Best Public Health Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina has 10 colleges offering Public Health programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 604 recent graduates. Graduates earn $32,948 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,183.

School choice matters significantly: Western Carolina University graduates earn $38,829 while Appalachian State University graduates earn $27,947 — a $10,882 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

10
Schools in NC
$32,948
NC Avg. Earnings
$34,183
National Avg.
162
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Public Health in North Carolina

Public Schools (7)
$33,427
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (3)
$31,830
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in North Carolina produce comparable or higher early earnings for Public Health graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Public Health Schools in North Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

#1
W

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public

$38,829
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,148
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 86.7%
#2
U

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public

$38,649
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,894
Graduates: 50
Acceptance: 80.2%
#3
D

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

$37,208
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 6.8%
#4
U

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public

$33,459
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,370
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 74.0%
#5
U

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · Public

$33,410
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,848
Graduates: 65
Acceptance: 89.8%
#6
U

University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public

$31,447
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,657
Graduates: 51
Acceptance: 93.9%
#7
E

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$30,251
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,077
Graduates: 276
Acceptance: 90.1%
#8
B

Barton College

Wilson, NC · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 95.9%
#9
E

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

$28,598
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,212
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 67.3%
#10
A

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

$27,947
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,883
Graduates: 88
Acceptance: 88.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Public Health in North Carolina?
Western Carolina University ranks #1 for Public Health in North Carolina with median graduate earnings of $38,829 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Public Health programs in the state.
How much do Public Health graduates earn in North Carolina?
Public Health graduates in North Carolina earn an average of $32,948 within two years of graduation. This is 4% below the national average of $34,183 for this major.
What is the hardest Public Health school to get into in North Carolina?
Duke University is the most selective Public Health program in North Carolina with an acceptance rate of 6.8%. The average acceptance rate across Public Health programs in the state is 77.3%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Public Health in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, private Public Health programs produce average earnings of $31,830 vs $33,427 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in North Carolina

All colleges in North Carolina →

Public Health in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.