2026 Best Value Teaching Schools in North Carolina
Looking for the best-value Teaching degree programs in North Carolina? Our ranking highlights 163 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search reviewed 38 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Teaching Degree Schools in North Carolina
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Stanly Community College this year in North Carolina. Stanly Community College is a public school based in Albemarle, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,672, while out-of-state students pay about $8,816. Median earnings reach $36,686 ten years out. More on Stanly Community College
You'll get strong value at Vance Granville Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Henderson, NC, Vance Granville Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,944 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,552. Vance Granville Community College Teaching students take on a median of $14,833 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,304 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Vance Granville Community College
A rank of #3 makes Pitt Community College one of the best values in North Carolina. This public school is set in Winterville, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,871, while out-of-state students pay about $13,087. Students borrow a median of $19,741 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,259. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pitt Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central Piedmont Community College earned it the #4 place in North Carolina. Set in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,792, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,865. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Piedmont Community College
Out of the 38 schools in North Carolina in this year's value ranking, Haywood Community College landed the #5 spot. Based in Clyde, NC, Haywood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,580, with out-of-state students paying around $8,724. Median earnings reach $34,770 ten years out. More on Haywood Community College
Guilford Technical Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jamestown, NC, Guilford Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,320, with out-of-state students paying around $7,696. Students borrow a median of $20,501 to complete their Teaching program here. Guilford Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,934 a decade after entry. Set against $20,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Guilford Technical Community College
Fayetteville Technical Community College placed #7 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. Located in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,628, while out-of-state students pay about $8,772. Students borrow a median of $16,909 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,861. That is a strong return on a $16,909 median debt. Read the full report on Fayetteville Technical Community College
Wake Technical Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $17,900. Median earnings reach $41,769 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,900 median debt. See the full Wake Technical Community College profile
Rowan Cabarrus Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Salisbury, NC, Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,064, with out-of-state students paying around $6,672. Students borrow a median of $10,867 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,936 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rowan Cabarrus Community College report
Wilkes Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Wilkesboro, NC, Wilkes Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,572, with out-of-state students paying around $8,716. Wilkes Community College Teaching students take on a median of $9,125 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,728. Set against $9,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wilkes Community College report
Robeson Community College landed the #11 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Lumberton, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,604, while out-of-state students pay about $8,748. Graduates carry a median of $9,949 in student loans. Median earnings reach $29,036 ten years out. Set against $9,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Robeson Community College
Western Carolina University landed the #12 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,174. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Western Carolina University report
East Carolina University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,747. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about East Carolina University
Appalachian State University placed #14 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. Set in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Students borrow a median of $21,992 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,836. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Appalachian State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Appalachian State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Winston Salem State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Winston Salem State University is a public school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,126, compared with $16,782 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,653 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,344. That is a strong return on a $27,653 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Winston Salem State University
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #17 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Teaching students take on a median of $27,089 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $27,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke report
Fayetteville State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fayetteville, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,353, with out-of-state students paying around $8,353. The median Teaching program debt is $27,869. Median earnings reach $40,144 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,869 median debt. Fayetteville State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Fayetteville State University
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Wilmington, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington Teaching students take on a median of $23,013 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,967 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,013 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Teaching students take on a median of $24,977 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Elizabeth City State University placed #21 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. Based in Elizabeth City, NC, Elizabeth City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,536, compared with $10,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete their Teaching program here. Elizabeth City State University alumni report median earnings of $40,026 a decade after entry. Set against $26,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elizabeth City State University admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full Elizabeth City State University report
North Carolina Central University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. North Carolina Central University is a public school based in Durham, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,699, while out-of-state students pay about $19,735. Graduates carry a median of $31,173 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,968 ten years after entry. Set against $31,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Carolina Central University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #23 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Teaching students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. The acceptance rate is 15%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $22,113. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,113 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
North Carolina A And T State University placed #25 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. North Carolina A And T State University is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. The median Teaching program debt is $29,078. North Carolina A And T State University alumni report median earnings of $44,440 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,078 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. Get the full North Carolina A And T State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Degree Schools in North Carolina
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Salem College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,848. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,789. Median earnings reach $44,640 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Salem College
Gardner Webb University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,750. Gardner Webb University Teaching students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,039 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Gardner Webb University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Gardner Webb University
Queens University Of Charlotte landed the #28 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Set in Charlotte, NC, Queens University Of Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,846. Typical Teaching student debt is $27,245. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,673. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Queens University Of Charlotte admits about 62% of applicants. More on Queens University Of Charlotte
Wingate University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Wingate, NC, Wingate University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,576. Graduates carry a median of $25,556 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,649. That is a strong return on a $25,556 median debt. Wingate University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Wingate University
Lenoir Rhyne University landed the #30 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Hickory, NC, Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,900. Lenoir Rhyne University Teaching students take on a median of $26,900 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lenoir Rhyne University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on Lenoir Rhyne University
Campbell University placed #31 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. Campbell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Buies Creek, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,600. Graduates carry a median of $23,641 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,886 ten years out. Set against $23,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Campbell University profile
Wake Forest University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,642. Wake Forest University Teaching students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,158. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 22%. Read the full report on Wake Forest University
Mount Olive College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mount Olive, NC. Students from in state pay about $27,366 in tuition and fees. Mount Olive College Teaching students take on a median of $30,798 in debt. Mount Olive College alumni report median earnings of $47,139 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,798 median debt. Mount Olive College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Mount Olive College
High Point University placed #34 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. High Point University is a private not-for-profit school based in High Point, NC. Students from in state pay about $45,312 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,785 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,389 ten years after entry. Set against $23,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about High Point University
Catawba College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Catawba College is a private not-for-profit school based in Salisbury, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,300. The median Teaching program debt is $25,667. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,793. That is a strong return on a $25,667 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Catawba College profile
Mars Hill College landed the #36 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Mars Hill, NC, Mars Hill College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,736. Students borrow a median of $26,886 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,781. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mars Hill College has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Mars Hill College
Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their Teaching program here. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Duke University
St Andrews Presbyterian College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Laurinburg, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $32,388. St Andrews Presbyterian College Teaching students take on a median of $26,240 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,606. Set against $26,240 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full St Andrews Presbyterian College profile
Richmond Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Get the full Richmond Community College report
Carolinas College Of Health Sciences came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. See the full Carolinas College Of Health Sciences profile
Carteret Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Get the full Carteret Community College report
Central Carolina Community College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. See the full Central Carolina Community College profile
Empire Beauty School Charlotte placed #43 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. Read the full report on Empire Beauty School Charlotte
James Sprunt Community College placed #44 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. See the full James Sprunt Community College profile
Nash Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Read the full report on Nash Community College
University Of North Carolina System ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Get the full University Of North Carolina System report
Mid Atlantic Christian University placed #47 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. Read the full report on Mid Atlantic Christian University
Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Charlotte placed #48 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. More on Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Charlotte
Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College placed #49 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. Read the full report on Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College
Sampson Community College placed #50 among the best-value Teaching schools in North Carolina. More on Sampson Community College
More Teaching Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 38 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 163 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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