Boone, North Carolina has a population of about 19,534. The city’s median household income is $28,633 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 53.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Boone. In North Carolina, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $99,910 annually (BLS, May 2024).
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Boone city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emory & Henry University | Emory, VA | 39.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bluefield University | Bluefield, VA | 75.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| High Point University | High Point, NC | 93.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Carolina schools on the North Carolina education page.
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (North Carolina, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $54,890 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $49,400 |
| Middle School Teacher | $50,340 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $68,340 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $81,310 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $99,910 |
| Tutor | $39,900 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $57,100 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,534 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $28,633 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 53.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Education-related employment in Watauga County | 173 workers, 27 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Our directory lists 3 education programs within 100 miles of Boone. The closest is Emory & Henry University in Emory, VA (39.8 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is High Point University (93.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying education-related roles in North Carolina are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($99,910), Education Administrator, K-12 ($81,310), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($68,340). Wages for Boone workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Hickory, NC is 37.7 miles from Boone and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Boone’s median household income of $28,633 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Boone while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Carolina public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Return to Best Online Education Programs in North Carolina (2026)