Student Housing

NC AHEC student housing is short-term lodging for health sciences students who are completing community-based rotations in North Carolina. Students are not required to use NC AHEC housing, and NC AHEC housing is not meant to serve or replace a student’s permanent residence. Our goal is to make community-based education at clinical sites more accessible.

Since the 1970s, the nine regional AHECs have provided student housing across North Carolina. In recent years, they have averaged over 53,000 housing nights annually, spanning 45 counties and 50 towns and cities. Most housing is arranged through rented apartments or AHEC-owned homes and condos, with private homeowners also utilized, especially in rural areas.  

Our student housing program has long supported learners from our primary academic partners and affiliated universities: 

  • Appalachian State University
  • Campbell University
  • Duke University
  • East Carolina University
  • Elon University
  • Gardner-Webb University
  • High Point University
  • Lenoir-Rhyne University
  • Meredith College
  • Methodist University
  • NC A&T University
  • Pfeiffer University
  • UNC-Chapel Hill
  • UNC-Charlotte
  • UNC-Greensboro
  • UNC-Wilmington
  • Wake Forest University
  • Western Carolina University
  • Wingate University
  • Winston Salem State University

In compliance with UNC General Administration Board of Governors directives, AHEC does not collect any fees from students of affiliated schools. The NC AHEC Program Office invoices affiliated universities twice yearly for their student’s use of housing. Local AHECs collect housing fees directly from students of non-affiliated schools. 

Current Rates: 

  • $14 per night for students from our primary academic partners or affiliated universities 
  • Maximum of $50 per night for all other students 

Effective June 1, 2026: 

  • The rate for students from our primary academic partners or affiliated universities will increase to $20 per night 
  • The rate for all other students will increase to a maximum of $70 per night 

Any health sciences student may apply for NC AHEC housing through our online portal at my.ncahec.net. Each AHEC reviews applications, taking into account a variety of factors (date of application, length of stay, co-ed status, school affiliation) and notifies the student as soon as possible. We also implemented an evaluation process that invites students to share feedback about their stays in NC AHEC housing, helping us improve future experiences.  

While we are not able to meet every housing request and the demand for student housing continues to grow, NC AHEC student housing is among the largest (if not the largest) student housing system within the National AHEC Organization. Review our housing Frequently Asked Questions here.