Best Colleges in North Carolina

As a southeastern state, North Carolina has warmer winters and hot summers, and it can experience severe weather during both seasons. Colleges in North Carolina include 19 liberal arts and more than forty private institutions. The University of North Carolina System alone has 16 universities that enroll upwards of 180,000 students.The North Carolina Community College System is even larger, with dozens of associate-granting colleges throughout the state. The oldest institution in the state is part of the UNC System, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is claims to be the oldest public universities in the US period. The most selective is Duke. North Carolina is a national leader in agriculture, financial services, and manufacturing, but has an up-and-coming biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector attracted the research universities in The Triangle. Top attractions in the Old North State include Chimney Rock State Park, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and the Biltmore Estate.

How Were the Top Schools in North Carolina Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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Founded in 1848, Chowan University is a private institution based in the rural town of Murfreesboro, North Carolina. It is closely associated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The school provides study abroad programs in places...

“…

The teachers are amazing at Chowan University, All of the teacher should me how to study and worked with me on the projects. The make their-selves friendly and someone you can really talk to.

” – Michael from Norfolk, VA
University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public, liberal arts university founded in 1891. The urban research campus offers 175 undergraduate degrees through six colleges and schools, as well as 150 master’s programs and 50 doctoral...

“…

Great Teachers (only one crazy teacher yet haha) and in addition to great courses I have had many so many life changes experiences I really couldn't explain in this box

” – Javier from High Point, NC
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Founded in 1867, Fayetteville State University is a 4-year public school in central North Carolina and an Historically Black College and University. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the University of North Carolina System, FSU...

“…

While Fayetteville State is a great school. With its vast number of programs and clubs offered there is always something to do. Although this school is a HBCU there is still some diversity with the students, the food, and the classes.

” – Taylah from Hope Mills, NC
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Johnson & Wales University is career-focused institution with two campuses: Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. All JWU classes are centered around an experiential education model featuring real world projects and industry...

“…

every chef at this university has years of experience, know the ends ands outs of the business and can really give insight on any aspect of the culinary worldthey make sure in the time your in their labs that when you leave you will be able to go to...

” – Dwayne from fayetteville, NC
North Carolina Wesleyan University

North Carolina Wesleyan College is a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school provides a liberal arts education and operates a main campus in Rocky Mount, NC, and six satellite locations. The college offers several...

“…

Because this is a small campus, the professors have a better opportunity to answer as many questions as possible as well as have more one on one time with each student.

” – Vivian from Greensboro, NC
Belmont Abbey College

Belmont Abbey College is a private liberal arts institution based in Belmont, North Carolina. It is affiliated with the Order of Saint Benedict and the Roman Catholic Church. The college houses the Saint Joseph Adoration Chapel which is open 24 hours...

“…

Here at Belmont Abbey College the learning experience is quiet different then what I expected. Since, I attending public high school I was used to the teachers just being teachers. What I mean is that I never expected to be taught by an actual monk...

” – Stephanie from Huntersville, NC
Livingstone College

Originally founded as a minister training school in 1879, Livingstone College is a Christian institution in central North Carolina and an Historically Black College and University. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church...

“…

Not only educationally but attending Livingstone College has taught me a lot about college and life in general.

” – Nichelle from Charlotte, NC
University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Originally founded as a Native American liberal arts college, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a 4-year public school in southeast North Carolina and the only college in the United States founded by and for Native Americans. UNCP is...

“…

All of the teachers have office hours which enable the students to get extra time if something does not click in class. Not many colleges can guarantee this 1 on 1 time.

” – Emily from Fayetteville, NC
Shaw University

Founded by a Union army soldier in 1865, Shaw University is an Historically Black College and University in the North Carolina Research Triangle and the first HBCU in the south. Shaw confers bachelor’s degrees in over 20 academic majors and is the...

“…

The University has a great campus and is very secure. All staff members of Shaw University are very friendly and are always willing to help if needed.

” – E'Neysia from Charlotte, NC
William Peace University

William Peace University in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a 4-year co-ed university. Founded in 1857 as a school for women, WPU has gone through many changes, always adapting to the needs of students and the careers of tomorrow. 

WPU offers more than...

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Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary is an Evangelical Christian institution dedicated to training future Christ-centered leaders. CCCTS offers bachelor’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Urban Christian Ministries with three...

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Warren Wilson College is a liberal arts school located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Warren Wilson has two free tuition programs for new students as well as the WWC Advantage Program for students on their way out who want to...

“…

The academics here are definitely good (especially in environmental studies) but not top of the line. However, I have already learned a ton in my classes and expect that to continue throughout my time here. Aside from what I've learned in my classes...

” – Tyler from Takoma Park, MD
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Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a public, 2-year institution established in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carolinas College is a part of the Carolinas Medical Center, which is, in turn, part of Atrium Health. Academics at Carolinas College are...

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University is a public HBCU situated in the rural town of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. It is a member of the University of North Carolina system and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. ECSU is a military-friendly university...

“…

ECSU is a fantastic school and I'm really learning a lot that will def help me improve my outlook.

” – Devon from Kinston, NC
Bennett College

Bennett College is a private, four-year, and historically black liberal arts college for women. It was founded in 1873 as a coeducational school for teachers, but in 1926 it became a four-year women's college. The 60-acre campus in Greensboro, North...

“…

With Bennett being a liberal arts institution, I know the education I am receiving allows me the freedom to explore other majors and interest such as acting or painting and not feel claustrophobic within my own major. Bennett’s curriculum forces you...

” – Brittany from Atlanta, GA
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Saint Augustine's University was founded by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina in 1867. It is one of only two HBCUs affiliated with the Episcopal church. SAU offers a liberal arts education, Greek Life, Peer Mentorship, and a Royal Court...

“…

It's hard to fail at this school. Their program Freshman Experience, keeps you in constant contact with advisors, professors, and tutors. You even have to check in with them.

” – Chelsea from Afghanistan
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Established in 1971, Heritage Bible College is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Dunn, North Carolina. HBC offers an associate’s degree program in Christian Studies as well as six bachelor’s degree programs in Pastoral Ministry...

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Fayetteville Technical Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in the state of North Carolina. Along with its main campus, the college also maintains two additional campuses in Spring Lake and Fort Bragg. FTCC is committed to...

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Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a private, medical education institution established in Concord, North Carolina on the campus of Atrium Health System Northeast. The college offers approximately 20 degree and certificate programs in Health...

“…

This is a wonderful college to attend! Everyone is ready and willing to lend a helping hand and it is also centered around helping people and healthcare. It really keeps things professional and you have a more one-on-one interaction with teachers.

” – Sarah from Denton, NC
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Pitt Community College is a 2-year community college serving eastern North Carolina that also houses a vocational technical school. PCC offers students assistance in order to transfer to a traditional 4-year college thanks to partnerships built up...

“…

While attending Pitt Community College I have learned a lot. Such as English, to math and college life (skills). I have even learned more knowledge about Biotechnology than I knew before.

” – Destiny from Greenville, NC