Resources for Students in North Carolina

North Carolina features many excellent colleges. Review the best resources students can use to find the right school.

Going to College in the Tarheel State

Going to school in the Tarheel State may be especially attractive if you’re interested in pursuing a degree in business, banking, or a similar topic. Students and graduates should have ample opportunities to network in these industries across the state.

According to CNBC, North Carolina ranks as the top state for business. It is also home to one of the largest banking centers in the United States. Charlotte recently emerged as the second-largest banking center in the country.

Furthermore, a 2023 North Carolina Department of Commerce report shows that inflation has affected North Carolina residents less than other Americans due to strong wage growth. This positive economic trend makes North Carolina an attractive state to earn a degree and start a career.

This guide features top resources for students earning a degree in North Carolina and answers frequently asked questions about colleges in the state.

Academic Career Pathways


College Rankings

Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2025

Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2025

Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

by Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

Updated May 27, 2025

Colleges in Charlotte: All 11 Schools

Colleges in Charlotte: All 11 Schools

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated October 20, 2023

Find a Coding Bootcamp

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Colleges

How many colleges are in North Carolina?

More than 60 four-year colleges can be found across North Carolina. Options include public, private, and for-profit institutions. You can also explore the state’s many community, junior, and technical colleges.

Before applying, you should compare scholarship opportunities and student resources by checking out schools’ student services websites. School staff and admissions counselors can also help you understand how to access resources, maintain your grades, and prepare for a career after graduation.

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

A Duke University article from March 2023 reports that the school admitted only 6% of applicants for the class of 2027. This figure was even lower (4.8%) for students who applied through the regular-decision process. If you want to apply to Duke, you should also apply to a few safety schools given how selective its admissions process is.

What is the biggest college in North Carolina?

Situated in Raleigh, North Carolina State University is the biggest school in the state, educating over 36,000 students annually. At NC State, you can select from over 100 undergraduate majors, and the school admits a relatively high percentage of applicants (47% of first-year applicants in 2022).

All North Carolina Resources

Private Universities in North Carolina: A Complete List

Private Universities in North Carolina: A Complete List

Reese Lopez

by Reese Lopez

Updated September 18, 2023

Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2025

Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2025

Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

by Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

Updated May 27, 2025

N.C. Nonprofit Brings Online Degrees to UNC System

N.C. Nonprofit Brings Online Degrees to UNC System

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated May 15, 2025

N.C. Proposes $73M for High-Wage, High-Demand Career Education for Community Colleges

N.C. Proposes $73M for High-Wage, High-Demand Career Education for Community Colleges

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated May 2, 2025

North Carolina HBCU Partners With OpenAI

North Carolina HBCU Partners With OpenAI

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated April 7, 2025

N.C. Community College Program Takes Teacher Licensure Local

N.C. Community College Program Takes Teacher Licensure Local

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated October 23, 2024

Western N.C. College Students Are Leading Hurricane Helene Relief

Western N.C. College Students Are Leading Hurricane Helene Relief

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated October 7, 2024

Can I Vote in North Carolina Using My Student ID?

Can I Vote in North Carolina Using My Student ID?

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated August 16, 2024

UNC System Simplifies Application for Community Colleges, Some Universities

UNC System Simplifies Application for Community Colleges, Some Universities

Evan Castillo

by Evan Castillo

Updated September 19, 2024

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