Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools

You have many options when it comes to colleges in North Carolina. Discover what sets the best colleges in the state apart from the rest.
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Updated on August 31, 2023
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You can find some of the nation's best colleges in North Carolina. The state is home to the country's first public school — the University of North Carolina (UNC) — and some of the top private research institutions in the U.S., like Duke University.

North Carolina boasts one of the largest state university systems and a huge selection of business, science, healthcare, and teaching degrees.

On this page, we highlight some of the top universities in North Carolina. We look at what makes them unique, what programs they offer, and what you can expect if you enroll.

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10 Best Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina has around 80 four-year colleges and universities within its borders. We shine a spotlight on the 10 best colleges in North Carolina.

Methodology

Many factors go into our ranking, including school reputation, student enrollment, academic achievement, and institutional and programmatic accreditation. We leverage data from reputable public sources, including the National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator.

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools Best Value

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Classes began at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1795, making it the nation's first public university. The school now offers more than 250 degrees to over 30,000 students. 

UNC-Chapel Hill has reputable programs in biology, business, and media and journalism. The school performs more than 60% of the entire UNC system's research. UNC-Chapel Hill also ranks 10th in the country for federal research, with funding at $706 million.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,278
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools

Wake Forest University

  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Wake Forest University was founded in 1848 and enrolls nearly 9,000 students in over 100 programs. In 1962, Wake Forest became the first major private school in the South to end segregation. 

Despite its expansive reputation and significant research contributions, the school maintains an intimate classroom environment and an 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Wake Forest also boasts a leading Division I athletics program with nine national championships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$56,722
Out-of-state
$56,722
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,650
Out-of-state
$38,650
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
8,789
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools Best Value

Duke University

  • Durham, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Established in 1924, Duke University offers more than 280 programs to over 17,000 students. Known for its programs in computer science, economics, public policy, and biology, the school also hosts one of the nation's leading research ecosystems. 

Duke established the Duke University Health System, which is responsible for three hospitals and numerous medical breakthroughs. The school is also home to one of the nation's leading private research library systems.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,880
Out-of-state
$55,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$57,900
Out-of-state
$57,900
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
8%
Students Enrolled
16,172
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools Best Value

North Carolina State University

  • Raleigh, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University (NC State) has grown into one of the country's top public research universities. The school provides more than 300 programs and over 600 student groups for its student body of over 36,000. 

As a leading research school, NC State spends over $546 million in annual research, the 6th most among non-medical public colleges. NC State research has helped create over 190 startups and generate over $1.7 billion in financing.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$26,654
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,095
Out-of-state
$26,421
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
36,042
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools

Elon University

  • Elon, NC
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Elon University specializes in experiential learning and engagement on a 690-acre campus designated as a botanical garden. The school runs more than 75 programs for over 8,000 students while maintaining an 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. 

Elon's student participation numbers stand out from most schools. Over 87% of students complete internships, nearly 60% of students hold a leadership position on campus, 44% study abroad, and nearly 25% take part in research. The school encourages extracurricular involvement with over 200 student organizations and 17 NCAA Division I teams.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,414
Out-of-state
$37,414
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,432
Out-of-state
$18,432
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
7,117
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools

Appalachian State University

  • Boone, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded as Watauga Academy in 1899, Appalachian State University became one of UNC's 17 campuses in 1971. The school now enrolls more than 21,000 students who participate in over 150 programs and over 7,800 internships.

Appalachian keeps classroom sizes to an average of 25 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. Along with the sprawling 1,200-acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian students have over 400 organizations they can join.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,242
Out-of-state
$19,049
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,839
Out-of-state
$18,271
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
20,023
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools

University of North Carolina Wilmington

  • Wilmington, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) began as Wilmington College in 1947. Now part of the UNC system, UNCW enrolls over 18,000 students online and at its 650-acre coastal campus. 

In addition to programs in business and computer science, UNCW hosts the nation's first coastal engineering program. The school's Center for Marine Science positions it as a leader in marine science research. UNCW also makes significant contributions to the arts, technology, and healthcare.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,443
Out-of-state
$18,508
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,719
Out-of-state
$18,548
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
17,915
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

  • Charlotte, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UNC Charlotte's home to more than 190 programs and over 30,000 students. The nearly 1,000-acre campus hosts more than 350 student organizations, along with a 148,000-square-foot recreation center. 

UNC Charlotte drives innovation from many of its programs, including architecture, engineering, and data science. The school's research efforts have led to 524 awards and the development of 18 new businesses between 2018 and 2023.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,812
Out-of-state
$17,246
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,337
Out-of-state
$17,771
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
30,146
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools

North Carolina A&T State University

  • Greensboro, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The largest historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the country, North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&T) enrolls more than 13,000 students. A leader in STEM education and research, the school runs over 100 programs across nine departments. 

N.C. A&T's reputation for academic excellence and innovation has led to substantial funding initiatives for a STEAM teacher training program and agriculture program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,540
Out-of-state
$17,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,745
Out-of-state
$17,545
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
12,753
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Colleges in North Carolina + Full List of Schools

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

While East Carolina University (ECU) started in 1909 as a teacher's college, the school now offers more than 170 degree programs. Learners can also join one of over 375 clubs and organizations. 

Nearly 50% of ECU's student body of 28,000 enroll in the school's STEM or healthcare programs. The reputable health sciences department houses programs in medicine, dentistry, and nursing. In fact, ECU is the state's only university with dentistry, medical, and engineering schools.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,749
Out-of-state
$17,898
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
28,798
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

List of All Colleges in North Carolina

We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in North Carolina. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.

The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Note that schools that do not admit full-time first-time degree-seeking students or that had a total undergrad enrollment of fewer than 500 were not considered for this list.

All Colleges in North Carolina
School Total Student Enrollment Avg. Annual Net Price Acceptance Rate Number of Applicants
Appalachian State University 20,436 $13,084 83% 22,255
Barton College 1,265 $23,443 95% 2,129
Belmont Abbey College 1,501 $23,522 97% 2,757
Brevard College 759 $24,220 40% 2,206
Campbell University 5,272 $24,280 89% 3,860
Catawba College 1,172 $19,701 67% 3,199
Chowan University 886 $17,334 86% 2,259
Davidson College 1,927 $26,704 17% 6,479
Duke University 18,023 $23,694 6% 50,016
East Carolina University 27,151 $14,410 92% 21,383
Elizabeth City State University 2,149 $4,120 74% 3,927
Elon University 7,123 $41,527 74% 17,551
Fayetteville State University 6,787 $6,355 81% 4,116
Gardner-Webb University 3,144 $22,339 75% 5,728
Greensboro College 826 $19,581 84%% 1,349
Guilford College 1,167 $23,882 84% 3,397
High Point University 5,981 $40,221 79% 12,446
Johnson C. Smith University 1,093 $20,045 25% 2,306
Lees-McRae College 855 $24,108 61% 1,733
Lenoir-Rhyne University 2,354 $21,843 83% 5,452
Livingstone College 839 $15,914 64% 4,074
Mars Hill University 1,032 $17,721 74% 1,597
Meredith College 1,587 $23,259 73% 1,775
Methodist University 1,811 $28,129 76% 2,397
Montreat College 972 $25,485 68% 1,440
North Carolina A&T State University 13,487 $9,189 56% 25,762
North Carolina Central University 7,553 $13,708 84% 8,423
North Carolina State University at Raleigh 36,700 $14,852 47% 35,568
North Carolina Wesleyan University 1,337 $18,701 68% 2,379
Pfeiffer University 1,076 $21,575 69% 1,299
Queens University of Charlotte 1,873 $29,459 71% 3,154
Saint Augustine's University 1,108 $20,081 59% 4,918
Shaw University 1,067 $14,204 61% 2,435
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary 2,764 $16,324 80% 60
St. Andrews University 809 $31,864 65% 1,767
University of Mount Olive 2,239 $17,878 75% 1,838
University of North Carolina at Asheville 2,914 $14,730 74% 4,278
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 31,705 $10,614 17% 50,729
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 29,551 $13,951 80% 21,355
University of North Carolina at Greensboro 17,978 $10,979 92% 11,515
University of North Carolina at Pembroke 7,666 $8,208 90% 3,420
University of North Carolina School of the Arts 1,104 $11,251 32% 1,139
University of North Carolina Wilmington 17,843 $18,709 69% 16,860
Wake Forest University 8,963 $26,197 21% 16,857
Warren Wilson College 793 $28,086 84% 905
Western Carolina University 11,635 $13,022 85% 17,917
William Peace University 713 $23,041 63% 1,434
Wingate University 3,396 $18,823 86% 20,292
Winston-Salem State University 5,004 $14,097 73% 7,628
Source: NCES

What Is the Cost of College in North Carolina?

College costs in North Carolina depend on the location, type of school, and delivery format you choose. On average, public four-year universities in North Carolina charged $7,620 in tuition and fees to in-state students and $23,136 to out-of-state students in 2021, according to NCES.

You can save money on a four-year degree in different ways. For example, you might attend a community college in North Carolina before transferring to a four-year university.

Or you can reduce some college costs, like room and board and transportation, by attending an online college in North Carolina. If you're an out-of-state student, you could even access in-state rates at some online schools.

Cost of College in North Carolina in 2021
Institution Type Average Tuition & Required Fees
Public 4-Year (In-State) $7,260
Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) $23,136
Private 4-Year $36,772
Public 2-Year (In-State) $2,474
Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) $8,511
Source: NCES

Featured Online Programs

Scholarships for North Carolina Students

Scholarships and grants can help relieve some of your financial burden while you study. The list below includes some of the top scholarship programs in North Carolina.

NC Scholarship

Managed by the College Foundation of North Carolina, this program awards a minimum of $5,000 to qualifying students in the University of North Carolina system and $2,800 to qualifying students in the North Carolina Community College System.

Cheatham-White Merit Scholarship

Available at North Carolina A&T State University and North Carolina Central University, this scholarship covers all educational costs for four years. Eligible students need a 4.0 GPA, extracurriculars, and demonstrated leadership experience.

Janet B. Royster Memorial Scholarship

Created by the UNC System Staff Assembly, this scholarship awards up to $500 to full-time non-faculty employees of UNC to put toward their education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in North Carolina

How many colleges are in North Carolina?

According to NCES, North Carolina has 174 colleges and universities. This number comprises 17 public four-year schools, 60 public two-year schools, and 65 private four-year schools — both nonprofit and for-profit alike.

The largest college system in the Tarheel State is the University of North Carolina system, which consists of 16 schools, including Appalachian State University, North Carolina State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill.

What college is in Boone, North Carolina?

The only four-year university in Boone, North Carolina, is Appalachian State University. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Wilkes Community College, and Lees-McRae College are all nearby as well.

Is North Carolina Central University an HBCU?

Yes, North Carolina Central University is a historically Black college and university (HBCU). North Carolina has 11 HBCUs. NCCU is one of the largest, with more than 7,000 students. North Carolina Central University's campus is located in Durham, North Carolina, just 3 miles from Duke University.