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.

Wilmington, NC

Located in southeastern North Carolina, Cape Fear Community College offers technical programs and 2-year transferable degrees to its 23,000-plus student body. CFCC has two campuses, one in Wilmington and on in Castle Hayne, as well as two educational...

“…

I rate CFCC a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. It is a great school with excellent teachers, smaller classes than a university, and it is a lot more afordable. I really like the two new parking decks they have recently added for students to make parking a...

” – Brandon from Wilmington, NC

average act composite

average sat composite

66%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$8,205

average net price

13,059

number of students

Save to list

North Carolina Wesleyan University

Rocky Mount, NC

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

average act composite

955

average sat composite

28%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$14,023

average net price

1,531

number of students

Save to list

Warren Wilson College

Swannanoa, NC

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

average act composite

1198

average sat composite

77%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$22,858

average net price

803

number of students

Save to list

Pfeiffer University

Misenheimer, NC

Pfeiffer University is a private institution based in Richfield, North Carolina. Pfeiffer is closely tied to the United Methodist Church. Many of the campus’ Georgian Revival-style academic buildings have been placed on the National Register of...

“…

Being that Pfeiffer is such a small school, students really connect well with their professors. The classroom sizes are typically small which adds to the one-on-one learning environment. I am a rising sophomore and have yet to have a class with more...

” – Amnazo from Charlotte, NC

average act composite

1029

average sat composite

72%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$33,465

average net price

1,122

number of students

Save to list

Pitt Community College

Winterville, NC

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

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$3,478

average net price

7,346

number of students

Save to list

Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC

Lees-McRae College is a 4-year institution in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Lees-McRae offers 20 majors and 20 minors on its campus, which sits at an elevation of 4,000 ft., making it the highest elevated campus in the eastern US. Providing 11...

“…

i love lees-mcrae. it is a beautiful mountain school that makes you feel like you live in a personal snow globe. this school prides itself on a strong community.

” – Cassandra from Weldon, NC

average act composite

1030

average sat composite

59%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$24,390

average net price

873

number of students

Save to list

Mars Hill University

Mars Hill, NC

Founded in 1856, Mars Hill University is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in western North Carolina and the region’s oldest institution of higher learning operating on its original site. Nestled among the mountains, Mars Hill confers bachelor...

“…

Mars Hill College is a small college which allows for smaller classes. Being in small classes allow for more face time with Professors.

” – Stephanie from Andrews, NC

average act composite

1051

average sat composite

80%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$18,735

average net price

1,073

number of students

Save to list

Chowan University

Murfreesboro, NC

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

average act composite

882

average sat composite

79%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,488

average net price

981

number of students

Save to list

Livingstone College

Salisbury, NC

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

average act composite

854

average sat composite

51%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$18,006

average net price

890

number of students

Save to list

Bennett College

Greensboro, NC

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

average act composite

911

average sat composite

79%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$21,356

average net price

207

number of students

Save to list

Saint Augustine's University

Raleigh, NC

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

average act composite

847

average sat composite

75%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$18,596

average net price

1,261

number of students

Save to list

Coastal Carolina Community College

Jacksonville, NC

Coastal Carolina Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Jacksonville, North Carolina, with satellite facilities located in Camp Lejeune. Coastal Carolina offers associate’s degrees in Arts, Science, Engineering, Music...

“…

Learning is a big part of your college experience if not the biggest. And this school for being in a small city has been a large institution in my life my learning. I never knew I would learn so much in so little time.

” – Momo

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$7,452

average net price

3,571

number of students

Colleges in North Carolina

Create a free account to find, finance and attend the college that's right for you.

Colleges by State