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 84%
Fayetteville State University 5,000 USD 84%
Elizabeth City State University 11,000 USD 65%
Saint Augustine’s University 11,000 USD 65%
Saint Augustine’s University 11,000 USD 65%
Western Carolina University 11,200 USD 64%
Shaw University 13,900 USD 55%
Winston-Salem State University 14,100 USD - 17,600 USD 55%
Livingstone College 16,000 USD 49%
Bennett College 16,700 USD 46%
North Carolina Central University 19,600 USD 37%
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 20,100 USD 35%
East Carolina University 20,800 USD 33%
University of North Carolina at Asheville 21,500 USD 31%
Belmont Abbey College 21,500 USD 30%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 30,800 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. Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is a public historically black university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. It was founded in 1891 as the “State Colored Normal School at Elizabeth City” by the North Carolina General Assembly. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available in areas such as aviation, business, education, humanities, music, natural sciences, and social sciences.

4. Saint 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University was founded by one of the wealthiest Black American businesspeople in the 1900s and produced its first 4-year class graduates in 1929. It was the first institution for black students supported by the state in the country. Since then, new programs were offered, and eventually, graduate studies were also opened, including the School of Law in 1940. The university continues to strive for academic excellence to this day, producing students that are competent and ready for the real world.

12. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte or UNC Charlotte has been in the education industry since 1946. It was initially established to meet the demands of the labor market to generate professionals from different industry sectors. It started as a small institute admitting students in their evening classes, and it has since grown into an established university providing higher education in various academic disciplines. Today, UNC Charlotte provides about 75 undergraduate programs, more than 170 master’s and doctoral programs, and professional certificates to a diverse group of students.

13. East Carolina University

East Carolina University (ECU) offers a broad spectrum of educational programs for prospective first-year students and professionals who wants to further their studies. Several of its programs are widely recognized and have been credited to be world-class. Additionally, one of its primary goals is to train and prepare its students to become innovators, experts, and competent professionals. It continues to provide countless opportunities that have transformed its students’ lives.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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*
Mars Hill University 5,952 USD - 19,800 USD 64%
Brevard College 6,000 USD - 9,000 USD 64%
Lenoir-Rhyne University 6,600 USD - 12,500 USD 60%
North Carolina Wesleyan University 6,600 USD - 9,900 USD 60%
Lees-McRae College 6,600 USD - 9,900 USD 60%
Queens University of Charlotte 6,804 USD - 26,900 USD 59%
Campbell University 6,900 USD - 19,700 USD 58%
Gardner-Webb University 7,080 USD - 12,400 USD 57%
Barton College 7,140 USD - 10,800 USD 57%
Catawba College 7,188 USD - 10,800 USD 56%
Belmont Abbey College 7,200 USD - 14,400 USD 56%
Montreat College 8,100 USD - 8,505 USD 51%
Pfeiffer University 8,160 USD 50%
Meredith College 8,400 USD - 13,500 USD 49%
Guilford College 9,300 USD 44%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 16,400 USD for universities in North Carolina.

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1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Mars Hill University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,952 USD to 19,800 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Brevard College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Brevard College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Brevard College is 6,000 USD to 9,000 USD.

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.

3. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private Lutheran university in Hickory, North Carolina. There are additional campuses in Asheville, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina. It was established in 1891. Over 50 undergraduate degree programs and 20 graduate degree programs are available at the university. The mission of Lenoir-Rhyne University is to liberate the mind and spirit, foster a sense of community, and promote responsible leadership for global service.

The tuition fee at Lenoir-Rhyne University for incoming international master’s students is 6,600 USD to 12,420 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. North Carolina Wesleyan University

Another affordable university to consider in North Carolina is 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.

The tuition fee in North Carolina Wesleyan University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,600 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 6,600 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. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Barton College

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.

10. 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.

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. 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.

13. 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. 

14. 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.

15. Guilford College

Guilford College was initially founded as a co-educational boarding school for Quakers by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). 4 years later, it was opened to non-Quakers and became a four-year liberal arts college, becoming the oldest coeducational college in the south. The college was known to have worked with local African Americans to implement Underground Railroad activities as well as supported enslaved Africans in their fight for freedom.

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 Belmont Abbey College, which offers Biochemistry, Marketing, and Finance 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!