The Top 25 Colleges in North Carolina 2024

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, or more commonly referred to as simply Chapel Hill, is a large, public university nestled in the small city of Chapel Hill. Since its opening in 1795, this well known University has been one of the few public universities that offer an Ivy League education for a much lower price. They offer over 70 courses spread across 14 colleges, and undergraduates receive credit for a liberal arts education. Over 87% of classes available have a student size of less than 50.

Known as a top research University, Duke is a large, private school currently located in Durham. Thier medical program is known nationwide, and their marine laboratory is unprecedented. This tight-knit community boasts of small class sizes with a student to faculty ratio of 8:1. Students are heavily involved in international programs, as well as service-learning opportunities that more than 75% of students take part in.

Ranked nationally as the 27th best University, the medium-sized, private Wake Forest University offers a liberal arts education in the small town of Winston-Salem. This diverse school focuses heavily on service with their motto of “Pro Humanitate (For Humanity);” students can participate in the weekly service activity and more. With an appreciation for hard workers, this school offers over 40 undergraduate degrees with on-campus tutoring programs to help.

Also in Durham, North Carolina Central University is within the Research Triangle with areas in biotechnology information, biomedics, social, health, and behavior. While this public institution is heavily involved in the sciences, they also pride themselves in offering unique art opportunities like their Jazz study program. The law program on campus is also nationally recognized for being among the top ten most popular law schools.

Davidson College is a small, private, liberal arts school situated in the small town of Davidson, North Carolina. Davidson College has small classes averaging only 15 students, and it offers 26 majors, in addition to Interdisciplinary Studies. Almost one-fourth of the school is involved in a sport at some point during their stay at Davidson College, and 80% of students have had a hand in international work before graduation.

Located in the capital of Raleigh, North Carolina State University leads efforts in nuclear proliferation, climate change, smart electrical grids, and even self-powered health monitors. Innovation is a main influence on campus as students are constantly trying to better the community with over six hundred student organizations.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is the nation’s first public arts conservatory and its most unique, with five nationally-recognized conservatories housed on one campus in Winston-Salem. Students train for professional careers in dance, design and production, drama, filmmaking and music while completing rigorous academic courses. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7-to-1, students are mentored by working artists who are experts in their fields. The University offers a high school program in some disciplines, as well as graduate degrees.

Fast facts

• 79-acre campus with modern rehearsal spaces, fully equipped art and design studios and world-class performance halls
• Alumni have won or been nominated for most of the major awards in the arts and entertainment industries, including the Oscar, Emmy, Tony, Bessie and Grammy awards.
• In 2018 it was designated as a Fixed Tuition Institution of the UNC System, guaranteeing in-state students eight semesters free of increase in tuition.

Since being founded in 1899, Appalachian State University has continued to grow as a large public university in Boone, North Carolina. The wonder of this University extends past the beautiful view of the mountains, with over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs offered. Recognized for success in civic engagements and service-learning, the school reaches out constantly to the community.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a medium-sized, public school with a strong sense of community and place. Being on the coast, the view and possibilities are incredible for college life. While almost 90% of the students are from North Carolina, 21 countries are still represented among the student population.

Experiential learning, outstanding teaching & mentoring, and an excellent four-year graduation rate make Elon a top-100 National University. Elon has built a reputation as a university like no other. Our remarkable growth is tied to two central beliefs: students learn most deeply through engaged, hands-on experiences; and students’ lives are transformed through personal relationships with faculty and staff whose first priorities are teaching and mentoring. Now, in a time of fundamental change, Elon University has emerged as the leader in defining what matters most in a college education.

This medium-sized institution started in 1890 as a land-grant doctoral research university. Now North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the largest historically black university across the country. While they are most commonly known for their outstanding program in engineering, they offer over 177 undergraduate degrees.

Salem College is a small, private, liberal arts college open to only women. The school began as a primary school, then became a high school, and eventually settled as the college it is today. With an ethnically diverse population, this school encourages women to pursue careers in the sciences and involves the students in division sports. Salem is one of the few original all women’s colleges that still upholds their tradition of women.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina’s only urban research university, is the second-largest public institution in the state. Through its seven academic colleges, UNC Charlotte offers 171 majors in 77 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, 65 master’s degrees and 24 doctoral degrees. Charlotte and its surrounding region are home to 300-plus Fortune 500/1,000 companies, which affords students countless internship, networking and high-profile research opportunities. An award-winning, talented group of faculty, who excel in teaching and mentoring, foster an innovative learning environment.

Fast Facts:

• Considered an Urban Research University
• The light rail connects UNC Charlotte to Uptown Charlotte
• Their campus is composed of 1,000 acres

Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public liberal arts school. Originally, it started as an elementary teaching college but grew to include 28 undergraduate degrees. The school is associated with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and is known for producing the most African Americans with Master’s degrees in mathematics.

Western Carolina University is a medium, public university which started as a teaching college in Cullowhee, North Carolina. With more than 75% of the population being between eighteen and twenty-four, this school proves to have a lively community. Western Carolina University focuses on high demand degrees in the sciences and business and offers more than 115 undergraduate majors.

Fayetteville State University is the second oldest university in the state and is now recognized as a mid-sized, public school. This school is known for being one of the most diverse campuses in the nation and produces many minority degrees. Their Freshman Year Initiative is an award-winning program created to make freshman year easier for students.

The University of North Carolina at Asheville is a medium-sized, private university that is a dedicated liberal arts school in Asheville. It was founded in 1927 as a junior college. Now it is not only a school known for having a great community, but it was ranked third on the national list of “Best Schools for Making an Impact.” With 36 majors in either the arts or fine arts and sciences, the school encourages undergraduates to participate in research, internships, study abroads, and service projects.

Located in Greensville, East Carolina University is a large, public university that specializes in research. It began as a teacher training school in 1907, but soon grew into a full-fledged university with 97 undergraduate degrees, and 15 research doctoral degrees. On top of having 11 colleges, the school also includes a graduate school and honors college.

Catawba College is a small, private, liberal arts college located in residential Salisbury, North Carolina. The school was founded by the German Reformed Church but is now affiliated with the United Church of Christ, which encourages the students to have good character in all of their actions. The school offers over 70 different fields of study and allows students to create their own individualized major.

The University of Mount Olive is one of the leading Christian liberal arts universities in North Carolina. Most of the student body is comprised of adult students due to the school’s belief in transformational education. With small classes, an average 15 students, it is easier for students to receive the attention and help that they need. The school also focuses on improving each student’s writing abilities with its Quality Enhancement Plan.

The small, private, liberal arts college, Guildford College, is a historical school that sticks by their Quaker heritage. They believe in a strong sense of community, equality, integrity, peace, and simplicity. With this focus, the school offers many nontraditional majors such as Peace and Conflict Studies and Community and Justice Studies.

Barton College is a small, liberal arts college in Wilson that strives to keep the college experience personal. Even with small class sizes, they are still able to offer over 40 programs for their students within eight schools. They put emphasis on an education that includes not just intellectual growth but also social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

This medium-sized, private, liberal arts school was founded in 1924 in High Point but didn’t become a university until 1991. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, High Point University encourages a balance in life and learning. The school also focuses on preparing students for careers with career planning courses, Linkedin sessions, and on-campus interviews.

Meredith College is one of the best private colleges in North Carolina. It is a small, private, liberal arts college based in Raleigh, North Carolina. With a rich history in supporting women’s rights, the college is currently a national source of important research with regards to women’s issues. Today they are a coeducational institution that offers over 80 undergraduate programs.

Winston-Salem State University is a mid-sized, public university that specializes in health sciences. Being a historically black institution, the school continues to uphold a diverse student body. They provide a flexible curriculum with over 40 majors available to accommodate each student and their unique background.