Choosing the right college to attend is a task that requires careful consideration from both parents and students. Academic programs, costs, location, and opportunities are some of the factors that come to mind before you even apply.
Finding a college worth the price tag can be especially challenging if colleges don’t cover tuition costs upfront, leaving families in the dark. According to Money, the prices that colleges advertise can potentially be reduced through the use of grants and scholarships. Private institutions in particular are known for this.
In its 2024 Best Colleges collection, Money analyzed 745 colleges in the country. Twenty-six North Carolina colleges were named based on alumni salaries, cost of attendance, financial aid and graduation rates, among other factors. The compilation is not intended to “narrow down” the best colleges, but may be helpful in determining schools where students are more likely to land a job that pays well with manageable student debt.
Here are the colleges that were mentioned in NC and why.
NC’s Best Colleges in 2024, According to Money
5 stars
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Davidson College, Davidson: Acceptance rate: 17%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $78,900. Estimated price with average grant: $28,200. Graduation rate: 93%
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Duke University, Durham: Acceptance rate: 6%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $86,000. Estimated price with average grant: $25,000. Graduation rate: 95%
4.5 stars
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NC State University, Raleigh: Acceptance rate: 47%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $26,800. Estimated price with average grant: $15,700. Graduation rate: 82%
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UNC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem: Acceptance rate: 32%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $27,300. Estimated price with average grant: $11,900. Graduation rate: 73%
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UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill: Acceptance rate: 17%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $26,200. Estimated price with average grant: $11,200. Graduation rate: 90%
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Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem: Acceptance rate: 21%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $91,000. Estimated price with average grant: $27,700. Graduation rate: 89%
3.5 stars
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Appalachian State University, Boone: Acceptance rate: 83%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $23,600. Estimated price with average grant: $13,800. Graduation rate: 73%
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Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City: Acceptance Rate: 74%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $22,600. Estimated price with average grant: $7,500. Graduation rate: 43%
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Elon University, Elon: Acceptance rate: 74%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $62,000. Estimated price with average grant: $43,900. Graduation rate: 83%
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UNCCharlotte, Charlotte: Acceptance rate: 80%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $24,600. Estimated price with average grant: $14,700. Graduation rate: 65%
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UNC Greensboro, Greensboro: Acceptance Rate: 92%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $21,400. Estimated price with average grant: $11,600. Graduation rate: 59%
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University of Western Carolina, Cullowhee: Acceptance rate: 85%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $21,100. Estimated price with average grant: $13,800. Graduation rate: 65%
3 stars
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East Carolina University, Greenville: Acceptance Rate: 92%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $24,800. Estimated price with average grant: $15,200. Graduation rate: 67%
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Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville: Acceptance rate: 81%. Estimated full price 2024-25: 17,900. Estimated price with average grant: $7,400. Graduation rate: 49%
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Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk: Acceptance Rate: 61%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $48,000. Estimated price with average grant: $25,500. Graduation rate: 62%
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Meredith College, Raleigh: Acceptance rate: 73%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $60,100. Estimated price with average grant: $24,600. Graduation rate: 66%
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NC A&T State University, Greensboro: Acceptance Rate: 56%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $20,100. Estimated price with average grant: $9,700. Graduation rate: 53%
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NC Central University, Durham: Acceptance rate: 84%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $27,000. Estimated price with average grant: $14,500. Graduation rate: 55%
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NC Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount: Acceptance Rate: 68%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $51,100. Estimated price with average subsidy: $19,800. Graduation rate: 57%
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University of the Mount of Olives, Mount Olive: Acceptance rate: 75%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $38,400. Estimated price with average grant: $18,900. Graduation rate: 44%
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UNC Asheville, Asheville: Acceptance rate: 74%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $22,500. Estimated price with average grant: $15,600. Graduation rate: 63%
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UNC Wilmington, Wilmington: Acceptance rate: 69%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $27,500. Estimated price with average subsidy: $19,800. Graduation rate: 73%
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Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem: Acceptance rate: 73%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $23,300. Estimated price with average grant: $14,900. Graduation rate: 53%
2.5 stars
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Barton College, Wilson: Acceptance rate: 95%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $50,800. Estimated price with average grant: $24,800. Graduation rate: 55%
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Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte: Acceptance rate: 25%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $35,600. Estimated price with average grant: $21,200. Graduation rate: 42%
2 stars
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High Point University, Highlight: Acceptance rate: 79%. Estimated full price 2024-25: $64,700. Estimated price with average grant: $42,500. Graduation rate: 68%
Is college worth it?
Is the American dream out of reach? Recent surveys show that only half of Americans believe a college degree is worth paying for, according to a Wall Street Journal-NORC poll. A Pew Research poll shows that only 29% of Americans believe college is worth the cost if student loans have to be used. Those who think college is still worth the money make up 47%, but only if no loans are needed to study.
The reason for the change in attitudes about college stems from the increase in opportunities to earn a good income without a bachelor’s degree, as well as the rising cost of living. Per monetary value, average wealth among households headed by high school graduates increased from $12,700 in 2013 to $30,700 as of 2022. Still, net wealth growth among households with college degrees ranged between $46,600 and $120,200.
College consideration is also declining due to changes in college awards since 2001, as noted by the College Board. After inflation adjustments, tuition and fees increased by 81% at public four-year colleges. By comparison, private colleges rose 46%.
Todd Runkle, Carolinas Connect, contributed.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Money’s best NC college values include Davidson, Duke, NC State
