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North Carolina is home to two of the most affordable colleges in America, according to Research.com. Coming in at No. 6 and  No. 8, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University both offer a high-quality education at a price you can’t beat. 

Here are some fast facts about each one. 

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It’s the oldest public university in the state and is also considered to be one of the most prestigious public universities in the country. To add to its acclaim, the time-honored school is ranked sixth on Research.com’s list of the most affordable universities in the country.

The university offers more than 70 undergraduate and 170 graduate degree programs in 14 colleges and schools and is known for its strong programs in science,  interdisciplinary studies, communication, and journalism. UNC-Chapel Hill is also a major research institution, with over $1 billion in research expenditures annually.

  • In-state tuition and fees: $8,997
  • Avg. SAT and ACT: 1260 SAT, 25 ACT
  • Median alumni salary: $46,617

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NCSU) is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. With more than 35,000 students enrolled, it’s the largest university in the state, and considering it sits at No. 8 on Research.com’s list of the most affordable universities in the country, it’s no wonder so many North Carolinians jump at the chance to attend.

The school offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 12 colleges but is primarily known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, textiles, and business. It’s also a major research institution, with over $500 million in research expenditures annually.

  • In-state tuition and fees: $9,128
  • Avg. SAT and ACT: 1355 SAT, 30 ACT
  • Median alumni salary: $48,377

The Takeaway

Both UNC-Chapel Hill and NCSU are excellent choices for students looking for an affordable and high-quality education. If you’re considering attending college in North Carolina, be sure to check out these two schools — you really can’t go wrong with either one!

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by Cardinal & Pine staff.