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Top Colleges in North Carolina

Written by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Updated: December 6th, 2023

It’s no secret that North Carolina has some great options for college. With schools like Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest, North Carolina draws in students from all across the country every year. Check out the North Carolina colleges below to find the right fit for you.

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47 colleges
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Top College Top College

Duke University

Durham, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

Durham, NC

Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

6% acceptance rate
6,815 undergraduate students
96% graduation rate
$31,416 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College
Top College Top College: Affordability

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Public, City, Need-Blind

Chapel Hill, NC

Public, City, Need-Blind

20% acceptance rate
19,722 undergraduate students
90% graduation rate
$13,263 average per year after aid
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Davidson College

Davidson, NC • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

Davidson, NC

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

18% acceptance rate
1,970 undergraduate students
90% graduation rate
$17,057 average per year after aid
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Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

Winston-Salem, NC

Private, Non-Profit, City

25% acceptance rate
5,465 undergraduate students
90% graduation rate
$29,214 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College: Affordability

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC • Public, City

Raleigh, NC

Public, City

47% acceptance rate
24,999 undergraduate students
84% graduation rate
$16,239 average per year after aid
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Appalachian State University

Boone, NC • Public, Town

Boone, NC

Public, Town

85% acceptance rate
18,486 undergraduate students
73% graduation rate
$13,897 average per year after aid
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Salem College

Winston-Salem, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

Winston-Salem, NC

Private, Non-Profit, City

90% acceptance rate
346 undergraduate students
67% graduation rate
$10,492 average per year after aid
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University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC • Public, City

Wilmington, NC

Public, City

68% acceptance rate
14,161 undergraduate students
72% graduation rate
$19,999 average per year after aid
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University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Winston Salem, NC • Public, City

Winston Salem, NC

Public, City

30% acceptance rate
935 undergraduate students
70% graduation rate
$13,097 average per year after aid
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Elon University

Elon, NC • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

Elon, NC

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

78% acceptance rate
6,302 undergraduate students
83% graduation rate
$39,437 average per year after aid
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC • Public, City

Charlotte, NC

Public, City

79% acceptance rate
23,708 undergraduate students
66% graduation rate
$16,873 average per year after aid
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East Carolina University

Greenville, NC • Public, City

Greenville, NC

Public, City

94% acceptance rate
21,231 undergraduate students
66% graduation rate
$16,162 average per year after aid
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University of North Carolina at Asheville

Asheville, NC • Public, City

Asheville, NC

Public, City

82% acceptance rate
3,084 undergraduate students
65% graduation rate
$13,069 average per year after aid
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Meredith College

Raleigh, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

Raleigh, NC

Private, Non-Profit, City

70% acceptance rate
1,411 undergraduate students
68% graduation rate
$19,897 average per year after aid
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Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC • Public, Town

Cullowhee, NC

Public, Town

79% acceptance rate
9,980 undergraduate students
61% graduation rate
$13,640 average per year after aid
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC • Public, City

Greensboro, NC

Public, City

91% acceptance rate
14,889 undergraduate students
58% graduation rate
$11,110 average per year after aid
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Wingate University

Wingate, NC • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

Wingate, NC

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

85% acceptance rate
2,480 undergraduate students
61% graduation rate
$18,345 average per year after aid
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North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC • Public, City

Greensboro, NC

Public, City

57% acceptance rate
11,327 undergraduate students
53% graduation rate
$10,413 average per year after aid
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Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

Charlotte, NC

Private, Non-Profit, City

69% acceptance rate
1,418 undergraduate students
64% graduation rate
$28,764 average per year after aid
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High Point University

High Point, NC • Private, Non-Profit, City

High Point, NC

Private, Non-Profit, City

80% acceptance rate
4,871 undergraduate students
70% graduation rate
$39,317 average per year after aid
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About the Data

We sort colleges on our lists according to their Scholarships360 Top Colleges Index Score. This score is calculated using up-to-date information taken directly from the College Scorecard. Additional information is sourced from the colleges themselves, as well as other publicly available information. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

State Grants in North Carolina

Most states offer their own state-wide grants to help residents obtain an affordable education. Here are some of the most prominent state-wide grants in North Carolina:

NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students

This need-based scholarship calculates eligibility through the FAFSA and subsidizes private school education for North Carolina students who end up attending school in-state.

NC Scholarship

North Carolina residents attending a University of North Carolina school can apply for a NC Scholarship if they meet financial need criteria. As long as students meet the criteria for this grant and apply while funds remain, they should receive it; there is no competitive application involved.

NC Education Lottery Scholarship

The NC Education Lottery Scholarship offers scholarships to NC residents attending schools in the state. Requirements are not especially strict; undergraduate students who meet Pell Grant requirements and fulfill the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of their school are eligible. 

North Carolina Tuition Reciprocity Agreements

North Carolina does not participate in undergraduate tuition reciprocity programs, but if you are a graduate student, be sure to look into the Academic Common Market, because the state does participate for graduate programs.

Other college lists to explore

Frequently asked questions

What is the hardest North Carolina college to get into?

Duke University has the lowest acceptance rate of any college in the state of North Carolina, admitting 6% of admitted students in 2023.

But this low admission rate should not deter you from applying. Remember, your application can always catch an admissions officer’s eye, and everyone should apply to at least a couple of reach schools!

Why should I study in North Carolina?

North Carolina is a great state to attend college if you’re interested in doing research in technology, biotechnology, or healthcare. It’s been a hub of innovation in each of these fields. It’s also a state with amazing natural features and outdoor activities. You can find both beautiful mountains and sandy beaches, all in the same state. The state is also more affordable than states like California and New York, all while being home to some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, like Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill

 

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