founded in 1900 and can be traced by 1850 in the history of the town where it was built. Starting as an all-girls school named Elizabeth McRae Institute and became coeducational once it became Lees–McRae College in 1931. The college celebrates and continues its long tradition of honoring its Appalachian heritage. The school has served for more than 100 years and now provides undergraduate and graduate level programs through on-campus teaching or online/distance learning.

6. Montreat College

Montreat College is a higher education institute that offers undergraduate and graduate-level programs on-campus and online. Its roots go as far back as 1897 – a Congregationalist named minister John C. Collins created a Christian association that would eventually lead to the creation of Montreat College. For more than 100 years, they have provided the youth with Christ-centered education in pursuit of greater intellectual inquiry and deep-seated faith. They have four campuses in North Carolina which are Montreat, Asheville, Charlotte, and Black Mountain. Their recent data shows they have 979 enrollees and it continues to grow in the near future.

7. Pfeiffer University

Pfeiffer University is a private university in North Carolina offering more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts. Students at the university undergo a program called Pfeiffer Journey, where they attend several seminars and activities and get mentored by peers and faculty members to give them career and academic advice. Pfeiffer University also provides several opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in several community service activities. 

8. University of North Carolina at Asheville

The University of North Carolina at Asheville is a public institution centered on the liberal arts. Thus, most of its undergrad programs and its only master’s course are dedicated to the field. It is ranked 146th among national liberal arts colleges by US News and is part of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. This university is also one of the 16 UNC System campuses.

9. Campbell University

Campbell University is a private educational institution with an affiliation to the Baptist State Convention in North Carolina. It is one of the five independent universities in the state to receive the highest level of accreditation. Campbell University offers over 100 programs, even pioneering in the academic studies of fields like osteopathy and trust and financial management.

10. Queens University of Charlotte

Queens University of Charlotte is a relatively small university located in the charming city of Charlotte, North Carolina. This private institution offers a broad spectrum of professional certificate programs and educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Also, students will be provided with countless training and internship opportunities as its location is considered one of the rapidly growing economies in North Carolina.

11. Meredith College

Nationally ranked, Meredith College’s student body has grown throughout the years. It is respected as a vibrant learning environment where students enhance their strengths and broaden their perspectives. It educates and inspires students to live with integrity and provide leadership for society’s needs, opportunities and challenges.

12. Mars Hill University

Mars Hill University is a private university in Mars Hill, North Carolina. It was founded in 1856 and is one of North Carolina’s oldest universities. The university offers six undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees in different fields of study. Business, Health Sciences, and Public Administration are the most popular majors at Mars Hill University.

13. Brevard College

Brevard College is a private university located in Brevard, North Carolina. When it was established in 1853, the college was named after one of the local leaders. It moved to its current location in 1934, allowing the school to expand in campus size, student population, and faculty. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students.

14. North Carolina Wesleyan University

North Carolina Wesleyan University was founded in 1956 in Rocky Mount City in North Carolina. They currently offer 33 major and 31 minor undergraduate programs and two master’s programs. While the provided programs may be limited, the school is competent in teaching and compensates it with its top-notch recreational facilities and athletic activities. This way, they can host art performances in Dunn Center for the Performing Arts or conduct Softball summer camps to fill in the gaps in their limited academic opportunities. In its 80 years of service, North Carolina Wesleyan University has done well in providing quality education to its students.

15. Shaw University

Known as the first historically black institution in the South, Shaw University has been a pioneer in higher education in the African American community after years of slavery. It was founded by the American Baptist Hope Mission Society as an institution for theological education. At present, the university offers degrees in various subject areas and carries out different activities that promote social justice and community development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in North Carolina?

Applying to cheap universities in North Carolina requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in North Carolina?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in North Carolina. For example, one of the best affordable schools in North Carolina is the Appalachian State University, which offers Art Education (K-12) , Building Sciences - Sustainable Building Systems, and Criminal Justice to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Barton College offers Business Administration, School Administration, and Criminal Justice.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in North Carolina, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in North Carolina as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in North Carolina for international students was helpful!