2026 Best Value General Education Schools in North Carolina

1

North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh earned the #1 spot for value among general education schools in North Carolina. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. General Education graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $59,622. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants.

2

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. General Education graduates carry a median of $24,174 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $47,964. Set against $24,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.

3

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earned it the #3 place for general education. Located in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $23,013. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Wilmington generally make around $45,465. That is a strong return on a $23,013 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

4

Guilford College
Greensboro, NC

Guilford College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the city of Greensboro, Guilford College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,362. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $26,571. Early-career general education graduates make about $32,805. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

5

Wingate University
Wingate, NC

Wingate University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the suburb of Wingate, Wingate University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,576 in tuition and fees. General Education graduates carry a median of $25,556 in student loans. General Education graduates of Wingate University earn a median of $53,836 early in their careers. Set against $25,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

6

Pfeiffer University
Misenheimer, NC

Pfeiffer University earned the #6 position for value in general education this year. Located in the rural area of Misenheimer, Pfeiffer University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,070. Students borrow a median of $26,375 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $54,891. That is a strong return on a $26,375 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

7

Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC

Campbell University placed #7 among the best values for general education. Campbell University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Buies Creek. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,600. General Education graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $54,629. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.