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2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina

118 Schools Ranked
$40,371 Average Earnings
$21,909 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which healthcare program is right for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Healthcare Degree Search has created the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 118 schools in North Carolina to see which ones were the most popular programs for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
1,543 Total Awards
$44,403 Average Earnings
$24,531 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named East Carolina University the most popular school in North Carolina for healthcare students working on their degree. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 1,543 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from ECU accumulate an average of $24,531 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $277.After graduating from ECU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,403 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

Full East Carolina University Report

#2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
1,403 Total Awards
$51,808 Average Earnings
$16,358 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 118 schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill landed the # 2 spot on the list. UNC Chapel Hill is a large public school situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It awarded 1,403 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,358 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $300. During the early years of their career, UNC Chapel Hill graduates make an average of $51,808 annually. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
1,312 Total Awards
$37,326 Average Earnings
$22,787 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Carolina at Wilmington. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina list. Wilmington, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,312 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,787 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $304, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNCW, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,326 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Wilmington

#4

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
1,034 Total Awards
$71,290 Average Earnings
$19,762 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Duke University is a great place for healthcare students. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 1,034 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,762 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $727 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Duke, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $71,290 during the early years of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Duke University

#5

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
953 Total Awards
$46,346 Average Earnings
$24,912 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of North Carolina at Charlotte helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular healthcare schools in North Carolina. UNC Charlotte is a public institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 953 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,912 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $193 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNC Charlotte, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,346 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Charlotte

#6

Gaston College

Dallas, North Carolina
804 Total Awards
$32,146 Average Earnings
$12,298 Avg Student Debt

Gaston College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #6 on the list. Gaston College is a small public school situated in Dallas, North Carolina. It awarded 804 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,298 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Gaston College graduates make an average of $32,146 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Read full report on Gaston College

#7

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
754 Total Awards
$34,991 Average Earnings
$22,490 Avg Student Debt

Wake Technical Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #7 on the list. Wake Technical Community College is a public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 754 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,490 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Wake Technical Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,991 during the early years of their career. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Wake Technical Community College

#8

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
640 Total Awards
$39,924 Average Earnings
$23,228 Avg Student Debt

Western Carolina University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina ranking. WCU is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 640 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,228 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $198, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from WCU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,924 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

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#9

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
607 Total Awards
$34,276 Average Earnings
$22,943 Avg Student Debt

Pitt Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina ranking. Pitt Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Winterville, North Carolina. It awarded 607 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Pitt Community College accumulate an average of $22,943 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Pitt Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,276 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Full Pitt Community College Report

#10

Winston - Salem State University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
578 Total Awards
$39,081 Average Earnings
$28,735 Avg Student Debt

Winston - Salem State University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina ranking. WSSU is a public institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 578 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,735 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $111 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, WSSU graduates make an average of $39,081 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

Read full report on Winston - Salem State University

#11

Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
575 Total Awards
$35,071 Average Earnings
$18,427 Avg Student Debt

Forsyth Technical Community College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and it awarded 575 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,427 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Forsyth Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,071 during the early year of their career. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Forsyth Technical Community College Report

#12

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
560 Total Awards
$35,760 Average Earnings
$21,113 Avg Student Debt

Appalachian State University ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 560 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,113 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $224, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Appalachian State graduates make an average of $35,760 annually. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Appalachian State University Report

#13

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina
532 Total Awards
$37,140 Average Earnings
$24,759 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Greensboro landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. UNC Greensboro is a public institution located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 532 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UNC Greensboro accumulate an average of $24,759 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $174 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNC Greensboro graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,140 during the early year of their career. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
527 Total Awards
$32,325 Average Earnings
$18,293 Avg Student Debt

Fayetteville Technical Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. FTCC is a public institution located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 527 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,293 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, FTCC graduates make an average of $32,325 annually. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

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#15

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
466 Total Awards
$30,854 Average Earnings
$22,729 Avg Student Debt

Guilford Technical Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #15 on the list. Guilford Technical Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Jamestown, North Carolina that handed out 466 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,729 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Guilford Technical Community College graduates make an average of $30,854 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Full Guilford Technical Community College Report

#16

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
415 Total Awards
$36,051 Average Earnings
$14,635 Avg Student Debt

Central Piedmont Community College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina ranking. Central Piedmont Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Charlotte, North Carolina. It awarded 415 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,635 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Central Piedmont Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,051 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

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#17

Davidson County Community College

Thomasville, North Carolina
404 Total Awards
$36,670 Average Earnings
$20,075 Avg Student Debt

Davidson County Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Thomasville, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 404 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,075 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, DCCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,670 during the early year of their career. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Davidson County Community College Report

#18

Campbell University

Buies Creek, North Carolina
540 Total Awards
$48,312 Average Earnings
$23,722 Avg Student Debt

Campbell University ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina list. Campbell is a private not-for-profit institution located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 540 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,722 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $500 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Campbell graduates make an average of $48,312 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Campbell University

#19

Miller-Motte College Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
323 Total Awards
$25,199 Average Earnings
$31,801 Avg Student Debt

Miller-Motte College Wilmington did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, the small private for-profit school awarded 323 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,801 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $59. Once they receive their degree, MMC Wilmington graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,199 during the early year of their career. Around 98% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Miller-Motte College Wilmington

#20

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, North Carolina
299 Total Awards
$32,511 Average Earnings
$13,722 Avg Student Debt

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #20 on the list. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Salisbury, North Carolina that handed out 299 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,722 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,511 during the early year of their career. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

297 Total Awards
$33,962 Average Earnings
$18,023 Avg Student Debt

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Asheville, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 297 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from A-B Tech accumulate an average of $18,023 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from A-B Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,962 during the early years of their career. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

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#22

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
281 Total Awards
$55,309 Average Earnings
$17,222 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Wake Forest University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 281 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Wake Forest University accumulate an average of $17,222 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $644, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Wake Forest University graduates make an average of $55,309 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read full report on Wake Forest University

#23

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, North Carolina
280 Total Awards
$40,666 Average Earnings
$24,829 Avg Student Debt

Durham Technical Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina ranking. Durham Technical Community College is a small public school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 280 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,829 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Durham Technical Community College graduates make an average of $40,666 annually. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Durham Technical Community College

#24

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina
274 Total Awards
$33,473 Average Earnings
$9,969 Avg Student Debt

Wayne Community College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 274 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,969 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Wayne Community College graduates make an average of $33,473 annually. Around 99% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Wayne Community College Report

#25

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, North Carolina
273 Total Awards
$31,199 Average Earnings
$14,197 Avg Student Debt

Catawba Valley Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #25 on the list. Hickory, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 273 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from CVCC accumulate an average of $14,197 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, CVCC graduates make an average of $31,199 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Read full report on Catawba Valley Community College

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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