8 Flexible Online Colleges in North Carolina 2025

If you want to earn a degree from a flexible online college, you have several options to choose from in North Carolina. The institutions that we explain in our article offer a range of degree programs tailored to fit any lifestyle.

Whether you're beginning your academic journey with an associate degree or pursuing a specialized graduate program, these North Carolina institutions provide options to match your career goals. See what it means to experience a balanced education with courses designed to meet your individual needs.

Flexible Online Degree Programs in North Carolina

When exploring flexible online degree programs in North Carolina, it's important to find institutions that offer both high-quality education and the flexibility to balance your personal and professional commitments. The following list highlights some of the best online colleges in North Carolina, each of which offers fully remote, hybrid, or even self-paced online degree programs that allow you to complete coursework on your schedule.

1. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online and distance education programs are offered in various formats, including fully online, hybrid (a combination of online and in-person), and face-to-face at off-campus locations.

Additionally, many of their courses are asynchronous, allowing students to work on their class when they have time. Online learners can begin their higher education journey at NC State University for $272.29 if they reside in North Carolina.

2. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Ranked #1 in North Carolina among America's top online colleges by Newsweek in 2024, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) is recognized for its flexible online degree programs in which students can work according to their personal schedules.

The SACSCOC has accredited all of the 60+ baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees offered at UNC Greensboro. The high-quality online education at this university starts at $184.25 per credit hour.

3. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) offers online bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in the following areas:

• education
• business
• arts, social sciences, and humanities
• health and sciences

Coursework is 100% remote with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous formats depending on the specific program.

Their online learning courses are student-centered, interactive, and fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Rates per credit hour are $185.00 for in-state students, while $727.67 is the out-of-state tuition.

4. University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is one of the most flexible online colleges in the state. The majority of their online programs are asynchronous, so instructional materials are accessible online 24/7, allowing students to access content at any time, without being restricted to specific time slots.

The SACSCOC accredits all of UNCW's undergraduate degrees, online master's degrees, doctoral degrees, certificate programs, and licensure programs. UNCW offers many healthcare concentrations, including a BSN, MSN, and DNP, in addition to other degree programs such as business administration, criminology, and more. Residents of North Carolina pay $211.14 per credit hour, and non-residents pay $914.26.

5. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University has bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, which are accredited by the SACSCOC and are available in healthcare, business, or education.

Its online degree and certificate programs offer flexible synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences, ensuring your professional studies adapt to your lifestyle. For online students living off campus, two full-time semesters at Appalachian State University cost $234.33 per credit hour.

6. Western Carolina University

At Western Carolina University (WCU), you can find online undergraduate and graduate programs accredited by the SACSCOC. Professors at WCU have the flexibility to design their own courses, so some classes may be self-paced, while others may include specific due dates for assignments. Tuition rates start at only $65.81, making it one of the most affordable flexible online colleges to meet your educational goals.

7. Methodist University

Methodist University (MU) offers many bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and graduate certificates in which you set your pace, with part- and full-time programs available completely online. Whether you're learning on campus or online, MU provides access to personalized support from dedicated team members as well as access to tutoring and writing centers. Their courses are all fully accredited by SACSCOC, with tuition rates starting at $445 per credit hour.

8. Campbell University

Campbell University offers more than 20 undergraduate degrees, eight associate degrees, two graduate degrees, and one certificate program available 100% online and asynchronous. Designed in eight-week accelerated terms, Campbell University's bachelor's degree completion programs offer an even higher level of flexibility and accessibility. SACSCOC accredits this university, which has tuition rates of $465.00 for its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Online Colleges in Other States Offering Flexible Schedules

The following online colleges, based outside of North Carolina, offer flexible schedules for students across the country. This flexibility allows individuals to tailor their education to balance personal commitments while pursuing their degree.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a fully online institution that provides flexible and high-quality education, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Unlike traditional online learning, WGU's programs are fully asynchronous and available at any time, from any place.

WGU's tuition for an online bachelor's degree is a flat rate of $8,300 every six months. WGU also offers personalized support through faculty mentoring, counseling, and one-on-one guidance. The university provides 17 business degrees, 12 IT degrees, 16 healthcare degrees, 30 education degrees, and seven certificate programs.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. SNHU offers a wide range of degree programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, with over 200 online options for students. Fully asynchronous with no set class times, SNHU's coursework can be completed anytime while still adhering to weekly due dates. Undergraduate students can take advantage of SNHU's affordable online courses at just $330 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

In finding the most flexible online colleges in North Carolina, we've ensured high standards of flexibility, accreditation, and academic quality using the following criteria:

• Accreditation: All schools and their academic programs hold full regional accreditation.
• Flexible schedule: Institutions provide asynchronous, online, or self-paced learning options.
• Program choices: At least three online bachelor's degree programs must be available for students to choose from.

Online Courses and Asynchronous Learning for Online Programs

Online courses are intended to provide students with more flexibility compared to traditional on-campus classes. However, some synchronous online courses may still require students to log in at set times for live sessions or class discussions.

With asynchronous learning, students aren't required to be online at specific times. Instead, they can access pre-recorded lectures, readings, and assignments at their convenience throughout the course. This format allows students to complete coursework at their own pace while adhering to due dates.

How To Find Online Degrees With Flexible Schedules

If you're looking for online colleges with flexible schedules in North Carolina, start by finding institutions that offer asynchronous or self-paced learning options. Make sure these programs provide the flexibility necessary to balance your work or family obligations.

Additionally, you'll want to seek colleges with fully accredited degree programs that align with your education and career goals. To ensure affordability, it's also important to choose flexible online colleges that accept financial aid and provide tuition details specifically for their online classes.

FAQs About Flexible Online Colleges in North Carolina

There are many high-quality, accredited online colleges in North Carolina offering flexible learning formats. Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify your options for online education in the state.

How Much Does Online College Cost in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, most online colleges cost less than $500 per credit hour. Western Carolina University offers tuition rates starting as low as $65.81, making it one of the most affordable online colleges in North Carolina.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in North Carolina?

The easiest online college to get into in North Carolina is Campbell University, with an exceptionally high acceptance rate of 94% according to data reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. This makes it a top choice for students looking for a more seamless admissions experience.

Can You Do Online College Whenever You Want?

There are some online colleges with flexible schedules and self-paced courses that allow you to complete assignments on your own timeframe. Most online courses, however, have specific due dates that students must adhere to.

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs With Accreditation

If you're ready to continue your undergraduate education journey, discover more information about online bachelor's degree programs with accreditation through Learn.org.