Best Colleges in NC 

What are the best colleges in North Carolina? Here are ten of the best top-ranking colleges and universities in NC! 

North Carolina is best known for its iconic cities and stunning landscape. It is also home to many top-rated colleges and universities throughout the state, which makes it such a sought-after place to live. A great place to live for college students and working adults who want to further their education; many people are choosing to move to North Carolina for its academic opportunities alone. 

From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina residents have plenty of options regarding higher education. Whether you are looking for a school in one of North Carolina's biggest cities or would prefer one that is known for its walkability, there are a wide variety of schools to choose from that provide only the best educational opportunities for students. 

As part of the Research Triangle, the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are the locations of the three top colleges in the state. Offering both public and private options, there is bound to be a college in North Carolina with the program you are looking for to pursue a successful career path. 

These are the best colleges in NC 

1. Duke University 

City: Durham, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $62,688

Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,815 

Duke University is located in Durham and is a private research university that was founded in 1938. Though not considered an Ivy League, Duke is a highly prestigious university that constantly ranks high in national and global ratings for its rigorous academics and sports programs. 

Divided into 10 schools and colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate programs, some of the most popular majors at Duke include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Neuroscience. Best known for its world-class healthcare system, Duke Health is rated one of the best in the world for its outstanding care and groundbreaking research. 

With only a 6% acceptance rate, Duke is extremely selective, and anyone applying will need more than good grades and a few extracurricular activities to get in. Duke University has a five-to-one student-faculty ratio and a 91% four-year graduation rate. 

Though Duke University has expensive tuition, as of the Fall of 2023, the school now offers free tuition for Duke students who are residents of the Carolinas and come from a family with incomes of $65,000 or less. Some notable alumni include Tim Cook and Ken Jeong. 

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

City: Chapel Hill, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $8,998 for in-state tuition and $37,550 for out-of-state tuition 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,722 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the best colleges in North Carolina. As the first public university in the nation, UNC Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public universities in the United States, making it both historic and top-rated. 

This public university has a large undergraduate enrollment. It is known for its beautiful college campus with lush greenery, historical buildings, new facilities, and large trees that provide the perfect amount of shade. UNC-Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 17%, an 85% four-year graduation rate, and a 15 to one student-faculty ratio. 

Well-known for its men's basketball team, which is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the North Carolina Tar Heels have a rivalry with Duke University. 

3. North Carolina State University 

City: Raleigh, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $9,128 in-state tuition and $31,976 out-of-state tuition 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,999

North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh and is a leading public research university. Founded in 1887, NC State is the largest four-year college in the state, with a high undergraduate enrollment and campus size of 2,140 acres. With more than 100 programs to choose from, students have plenty of academic options and more than 580 clubs and organizations to join to socialize and make connections. 

With an acceptance rate of 47%, there is a 65% four-year graduation rate and a 16 to one student-to-faculty ratio. Though most classes are large, 37% of classes have fewer than 20 students. The NC State Men's Basketball team has recently made national headlines for heading to the Final Four during March Madness, their first appearance since 1987. 

4. Wake Forest University 

City: Winston-Salem, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $61,128 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,465 

Wake Forest University is a four-year private university in Winston-Salem and was founded in 1834. With an undergraduate enrollment of just over 5,000, Wake Forest University is on the smaller side, but it is known for its incredible resources and amazing classes. 

Named after its original location in Wake Forest, this university is made up of six schools and is recognized for its highly-ranked School of Law, School of Medicine, and School of Business. More than 60% of students take advantage of the university's study abroad programs, and there is an 85% four-year graduation rate. 

5. Elon University 

City: Elon, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $42,241 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,302 

Elon University is a private institution that is nationally ranked for its undergraduate teaching. Located in Elon, which is between Greensboro and the Triangle area, Elon University is considered prestigious. With an acceptance rate of 74% and a four-year graduation rate of 79%, many students here are ambitious and passionate about solving problems and improving the world. 

Organized into six schools and colleges, Elon University welcomes both undergraduate and graduate students. There is a student-faculty ratio of 11 to one, and 51% of classes have fewer than 20 students. All students are encouraged to get involved since there are more than 240 clubs and organizations to choose from that appeal to various interests. 

6. University of North Carolina at Charlotte 

City: Charlotte, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $7,214 in-state tuition and $21,338 out-of-state tuition 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 23,708 

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a four-year public institution in Charlotte that was founded in 1946. Offering its students an urban setting, the campus is 1,000 acres and is the fastest-growing and third-largest university in North Carolina. 

UNC Charlotte is part of the UNC college system as a research university. It is made up of seven colleges that offer 171 majors and 77 programs for bachelor's degrees, 65 master's degrees, and 24 doctoral degrees. With an 80% acceptance rate, the average SAT score ranges between 1070 and 1290, and the average ACT Score ranges between 20 and 26. 

There is a 48% four-year graduation rate, a 20 to one student-to-faculty ratio, and 28% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Offering a sense of community, there are over 79 sports teams, 20 fraternities, and 19 sororities that students can join to meet new friends and have fun outside classes. 

7. Western Carolina University 

City: Cullowhee, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $4,453 in-state tuition and $8,453 out-of-state tuition 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,980 

Western Carolina University is a beautiful four-year public institution that was founded in 1889. Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, which is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina, Western Carolina University is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

With a total undergraduate enrollment of under 10,000 students, Western Carolina University is a moderately sized school with a campus size of 682 acres. As one of the best colleges in North Carolina, some of the most popular majors offered include Business, Management, Marketing, Health Professions, and Education. 

As part of the NC Promise Plan, Western Carolina University aims to offer college affordability by providing students with a lower tuition cost than other colleges and universities in the state. Situated on the ancestral homelands of the Cherokee people, many scholarships and special grants are dedicated to Native American and minority students. 

8. East Carolina University 

City: Greenville, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $7,325 in-state tuition and $23,602 out-of-state tuition 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,231 

East Carolina University is a public research university in Greenville that was founded in 1907. Located 80 miles from Raleigh and about 120 miles from the beaches of Nags Head, ECU is in a convenient location. With a campus size of 1,600 acres, it is no wonder that East Carolina University is one of the top-rated colleges in North Carolina. 

Offering more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 75 master's programs, some of the most popular fields of study here are education and business. Even though there is an acceptance rate of 92%, there is only a four-year graduation rate of 45%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18 to one, and 36% of classes have fewer than 20 students. 

9. University of North Carolina at Wilmington 

City: Wilmington, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $7,238 in-state tuition and $21,853 out-of-state tuition 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,161 

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is part of the UNC system and is a four-year public research university that was founded in 1947. Best known as a top doctoral and research institution, 20% of graduates turn out to be registered nurses, and 18% of graduates pursue jobs in business administration and management. 

With an acceptance rate of 69%, the average SAT score range to get in is between 1220 and 1370, and the average ACT score range is between 24 and 29. There is a 59% four-year graduation rate, a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to one, and 41% of classes have fewer than 20 students. 

Located near Wilmington, one of the best beaches in North Carolina, campus life is fun and exciting. There are more than 84 sports teams, 17 fraternities, and 15 sororities for students to join. 

10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 

City: Greensboro, NC 

Tuition and Fees: $7,498 in-state tuition and $22,657 out-of-state tuition 

Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,889 

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public research university located in Greensboro that is best known for its award-winning degrees, research opportunities, and exciting student life. This four-year university has over 100 degree programs for undergraduates and more than 60 degree programs for graduate students. 

Offering more than 200 student organizations, there is always something to do on campus and fun ways to get involved. The acceptance rate is 92%, and the four-year graduation rate is 36%. Some of the most popular majors include Business Administration and Management, Psychology, and Biology. 

Methodology 

We used data and information from U.S. News and World Report, individual college websites, and other local sources to determine the best colleges in North Carolina. 

FAQs 

What is the number one college in NC? 

North Carolina is home to many top-rated colleges and universities. Still, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are considered highly ranked and among the best in the nation. 

What is the number one community college in NC? 

Wake Technical Community College is the number one community college in North Carolina and the largest community college in the state, with an undergraduate enrollment of 18,327. 

What Ivy League schools are in NC? 

North Carolina does not have any official Ivy League colleges in the state, but Duke University in Durham is a distinguished school that is highly selective and nationally ranked. 

What is the prettiest college campus in NC? 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been voted as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country due to its 700-acre botanical garden, sculptures, and artwork featured throughout campus. 

Best Colleges in North Carolina - Final Thoughts 

North Carolina is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country. Whether searching for rigorous academics or fun student life, there are a total of 85 colleges and universities to choose from that will lead to a successful career. 

If you are moving to Raleigh or another popular city in North Carolina for college, contact the experts at UpHomes. We are here to help you find your dream home.