College is expensive, but it’s also an investment in your future. Like any investment, you want to do your research and make the right decision for yourself. But how do you know if you’re making the right college decision? There are a lot of factors to consider. You want to make sure they have a degree that interests you. Location is another factor to consider. Some people want a large school and all that it brings while others want a smaller feel. You also want to make sure you feel at home and happy wherever you choose. But another, and arguably one of the most important things to consider, is cost and the return on your investment. So what are the best value colleges in North Carolina?
SmartAsset recently released its eighth annual Best Value Colleges study. The analysis compared the that’s higher education institutions across five metrics. Metrics included were scholarships, starting salary, tuition, living costs, and retention rate. Using these metrics they determined what they believe are the ‘Best Value Colleges’ in North Carolina.
The number one on this list is the same as in years past. But I have to say it makes me scratch my head on the “value” part. One local school also made the list coming in at number 7. Do you agree with these results? Check out the top-performing schools in North Carolina below.
1o Best Value Colleges In North Carolina
10. Winston-Salem State University
City: Winston-Salem
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $8,183
Average Starting Salary: $50,500
College Tuition: $5,904
Student Living Costs: $14,230
Student Retention Rate: 77%
College Education Value Index: 42.05
9. Western Carolina University
City: Cullowhee, NC
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $5,641
Average Starting Salary: $48,700
College Tuition: $3,926
Student Living Costs: $13,779
Student Retention Rate: 81%
College Education Value Index: 42.07
8. East Carolina University
City: Greenville, NC
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $7,722
Average Starting Salary: $52,600
College Tuition: $7,188
Student Living Costs: $14,484
Student Retention Rate: 83%
College Education Value Index: 45.77
7. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
City: Charlotte
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $7,347
Average Starting Salary: $56,800
College Tuition: $6,853
Student Living Costs: $16,841
Student Retention Rate: 85%
College Education Value Index: 46.08
6. Wake Forest University
City: Winston Salem, NC
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $37,880
Average Starting Salary: $65,300
College Tuition: $53,322
Student Living Costs: $18,316
Student Retention Rate: 95%
College Education Value Index: 47.21
5. Appalachian State University
City: Boone, NC
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $8,130
Average Starting Salary: $51,300
College Tuition: $7,364
Student Living Costs: $11,830
Student Retention Rate: 86%
College Education Value Index: 52.83
4. North Carolina A & T University
City: Greensboro, NC
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $8,760
Average Starting Salary: $57,600
College Tuition: $6,612
Student Living Costs: $11,524
Student Retention Rate: 80%
College Education Value Index: 61.18
3. NC State University
City: Raleigh, NC
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $10,175
Average Starting Salary: $62,200
College Tuition: $9,101
Student Living Costs: $14,876
Student Retention Rate: 94%
College Education Value Index: 63.81
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
City: Chapel Hill, NC
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $15,936
Average Starting Salary: $60,400
College Tuition: $8,987
Student Living Costs: $14,824
Student Retention Rate: 95%
College Education Value Index: 66.10
1. Duke University
City: Durham, NC
Avg. Scholarship and Grants: $48,351
Average Starting Salary: $76,800
College Tuition: $55,695
Student Living Costs: $18,644
Student Retention Rate: 97%
College Education Value Index: 69.78
