2026 Guide to Top Online Colleges Near Durham, North Carolina
Looking for information about the best online colleges and universities serving Durham? Here's your guide to the top schools offering online degrees to students in the area, including institutions located within 20 miles of Durham, North Carolina.
There are at least 17 colleges serving the area by offering distance learning programs, including 16 nonprofit online colleges, 0 for-profit online colleges, and 2 community colleges offering 2-year online degrees.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide provides a breakdown of online colleges serving Durham, with details about trends, school type, online degree offerings, and online program completions. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Durham, North Carolina Online Colleges by the Numbers
Online associate, bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degree completions at institutions near Durham, North Carolina have been growing over the past 5 years. In 2024, students completed 14,286 distance education degree programs at online colleges and universities near Durham. That was an increase of 24% from completions reported in 2020.
Schools with Distance Education Completions
Est. Total Online Completions in 2024
Est. Online Completions (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Top Online College for Busy Adults & Transfer Students
Franklin University is a top choice for online learners, transfer students and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Adult Students
73%
Undergraduate Cost / Credit Hour
Best Nonprofit Online Colleges Serving Durham, North Carolina
There are at least 16 nonprofit 4-year schools serving Durham, North Carolina, where students completed 6,371 distance education degree programs. Of those schools, 10 were private nonprofit institutions and 6 were public schools. Browse through the listing below to learn more about these nonprofit online colleges serving Durham, including an estimate about online degree availability and popular online degree programs. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Franklin offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programs in the Durham, North Carolina area. Franklin University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2024, 1,602 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 98 associate degrees, 840 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,605
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Shepherds Theological Seminary is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Shepherds Theological Seminary. In 2024, 50 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
89%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
50
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2024, 1,969 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 100 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
19%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,069
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
William Peace University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at William Peace University. In 2024, 85 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
47%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
85
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
North Carolina Central University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at North Carolina Central University. In 2024, 644 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 316 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
62%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
960
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. In 2024, 1,845 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 33 bachelor's degrees, and 34 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
19%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,912
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Meredith College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Meredith College. In 2024, 13 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
3%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
13
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Duke University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Duke University. In 2024, 1,583 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 75 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
23%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,658
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. In 2024, 1,845 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 33 bachelor's degrees, and 34 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
19%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,912
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Apex School of Theology is a non-accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Apex School of Theology. In 2024, 75 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 16 associate degrees, 45 master's degrees, and 18 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
154
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
William Peace University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at William Peace University. In 2024, 85 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
47%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
85
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
North Carolina Central University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at North Carolina Central University. In 2024, 644 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 316 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
62%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
960
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Shepherds Theological Seminary is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Shepherds Theological Seminary. In 2024, 50 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
89%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
50
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2024, 1,969 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 100 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
19%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,069
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Meredith College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Meredith College. In 2024, 13 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
3%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
13
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Duke University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Duke University. In 2024, 1,583 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 75 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
23%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,658
Best Online Community Colleges Near Durham, North Carolina
Looking for a 2-year school or online community college near Durham? According to 2025 data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, there were 2 two-year schools near Durham, North Carolina where students completed 576 distance education degree programs. Browse through the listing below to learn more about each of the online community colleges near Durham, including an estimate about online degree availability and popular online degree programs. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Durham Technical Community College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
57%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
288
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Durham Technical Community College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
57%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
288
Best Online 2-Year Private For-Profit Schools Near Durham, North Carolina
There are at least 2 online two-year private for-profit schools offering associate degrees near Durham, North Carolina. According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, in 2024, a total of 87 associate degrees were completed at those institutions. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
MyComputerCareer at Raleigh is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at MyComputerCareer at Raleigh. In 2024, 31 distance education associate degrees were completed. In addition, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
31
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
MyComputerCareer at Raleigh is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at MyComputerCareer at Raleigh. In 2024, 31 distance education associate degrees were completed. In addition, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
31
Affordable Online Colleges Near Durham, North Carolina
Wondering what you can expect to pay for an online degree near Durham, North Carolina? According to undergraduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average tuition at Durham-area's 4-year nonprofit schools is $42,194. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit schools near Durham is N/A, while tuition at 2-year online colleges and universities is N/A.
4-Year Nonprofit
4-Year For-Profit
2-Year
Accredited Online Colleges Serving Durham, North Carolina
Earning a college degree is an investment — and earning a college degree from an institutionally accredited university is one of the best ways to ensure your education is of high quality. Institutionally accredited universities are held to rigorous standards by state and regional bodies and undergo regular reviews to verify that their processes and academic programs meet the proper standards.
Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs near Durham, North Carolina is institutionally accredited? View a list of institutionally accredited online colleges and universities serving Durham, North Carolina here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.
- Franklin University
- Shepherds Theological Seminary
- Duke University
- Meredith College
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- North Carolina Central University
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- William Peace University
- William Peace University
- Shepherds Theological Seminary
- Duke University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- North Carolina Central University
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Meredith College
- Durham Technical Community College
- Durham Technical Community College