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2022 Best Colleges in North Carolina

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Duke University

#6 NORTH CAROLINA

Duke University is a large private university located in Durham, NC ranked 6th in America. It has a total of 7,338 full-time undergraduate students and is highly competitive, with a 7.6% acceptance rate. Duke University offers 242 different majors and is best known for its Public Policy Analysis, Computer Engineering, and Education programs (nationally ranked 1st, 2nd, and 2nd respectively). With an annual tuition of $55,880 per year, Duke University is very expensive. 94.41% of students graduate starting the next chapter of their lives, working. After graduation, alumni go on to earn close to $84,400 per year, which is 103% above the national median.

Durham, NC

WWW.DUKE.EDU

A+

Rating

8%

Acceptance

18,159

Students

#6

Ranking

$55,880

Tuition

Davidson College

#47 NORTH CAROLINA

Davidson College is a small private liberal arts college located in Davidson, NC ranked 47th in America. It has a total of 2,006 full-time undergraduate students and is quite competitive, accepting 18.05% of applicants. Davidson College offers 28 different majors and is best known for its African Studies, Latin American Studies, and Political Science and Government programs (nationally ranked 2nd, 6th, and 25th respectively). With an annual tuition of $52,466 per year, Davidson College is extremely high-priced. 83.95% of students graduate ready to the next phase of their lives, employment. After finishing their studies, alumni go on to make near $58,900 per year, which is 42% over the national median.

Davidson, NC

https://www.davidson.edu/

A+

Rating

18%

Acceptance

2,006

Students

#47

Ranking

$52,466

Tuition

Wake Forest University

#62 NORTH CAROLINA

Wake Forest University is a mid-sized private university located in Winston-Salem, NC ranked 62nd in the United States. It has a total of 5,399 full-time undergraduate students and is relatively competitive, accepting nearly two out of seven applicants. Wake Forest University offers 100 different majors and is best known for its French Studies, General Studies, and Elementary Education and Teaching programs (nationally ranked 1st, 7th, and 8th respectively). With an annual tuition of $54,430 per year, Wake Forest University is exceptionally expensive. 85.68% of students graduate moving on to the next chapter of their lives, employment. Open graduating, alumni go on to bring in approximately $63,800 per year, which is 54% above the national median.

Winston-Salem, NC

www.wfu.edu

A+

Rating

30%

Acceptance

9,032

Students

#62

Ranking

$54,430

Tuition

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#64 NORTH CAROLINA

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in Chapel Hill, NC ranked 64th in the nation. It has a total of 19,957 full-time undergraduate students and is relatively competitive, with a 22.63% acceptance rate. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers 232 different majors and is best known for its Health and Fitness, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and Environmental Science programs, which are all nationally ranked 1st. With an annual tuition of $7,019 for students from North Carolina and $34,198 for those from out-of-state, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is somewhat moderately costly. 84.25% of students graduate ready to the next chapter of their lives, entering the labor market. After finishing their studies, alumni go on to bring home roughly $55,600 per year, which is 34% above the national median.

Chapel Hill, NC

www.unc.edu

A+

Rating

23%

Acceptance

32,346

Students

#64

Ranking

$34,198

Tuition

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

#134 NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a very large public university located in Raleigh, NC ranked 134th in the nation. It has a total of 28,147 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 45.13% of applicants. North Carolina State University at Raleigh offers 294 different majors and is best known for its Animal Sciences, Forestry, and Botany programs, which are all nationally ranked 1st. With an annual tuition of $6,535 for students from North Carolina and $26,654 for those from out-of-state, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is somewhat moderately high-priced. 73.33% of students graduate starting the next stage of their lives, working. After graduation, alumni go on to earn near $52,500 per year, which is 26% over the national median.

Raleigh, NC

www.ncsu.edu

A

Rating

45%

Acceptance

39,822

Students

#134

Ranking

$26,654

Tuition

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

#210 NORTH CAROLINA

University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a small public art school located in Winston Salem, NC ranked 210th in the nation. It has a total of 904 full-time undergraduate students and is relatively competitive, with a 28.91% acceptance rate. University of North Carolina School of the Arts offers 10 different majors and is best known for its Theatre Design and Technology, Dance, and Cinematography programs (nationally ranked 1st, 4th, and 5th respectively). With an annual tuition of $6,497 for students from North Carolina and $23,040 for those from out-of-state, University of North Carolina School of the Arts is reasonably costly. 69.27% of students graduate moving on to the next stage of their lives, working. After finishing college, alumni go on to bring home around $35,500 per year, which is 15% less than the national median.

Winston Salem, NC

www.uncsa.edu/

A

Rating

29%

Acceptance

1,057

Students

#210

Ranking

$23,040

Tuition

Elon University

#247 NORTH CAROLINA

Elon University is a mid-sized private college located in Elon, NC ranked 247th in the nation. It has a total of 6,344 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting just about 7 in 9 applicants. Elon University offers 92 different majors and is best known for its Music Management, Human Services, and Musical Theatre programs (nationally ranked 9th, 11th, and 12th respectively). With an annual tuition of $36,082 per year, Elon University is somewhat moderately expensive. 72.66% of students graduate moving on to the next stage of their lives, entering the workforce. After college, alumni go on to make close to $51,900 per year, which is 25% greater than the national median.

Elon, NC

www.elon.edu

A-

Rating

78%

Acceptance

7,277

Students

#247

Ranking

$36,082

Tuition

Carolinas College of Health Sciences

#274 NORTH CAROLINA

Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a very small public associates college located in Charlotte, NC ranked 274th  in the United States. It has a total of 661 full-time undergraduate students and is somewhat competitive, accepting 35.29% of applicants. Carolinas College of Health Sciences offers 7 different majors. With an annual tuition of $13,248 per year, Carolinas College of Health Sciences is pretty inexpensive. 76.81% of students graduate ready to the next phase of their lives, working. After graduation, alumni go on to draw more or less $50,000 per year, which is 20% over the national median.

Charlotte, NC

www.carolinascollege.edu

A-

Rating

35%

Acceptance

661

Students

#274

Ranking

$13,248

Tuition

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

#320 NORTH CAROLINA

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a very small private associates college located in Concord, NC ranked 9th in North Carolina. It has a total of 493 full-time undergraduate students and is relatively competitive, accepting around 2 in every 7 applicants. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences offers 13 different majors and is best known for its Health and Medical Physics and Registered Nursing programs, which are respectively ranked 2nd and 44th in the United States. With an annual tuition of $13,054 per year, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is pretty affordable. 74.03% of students graduate ready to the next chapter of their lives, joining the labor force. After college, alumni go on to make more or less $48,600 per year, which is 17% greater than the national median.

Concord, NC

www.atriumhealth.org/education/cabarrus-college-of-health-sciences

B+

Rating

28%

Acceptance

542

Students

#320

Ranking

$13,054

Tuition

University of North Carolina Wilmington

#518 NORTH CAROLINA

University of North Carolina Wilmington is a large public college located in Wilmington, NC ranked 10th in North Carolina. It has a total of 16,615 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting a bit south of two out of three applicants. University of North Carolina Wilmington offers 104 different majors and is best known for its Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography, Recreational Therapy, and Middle School Education and Teaching programs (nationally ranked 3rd, 4th, and 28th respectively). With an annual tuition of $4,443 for in-state students and $18,508 for those from out-of-state, University of North Carolina Wilmington is reasonably priced. 66.36% of students graduate moving on to the next chapter of their lives, employment. After finishing their studies, alumni go on to bring in more or less $41,600 per year, which is 0% above the national median.

Wilmington, NC

www.uncw.edu

B

Rating

65%

Acceptance

19,400

Students

#518

Ranking

$18,508

Tuition

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

#583 NORTH CAROLINA

University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a very large public institution located in Charlotte, NC ranked 11th in North Carolina. It has a total of 27,497 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 65.05% of applicants. University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers 162 different majors and is best known for its Respiratory Care Therapy, Civil Engineering Technologies, and German Language and Literature programs (nationally ranked 3rd, 3rd, and 5th respectively). With an annual tuition of $3,812 for in-state students and $17,246 for those from out-of-state, University of North Carolina at Charlotte is moderately priced. 53.39% of students graduate beginning the next stage of their lives, joining the labor market. After finishing their studies, alumni go on to make more or less $44,000 per year, which is 6% above the national median.

Charlotte, NC

https://www.uncc.edu

B-

Rating

65%

Acceptance

34,024

Students

#583

Ranking

$17,246

Tuition

Meredith College

#591 NORTH CAROLINA

Meredith College is a small private institution located in Raleigh, NC ranked 12th in North Carolina. It has a total of 1,683 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, with a 64.72% acceptance rate. Meredith College offers 64 different majors and is best known for its Human Sciences, Fashion Merchandising, and Child Development programs (nationally ranked 9th, 12th, and 14th respectively). With an annual tuition of $38,520 per year, Meredith College is rather pricey. 60% of students graduate ready to the next chapter of their lives, joining the workforce. Open graduating, alumni go on to make approximately $39,500 per year, which is 5% below the national median.

Raleigh, NC

www.meredith.edu

B-

Rating

65%

Acceptance

2,048

Students

#591

Ranking

$38,520

Tuition

Queens University of Charlotte

#595 NORTH CAROLINA

Queens University of Charlotte is a small private college located in Charlotte, NC ranked 13th in North Carolina. It has a total of 2,053 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 65.22% of applicants. Queens University of Charlotte offers 63 different majors and is best known for its Music Therapy, Human Services, and Exercise Physiology programs (nationally ranked 2nd, 22nd, and 31st respectively). With an annual tuition of $34,438 per year, Queens University of Charlotte is somewhat moderately pricey. 52.07% of students graduate ready to the next chapter of their lives, entering the labor force. After finishing their studies, alumni go on to bring home near $42,200 per year, which is 2% above the national median.

Charlotte, NC

www.queens.edu

B-

Rating

65%

Acceptance

3,056

Students

#595

Ranking

$34,438

Tuition

Appalachian State University

#609 NORTH CAROLINA

Appalachian State University is a large public institution located in Boone, NC ranked 14th in North Carolina. It has a total of 18,575 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 76.81% of applicants. Appalachian State University offers 142 different majors and is best known for its History Teacher Education, Environmental Control Technologies, and Art Teacher Education programs (nationally ranked 1st, 2nd, and 9th respectively). With an annual tuition of $4,242 for in-state students and $19,049 for those from out-of-state, Appalachian State University is moderately priced. 70.11% of students graduate beginning the next stage of their lives, employment. After finishing college, alumni go on to bring in close to $38,800 per year, which is 7% under the national median.

Boone, NC

www.appstate.edu/

B-

Rating

77%

Acceptance

20,714

Students

#609

Ranking

$19,049

Tuition

Barton College

#734 NORTH CAROLINA

Barton College is a small private institution located in Wilson, NC ranked 15th in North Carolina. It has a total of 1,059 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, with a 45.29% acceptance rate. Barton College offers 34 different majors and is best known for its Gerontology program, which is ranked 3rd in the US. With an annual tuition of $31,732 per year, Barton College is somewhat moderately pricey. 53.23% of students graduate moving on to the next chapter of their lives, working. After graduation, alumni go on to earn roughly $38,100 per year, which is 8% under the national median.

Wilson, NC

https://www.barton.edu/

C+

Rating

45%

Acceptance

1,196

Students

#734

Ranking

$31,732

Tuition

East Carolina University

#783 NORTH CAROLINA

East Carolina University is a very large public university located in Greenville, NC ranked 16th in North Carolina. It has a total of 25,196 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 78.72% of applicants. East Carolina University offers 187 different majors and is best known for its Industrial Production Technologies, Accounting and Business Management, and Home Economics Teacher Education programs (nationally ranked 1st, 3rd, and 3rd respectively). With an annual tuition of $4,452 for students from North Carolina and $20,729 for those from out-of-state, East Carolina University is somewhat moderately pricey. 61.11% of students graduate ready to the next chapter of their lives, working. Open graduating, alumni go on to earn about $40,500 per year, which is 2% less than the national median.

Greenville, NC

www.ecu.edu

C+

Rating

79%

Acceptance

32,028

Students

#783

Ranking

$20,729

Tuition

Gardner-Webb University

#903 NORTH CAROLINA

Gardner-Webb University is a small private institution located in Boiling Springs, NC ranked 17th in North Carolina. It has a total of 2,228 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 66.71% of applicants. Gardner-Webb University offers 92 different majors and is best known for its Exercise Physiology program, which is ranked 43rd in America. With an annual tuition of $31,610 per year, Gardner-Webb University is reasonably high-priced. 55.07% of students graduate moving on to the next chapter of their lives, working. Open graduating, alumni go on to generate more or less $38,700 per year, which is 7% below the national median.

Boiling Springs, NC

www.gardner-webb.edu

C+

Rating

67%

Acceptance

4,114

Students

#903

Ranking

$31,610

Tuition

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

#907 NORTH CAROLINA

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is a small private university located in Charlotte, NC ranked 18th in North Carolina. It has a total of 1,832 full-time undergraduate students and is not competitive, with a 84.55% acceptance rate. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte offers 12 different majors and is best known for its Accounting and Finance, Fashion Merchandising, and Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs (nationally ranked 20th, 27th, and 39th respectively). With an annual tuition of $33,054 per year, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte is reasonably costly. 54.78% of students graduate ready to the next chapter of their lives, employment. After college, alumni go on to bring in roughly $38,800 per year, which is 7% less than the national median.

Charlotte, NC

https://www.jwu.edu/campuses/charlotte/index.html

C+

Rating

85%

Acceptance

1,832

Students

#907

Ranking

$33,054

Tuition

Catawba College

#971 NORTH CAROLINA

Catawba College is a small private institution located in Salisbury, NC ranked 19th in North Carolina. It has a total of 1,467 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 49.51% of applicants. Catawba College offers 44 different majors and is best known for its Preschool Education and Teaching and Recreational Therapy programs, which are respectively ranked 17th and 23rd in the nation. With an annual tuition of $30,520 per year, Catawba College is reasonably high-priced. 43.87% of students graduate ready to the next chapter of their lives, entering the labor force. After college, alumni go on to make close to $39,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median.

Salisbury, NC

www.catawba.edu

C+

Rating

50%

Acceptance

1,472

Students

#971

Ranking

$30,520

Tuition

Pfeiffer University

#1007 NORTH CAROLINA

Pfeiffer University is a small private institution located in Misenheimer, NC ranked 20th in North Carolina. It has a total of 949 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 63.78% of applicants. Pfeiffer University offers 49 different majors and is best known for its Health Care Administration, Criminal Justice, and Fitness Administration programs (respectively ranked 5th, 8th, and 11th in North Carolina). With an annual tuition of $29,800 per year, Pfeiffer University is reasonably costly. 47.21% of students graduate starting the next phase of their lives, joining the labor market. After graduation, alumni go on to earn close to $39,200 per year, which is 6% under the national median.

Misenheimer, NC

www.pfeiffer.edu

C+

Rating

64%

Acceptance

1,533

Students

#1007

Ranking

$29,800

Tuition

Lees-McRae College

#1019 NORTH CAROLINA

Lees-McRae College is a very small private liberal arts college located in Banner Elk, NC ranked 21st in North Carolina. It has a total of 1,026 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, with a 54.82% acceptance rate. Lees-McRae College offers 22 different majors and is best known for its Zoology program, which is ranked 40th in the United States. With an annual tuition of $25,625 per year, Lees-McRae College is reasonably costly. 43.94% of students graduate ready to the next phase of their lives, working. After finishing their studies, alumni go on to earn about $33,200 per year, which is 20% less than the national median.

Banner Elk, NC

www.lmc.edu

C+

Rating

55%

Acceptance

1,026

Students

#1019

Ranking

$25,625

Tuition

Campbell University

#1026 NORTH CAROLINA

Campbell University is a mid-sized private institution located in Buies Creek, NC ranked 22nd in North Carolina. It has a total of 4,973 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting hardly shy of 7/9ths of applicants. Campbell University offers 114 different majors and is best known for its Christian Studies, Homeland Security, and Pharmaceutical Sciences programs (nationally ranked 20th, 23rd, and 30th respectively). With an annual tuition of $32,380 per year, Campbell University is reasonably pricey. 50.62% of students graduate beginning the next chapter of their lives, employment. After college, alumni go on to bring home around $45,900 per year, which is 11% above the national median.

Buies Creek, NC

https://www.campbell.edu/

C+

Rating

78%

Acceptance

7,311

Students

#1026

Ranking

$32,380

Tuition

Lenoir-Rhyne University

#1028 NORTH CAROLINA

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a small private college located in Hickory, NC ranked 23rd in North Carolina. It has a total of 1,954 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting a shade over seven in every nine applicants. Lenoir-Rhyne University offers 77 different majors and is best known for its Management Science, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, and Entrepreneurship programs (respectively ranked 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in North Carolina). With an annual tuition of $37,400 per year, Lenoir-Rhyne University is quite high-priced. 49.69% of students graduate moving on to the next phase of their lives, employment. After finishing their studies, alumni go on to make close to $38,500 per year, which is 7% under the national median.

Hickory, NC

www.lr.edu

C+

Rating

78%

Acceptance

3,058

Students

#1028

Ranking

$37,400

Tuition

Western Carolina University

#1038 NORTH CAROLINA

Western Carolina University is a large public college located in Cullowhee, NC ranked 24th in North Carolina. It has a total of 11,303 full-time undergraduate students and is not very competitive, accepting 68.71% of applicants. Western Carolina University offers 107 different majors and is best known for its Forensic Chemistry, Emergency Medical Technology, and Recreational Therapy programs (nationally ranked 5th, 8th, and 15th respectively). With an annual tuition of $1,000 for in-state students and $5,000 for those from out-of-state, Western Carolina University is very low-priced. 57.29% of students graduate ready to the next stage of their lives, working. After graduation, alumni go on to earn more or less $37,700 per year, which is 9% below the national median.

Cullowhee, NC

www.wcu.edu

C+

Rating

69%

Acceptance

13,342

Students

#1038

Ranking

$5,000

Tuition

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

#1081 NORTH CAROLINA

University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a very large public university located in Greensboro, NC ranked 25th in North Carolina. It has a total of 18,534 full-time undergraduate students and is not competitive, accepting 82.46% of applicants. University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers 158 different majors and is best known for its Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Fine and Studio Arts Management, and Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution programs (nationally ranked 9th, 16th, and 28th respectively). With an annual tuition of $4,422 for in-state students and $19,581 for those from out-of-state, University of North Carolina at Greensboro is moderately priced. 55.14% of students graduate moving on to the next chapter of their lives, employment. Open graduating, alumni go on to generate about $37,500 per year, which is 10% under the national median.

Greensboro, NC

www.uncg.edu

C+

Rating

82%

Acceptance

22,610

Students

#1081

Ranking

$19,581

Tuition