2025 Guide to Affordable Public Administration Master's Degrees in North Carolina
Are you in North Carolina looking for a school where you can earn an affordable public administration master's degree? Start your search here.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide makes it easy for you to find out about schools offering affordable public administration and related master's degree programs in North Carolina. Get detailed information about affordable master's degree programs including the average cost of tuition and fees for four-year public, private, nonprofit and for-profit schools. You'll also get a comparison on how schools within each category rank based on tuition cost. Ultimately, you'll see which schools are the best fit for your budget. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Tuition costs on this page reflect graduate rates as self-reported by each institution and may differ based on program of study.
How Much is Tuition at North Carolina Colleges Offering Public Administration Master's Degrees?
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the average cost of in-state graduate degree tuition and fees at colleges and universities in North Carolina has been decreasing over the past five years. In 2023, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for the 13 schools in North Carolina was $9,755. That represents a 2% decrease since 2019.
Number of Schools
Average In-State Graduate Tuition & Fees
Graduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Best-Value College for Budget-Conscious Adults
Franklin University has earned a reputation for affordability among busy adults who want a high-quality degree that doesn't break the bank. Accelerated master's programs can be completed online to accommodate full-time employment or other responsibilities. Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1902, Franklin keeps the cost of a master's degree in check through tuition discounts offered through partnerships with employers and professional organizations. In addition, the university's Tuition Guarantee, enables students to protect themselves from tuition increases by locking in their degree cost from Day One through graduation.
Costs of 4-Year Private Nonprofit Colleges & Universities Offering Public Administration Master's Degrees in North Carolina
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of graduate tuition & fees at Franklin University is $12,060, which is lower than 73% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Franklin University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Franklin University is 42% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of graduate tuition & fees at Franklin University is $12,060, which is lower than 63% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Franklin University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Franklin University is 33% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $12,060. That was a decrease of 33% from $16,080 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Franklin University, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend part time. In 2023, 1,429 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 88 associate degrees, 616 master's degrees, and 38 doctoral degrees were earned. 31 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of graduate tuition & fees at Saint Augustine's University is $11,300, which is lower than 77% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Saint Augustine's University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Saint Augustine's University is 46% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of graduate tuition & fees at Saint Augustine's University is $11,300, which is lower than 68% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Saint Augustine's University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Saint Augustine's University is 37% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Saint Augustine's University was $11,300. That was unchanged from $11,300 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Saint Augustine's University, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 100 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 8 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. 8 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of graduate tuition & fees at Montreat College is $11,310, which is lower than 77% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Montreat College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Montreat College is 45% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of graduate tuition & fees at Montreat College is $11,310, which is lower than 68% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Montreat College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Montreat College is 37% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Montreat College was $11,310. That was an increase of 8% over $10,363 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Montreat College, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 151 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 5 associate degrees, 52 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. 3 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
Costs of 4-Year Private For-Profit Colleges & Universities Offering Public Administration Master's Degrees in North Carolina
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of graduate tuition & fees at Strayer University-North Carolina is $15,135, which is lower than 60% of all 4-year private for-profit schools in the United States.
Strayer University-North Carolina is a 4-year private for-profit school serving adult students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Strayer University-North Carolina is 16% less than the 4-year private for-profit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of graduate tuition & fees at Strayer University-North Carolina is $15,135, which is lower than 45% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Strayer University-North Carolina is a 4-year private for-profit school serving adult students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Strayer University-North Carolina is 16% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Strayer University-North Carolina was $15,135. That was unchanged from $15,135 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Strayer University-North Carolina, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend part time. In 2023, 326 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 165 associate degrees, 174 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. 27 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
Costs of 4-Year Public Colleges & Universities Offering Public Administration Master's Degrees in North Carolina
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at Appalachian State University is $8,380, which is lower than 78% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
Appalachian State University is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at Appalachian State University is 30% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at Appalachian State University is $8,380, which is lower than 86% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Appalachian State University is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at Appalachian State University is 53% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at Appalachian State University was $8,380. That was an increase of 4% over $8,047 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at Appalachian State University was $24,140. That was an increase of 4% over $23,057 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Appalachian State University, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 4,110 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 818 master's degrees, and 20 doctoral degrees were earned. 14 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
0%
$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at East Carolina University is $7,658, which is lower than 85% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
East Carolina University is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at East Carolina University is 36% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at East Carolina University is $7,658, which is lower than 90% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
East Carolina University is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at East Carolina University is 57% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at East Carolina University was $7,658. That was unchanged from $7,622 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at East Carolina University was $20,807. That was unchanged from $20,771 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at East Carolina University, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 4,935 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1,443 master's degrees, and 323 doctoral degrees were earned. 7 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina Wilmington is $7,853, which is lower than 83% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina Wilmington is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina Wilmington is 35% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina Wilmington is $7,853, which is lower than 90% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina Wilmington is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina Wilmington is 56% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina Wilmington was $7,853. That was an increase of 4% over $7,514 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina Wilmington was $23,029. That was an increase of 5% over $21,899 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at University of North Carolina Wilmington, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 3,823 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1,293 master's degrees, and 102 doctoral degrees were earned. 22 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at Western Carolina University is $7,778, which is lower than 84% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
Western Carolina University is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at Western Carolina University is 35% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at Western Carolina University is $7,778, which is lower than 90% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Western Carolina University is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at Western Carolina University is 57% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at Western Carolina University was $7,778. That was an increase of 3% over $7,566 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at Western Carolina University was $18,497. That was an increase of 3% over $17,973 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Western Carolina University, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 2,771 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 555 master's degrees, and 79 doctoral degrees were earned. 22 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
0%
$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina at Charlotte is $7,869, which is lower than 83% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina at Charlotte is 35% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina at Charlotte is $7,869, which is lower than 89% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina at Charlotte is 56% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Charlotte was $7,869. That was an increase of 2% over $7,739 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Charlotte was $22,438. That was an increase of 2% over $21,884 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 5,728 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 2,033 master's degrees, and 199 doctoral degrees were earned. 24 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
0%
$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is $12,527, which is lower than 34% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is 4% more than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is $12,527, which is lower than 60% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is 30% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was $12,527. That was unchanged from $12,527 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was $30,819. That was unchanged from $30,819 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 6,420 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 2,810 master's degrees, and 1,253 doctoral degrees were earned. 63 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina at Greensboro is $8,546, which is lower than 74% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina at Greensboro is 29% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina at Greensboro is $8,546, which is lower than 85% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina at Greensboro is 52% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Greensboro was $8,546. That was an increase of 3% over $8,295 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Greensboro was $22,676. That was an increase of 3% over $22,013 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 3,435 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1,014 master's degrees, and 225 doctoral degrees were earned. 22 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
0%
$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is $11,819, which is lower than 39% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is 2% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is $11,819, which is lower than 65% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is 34% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at North Carolina State University at Raleigh was $11,819. That was an increase of 1% over $11,700 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at North Carolina State University at Raleigh was $31,793. That was an increase of 3% over $30,906 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 6,397 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 89 associate degrees, 2,997 master's degrees, and 647 doctoral degrees were earned. 33 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
0%
$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at North Carolina Central University is $7,480, which is lower than 86% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
North Carolina Central University is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at North Carolina Central University is 38% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at North Carolina Central University is $7,480, which is lower than 91% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
North Carolina Central University is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at North Carolina Central University is 58% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at North Carolina Central University was $7,480. That was a decrease of 1% from $7,537 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at North Carolina Central University was $20,788. That was unchanged from $20,845 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at North Carolina Central University, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 980 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 529 master's degrees, and 132 doctoral degrees were earned. 50 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina at Pembroke is $6,851, which is lower than 90% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina at Pembroke is 43% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of graduate tuition & fees at University of North Carolina at Pembroke is $6,851, which is lower than 93% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in North Carolina, where all programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for graduate programs at University of North Carolina at Pembroke is 62% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Pembroke was $6,851. That was an increase of 1% over $6,775 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Pembroke was $19,910. That was unchanged from $19,834 in 2022.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 1,400 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 781 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned. 22 public administration master's degrees were completed.
Master's Degree Completions for 2023
Est. Online Master's Degree Availability
100%
Tuition Costs by School Type in North Carolina
There are at least 13 schools serving North Carolina. Of those schools, 2 are 4-year private nonprofit schools, 0 are 4-year private for-profit schools, and 9 are 4-year public schools, based on information collected by the U.S. College Scorecard. Browse through the categories below to learn more about the cost of tuition and fees at each type of institution.
Number of Schools
2021-22 Tuition & Fees
2022-23 Tuition & Fees
Percent Change
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
There are at least 2 4-year private nonprofit institutions serving North Carolina. The average tuition among those schools in 2022-23 was $11,557, which represents a 9% decrease from the previous year.
Number of Schools
2021-22 Tuition & Fees
2022-23 Tuition & Fees
Percent Change
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
There are at least 9 4-year public institutions serving North Carolina. The average tuition among those schools in 2022-23 was $8,676, which represents a 2% increase from the previous year.
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Find Affordable Master's Degrees in North Carolina by Program
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