Best Colleges in North Carolina

Why Should I Consider Studying in North Carolina?

It can be an outstanding experience to attend college in North Carolina both for opportunity and fun. The state is home to a complement of higher education options, from small liberal arts colleges to larger public research universities.

The heart of North Carolina colleges are Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. The metropolitan area where these three Universities are located is nicknamed the Triangle for the influence they have on the local community. All three are excellent institutions with strong academic programs with their own specialities and claims to fame.

Elsewhere in the state students can find Appalachian State University in Boone, which is a great option for students who want a small-town feeling with easy access to outdoor recreation. Further east is Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, which offers an incredible blend of campus and city life. To the south is the University of North Carolina Willmington which is best known for its film school. Eastern Carolina and Elizabeth City State University both offer options for students who are interested in a more rural college life experience.

North Carolina Higher Education By The Numbers

Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina has the 8th most colleges in the United States with 162 colleges. For reference, that's 79 more colleges than your typical state. 53% of colleges in North Carolina are private and 47% of its colleges are public. (86 private colleges & 76 public colleges). It has the 12th highest public to private college ratio nationwide.

Our top three colleges in North Carolina are Duke University, Davidson College, and Wake Forest University. North Carolina State University at Raleigh has the most students of any public college in North Carolina's top 25 colleges with 40,537. Duke University has the most students of any private college in our top 25 (17,855).

Students in North Carolina

The average state has 508,837 college students. North Carolina has 41% more. There are 585,627 public college students and 131,350 private college students in North Carolina. It has fewer public college students than 6 states and fewer private college students than 16 states. Its 716,977 total students make it the 10th most popular choice in America. 82% of North Carolina's students are at public institutions which is the 20th highest percentage nationally.