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North Carolina Engineering At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Engineering Salary$113,001
National ComparisonNorth Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 0.0% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyNorth Carolina Board of Professional Engineers
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online engineering degree in North Carolina offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. North Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 0.0% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, North Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Engineering Schools in North Carolina

The following schools offer accredited online engineering programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in North Carolina.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 60%
Tuition
In‑state$4,532
Out‑of‑state$8,532
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in North Carolina

Engineering professionals in North Carolina experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for North Carolina.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (North Carolina)
Civil Engineer$93,590
Electrical Engineer$107,760
Mechanical Engineer$100,990
Chemical Engineer$109,940
Aerospace Engineer$117,190
Biomedical Engineer$107,070
Environmental Engineer$104,040
Architectural and Engineering Manager$163,430

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Engineering Degree in North Carolina?

Choosing a program in North Carolina can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in North Carolina offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local programs often have strong ties to the North Carolina board of professional engineers, essential for those pursuing PE licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online engineering programs in North Carolina accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For North Carolina, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Engineering pay in North Carolina compare to other states?

North Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 0.0% below the national trend. This makes North Carolina a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for engineering in North Carolina?

The North Carolina Board of Professional Engineers oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in North Carolina. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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