The Best Business Schools Near Raleigh for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools Near Raleigh
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks #1 near Raleigh on a 99.2 Program Score, with a 91% graduation rate.
- Duke University graduates the most students on this list (97%), from #2.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, North Carolina A & T State University, ranks #5.
- Programs analyzed in Raleigh
- 26
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in the metro
- 1
- Farthest school
- 68 mi
Only one business school in Raleigh has a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on (North Carolina State University at Raleigh), too few for a ranking of the metro alone. So this list looks past the metro: it keeps that school and adds the nine closest schools that do have one, in North Carolina, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leads with a 99.2 Program Score and a 91% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the metro is Duke University (Durham, NC), about 21 miles from central Raleigh; the farthest, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Greensboro, NC), is about 68 miles away.
Business Schools Near Raleigh, Compared by Score
UNC leads at 99.2, and Barton College closes the chart at 63.8. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Schools Near Raleigh
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Schools Near Raleigh, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Schools Near Raleigh, ranked by outcomes.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 91%
- Admit rate
- 15%
- In-state
- $7,019
- Out-of-state
- $39,228
At $7,019 a year in-state, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 99.2 Program Score on a 91% graduation rate.
- Program Score 99.2, #1 of 10
- 91% graduation rate
- $7,019 in-state vs $39,228 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #1 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 99.2 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 82.5 group average. The program graduates 91% of its students, above the 65% average across the ranked schools. UNC admits 15% of applicants, more selective than the 59% average for the group. That is more open than the 6% rate at Duke, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 32,438 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, UNC charges $7,019 a year in-state, roughly 6x the $39,228 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,540 at North Carolina A & T State to $46,451 at Elon. The spread makes the program a clearer value for NC residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Duke University
Durham, NC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 97%
- Admit rate
- 6%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Duke University graduates 97% of its students, above the 65% average across this ranking, on a 97.0 Program Score.
- Program Score 97.0, #2 of 10
- 97% graduation rate
- Most selective program here
Duke University is a private, nonprofit institution in Durham, NC. Its Business program ranks #2 of the 10 analyzed here with a 97.0 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 82.5 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 2.2 points behind top-ranked UNC. The program graduates 97% of its students, above the 65% average across the ranked schools. Duke admits 6% of applicants, more selective than the 59% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. The university enrolls 17,499 students overall.
For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 85%
- Admit rate
- 42%
- In-state
- $6,535
- Out-of-state
- $30,583
An accounting B.S. that provides the credit hours to sit for the CPA exam, with a direct-admit route to NC State's one-year Master of Accounting.
- 85% graduation rate
- Program Score 95.8
- $6,535 in-state tuition
- CPA exam credit hours
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at North Carolina State University pairs a general business foundation, including business statistics, statistical programming and business analytics, with depth in accounting. The curriculum covers financial and managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, analytics and accounting information systems, and students build teamwork, problem-solving and technology skills. The catalog states that the program provides the credit hours needed to sit for the CPA exam. High-achieving students can apply directly to the Master of Accounting program and earn the graduate degree with just one additional year of coursework. The degree sits in the Poole College of Management, and its plan of study includes general education coursework in communication, economics, ethics and the sciences alongside the accounting core.
NC State graduates 85% of its students and admits 42% of applicants. In-state tuition is $6,535, compared with $30,583 out of state. The program has a Program Score of 95.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students aiming for CPA licensure who value the option of a fast-track master's degree, and in-state students benefit most from the price gap. Admission is moderately selective, so applicants should prepare a strong academic record.
Elon University
Elon, NC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 84%
- Admit rate
- 66%
- In-state
- $46,451
- Out-of-state
- $46,451
Elon University graduates 84% of its students, above the 65% average across this ranking, on an 88.7 Program Score.
- Program Score 88.7, #4 of 10
- 84% graduation rate
- $46,451 tuition
- Admits just 66% of applicants
Based in Elon University, NC, Elon is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #4 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 88.7 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 82.5 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 84% of its students, above the 65% average across the ranked schools. Elon admits 66% of applicants, less selective than the 59% average for the group. That is more open than the 6% rate at Duke, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. The university enrolls 7,239 students overall.
On cost, Elon charges $46,451 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,540 at North Carolina A & T State to $46,451 at Elon. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC · Public
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 50%
- In-state
- $3,540
- Out-of-state
- $17,400
At $3,540 a year in-state, North Carolina A & T State University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 85.4 Program Score on a 57% graduation rate.
- Program Score 85.4, #5 of 10
- 57% graduation rate
- $3,540 in-state vs $17,400 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A & T State University is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #5 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 85.4 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 82.5 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, below the 65% average across the ranked schools. North Carolina A & T State admits 50% of applicants, more selective than the 59% average for the group. That is more open than the 6% rate at Duke, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. The university enrolls 14,311 students overall.
On cost, North Carolina A & T State charges $3,540 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $17,400 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,540 at North Carolina A & T State to $46,451 at Elon. The spread makes the program a clearer value for NC residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 56%
- Admit rate
- 89%
- In-state
- $4,422
- Out-of-state
- $20,773
At $4,422 a year in-state, University of North Carolina at Greensboro is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 76.5 Program Score on a 56% graduation rate.
- Program Score 76.5, #6 of 10
- 56% graduation rate
- $4,422 in-state vs $20,773 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public institution in Greensboro, NC. Its Business program ranks #6 of the 10 analyzed here with a 76.5 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 82.5 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 56% of its students, below the 65% average across the ranked schools. North Carolina at Greensboro admits 89% of applicants, less selective than the 59% average for the group. That is more open than the 6% rate at Duke, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. The university enrolls 18,012 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, North Carolina at Greensboro charges $4,422 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $20,773 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,540 at North Carolina A & T State to $46,451 at Elon. The spread makes the program a clearer value for NC residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
University of Mount Olive
Mount Olive, NC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 52%
- Admit rate
- 76%
- In-state
- $26,216
- Out-of-state
- $26,216
University of Mount Olive ranks #7 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 76.3 Program Score and a 52% graduation rate.
- Program Score 76.3, #7 of 10
- 52% graduation rate
- $26,216 tuition
- Online option available
Based in University of Mount Olive, NC, Mount Olive is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #7 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 76.3 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 82.5 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 52% of its students, below the 65% average across the ranked schools. Mount Olive admits 76% of applicants, less selective than the 59% average for the group. That is more open than the 6% rate at Duke, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,109 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Mount Olive charges $26,216 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,540 at North Carolina A & T State to $46,451 at Elon. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 44%
- Admit rate
- 75%
- In-state
- $40,500
- Out-of-state
- $40,500
Methodist University ranks #8 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 72.2 Program Score and a 44% graduation rate.
- Program Score 72.2, #8 of 10
- 44% graduation rate
- $40,500 tuition
- Online option available
Methodist University is a private, nonprofit institution in Fayetteville, NC. Its Business program ranks #8 of the 10 analyzed here with a 72.2 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 82.5 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 44% of its students, below the 65% average across the ranked schools. Methodist admits 75% of applicants, less selective than the 59% average for the group. That is more open than the 6% rate at Duke, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,822 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Methodist charges $40,500 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,540 at North Carolina A & T State to $46,451 at Elon. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
North Carolina Wesleyan University
Rocky Mount, NC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $34,936
- Out-of-state
- $34,936
North Carolina Wesleyan University ranks #9 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 69.7 Program Score and a 42% graduation rate.
- Program Score 69.7, #9 of 10
- 42% graduation rate
- $34,936 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Rocky Mount, NC, North Carolina Wesleyan University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #9 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 69.7 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 82.5 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 65% average across the ranked schools. North Carolina Wesleyan admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 59% average for the group. That is more open than the 6% rate at Duke, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,419 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, North Carolina Wesleyan charges $34,936 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,540 at North Carolina A & T State to $46,451 at Elon. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Barton College
Wilson, NC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 46%
- Admit rate
- 94%
- In-state
- $37,000
- Out-of-state
- $37,000
Barton College ranks #10 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 63.8 Program Score and a 46% graduation rate.
- Program Score 63.8, #10 of 10
- 46% graduation rate
- $37,000 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Barton College is a private, nonprofit institution in Wilson, NC. Its Business program ranks #10 of the 10 analyzed here with a 63.8 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 82.5 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 46% of its students, below the 65% average across the ranked schools. Barton College admits 94% of applicants, less selective than the 59% average for the group. That is more open than the 6% rate at Duke, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 42% to 97%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,235 students.
On cost, Barton College charges $37,000 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,540 at North Carolina A & T State to $46,451 at Elon. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. It earns its place in the top 10 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools Near Raleigh
The median school on this list graduates 57% of its students. The highest rates belong to Duke University (97%) and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (91%). The top graduation rate is not at the #1 school, because the score also weighs selectivity, cost, and earnings.
- #2 Duke University97% graduation rate
- #1 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill91% graduation rate
- #3 North Carolina State University at Raleigh85% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools Near Raleigh?
On this list, 3 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Duke University at 6%.
- #2 Duke University6% admitted
- #1 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill15% admitted
- #3 North Carolina State University at Raleigh42% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Schools Near Raleigh
This list holds 4 public and 6 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 90.6 public and 74.3 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools Near Raleigh
Enrollment on this list runs from 1,235 at Barton College to 38,464 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Of the 10, 2 enroll 20,000 students or more and 4 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools Near Raleigh Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUNC | $135,874 | $11,305 |
| #2 | Duke UniversityDuke | $222,160 | $23,706 |
| #3 | North Carolina State University at RaleighNorth Carolina State University at Raleigh | $83,689 | $16,486 |
| #4 | Elon UniversityElon | $103,426 | $35,785 |
| #6 | University of North Carolina at GreensboroNorth Carolina at Greensboro | $56,225 | $12,291 |
| #7 | University of Mount OliveMount Olive | $61,758 | $18,927 |
| #8 | Methodist UniversityMethodist | $58,849 | $25,760 |
Graduates of Duke earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $222,160; the lowest figure here is $56,225 at North Carolina at Greensboro.
UNC, the highest-ranked of these schools (#1), comes in at $135,874.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $11,305 a year at UNC to $35,785 at Elon.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Schools Near Raleigh Are
Distances are straight-line miles from central Raleigh, measured from the average location of Raleigh's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. Duke University in Durham, NC is about 21 miles away; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC is about 24 miles away; Barton College in Wilson, NC is about 41 miles away; Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC is about 49 miles away; North Carolina Wesleyan University in Rocky Mount, NC is about 50 miles away; Elon University in Elon, NC is about 53 miles away; University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, NC is about 53 miles away; North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC is about 66 miles away; University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Greensboro, NC is about 68 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the metro charges Raleigh students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Schools Near Raleigh Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $3,540 a year at North Carolina A & T State University to $46,451 at Elon University, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $14,160 against $185,804 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From Raleigh
Six of the ranked schools (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of Mount Olive, Methodist University, and North Carolina Wesleyan University) run a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in Raleigh it removes the distance on this list entirely.
- #1 University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC
- #3 North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC
- #6 University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC
- #7 University of Mount OliveMount Olive, NC
- #8 Methodist UniversityFayetteville, NC
- #9 North Carolina Wesleyan UniversityRocky Mount, NC
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
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Common Questions About Business Schools Near Raleigh
What is the best business school near Raleigh?
By Program Score, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) ranks first, with a 99.2 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in Raleigh?
26 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in Raleigh report to IPEDS. One school has the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the metro.
What is the closest ranked business school to Raleigh?
Outside Raleigh, Duke University (Durham, NC) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 21 straight-line miles from central Raleigh. Inside Raleigh, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is ranked on this list as well.
Can I study business online from Raleigh?
Yes. Six of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, and University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.