Best Computer Science Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina has 17 colleges offering Computer Science programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,449 recent graduates. Graduates in North Carolina earn $60,095 on average within two years — 12% below the national average of $68,283. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Duke University graduates earn $106,898 while Fayetteville State University graduates earn $39,369 — a $67,529 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in NC

$60,095

NC Avg. Earnings

$68,283

National Avg.

389

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Science in North Carolina

Public Schools (14)

$57,052

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$74,295

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $17,243 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Computer Science Schools in North Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

$106,898

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $115,135

Graduates: 141

Acceptance: 6.8%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

$72,083

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $74,162

Graduates: 233

Acceptance: 18.7%

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private

$71,015

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $70,098

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 21.6%

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public

$70,710

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $73,857

Graduates: 167

Acceptance: 39.9%

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC · Public

$68,666

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $74,776

Graduates: 54

Acceptance: 46.2%

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$61,516

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,993

Graduates: 52

Acceptance: 90.1%

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

$60,623

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $60,824

Graduates: 88

Acceptance: 88.6%

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC · Public

$31,133

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,980

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 68.5%

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public

$60,335

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $61,034

Graduates: 391

Acceptance: 80.2%

#10

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public

$64,493

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $54,368

Graduates: 65

Acceptance: 74.0%

#11

University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public

$58,885

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $51,950

Graduates: 38

Acceptance: 93.9%

#12

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public

$53,775

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $54,769

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 86.7%

#13

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · Public

$68,443

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $59,772

Graduates: 66

Acceptance: 89.8%

#14

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, NC · Public

$42,998

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,624

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 92.4%

#15

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC · Public

$45,696

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,078

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 70.5%

#16

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private

$44,971

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,768

Graduates: 22

Acceptance: 87.0%

#17

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC · Public

$39,369

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,451

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 79.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Science in North Carolina?

Duke University ranks #1 for Computer Science in North Carolina with median graduate earnings of $106,898 within two years of graduation. There are 17 schools offering Computer Science programs in the state.

How much do Computer Science graduates earn in North Carolina?

Computer Science graduates in North Carolina earn an average of $60,095 within two years of graduation. This is 12% below the national average of $68,283 for this major.

What is the hardest Computer Science school to get into in North Carolina?

Duke University is the most selective Computer Science program in North Carolina with an acceptance rate of 6.8%. The average acceptance rate across Computer Science programs in the state is 66.7%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Computer Science in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, private Computer Science programs produce average earnings of $74,295 vs $57,052 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 14 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in North Carolina

Computer Engineering $79,319 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $65,539 Chemical Engineering $65,411 Construction Engineering Technologies $58,582 Civil Engineering $56,103 Computer Programming $55,943 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $50,726 Business/Commerce, General $50,245

All colleges in North Carolina →

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.