2023 Best College Locations in North Carolina

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  596 reviews

Freshman: So far I have loved my experience at Queens. I love the students and my professors. I also love the atmosphere on campus. Queens has built a really great community. There is something for everyone on campus. One thing I would like to see improved on campus would be students voices being heard and students needs being met. I feel like a lot of good could come from that. Overall I have enjoyed my time at Queens. Go Royals!... Read 596 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $29,810

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Wilmington, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,928 reviews

Graduate Student: I loved how quick I was able to get my bachelors degree at UNCW. I was able to get it within two years thanks to obtaining two associates degrees while in high school. I would love to see the health programs give back to others in need such as blood drives, food pantries, and other community service acts. I would also love to see our school expand more varsity sports teams, such as football and lacrosse. I liked how welcoming the health science program staff are, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as I continue my education to get my masters degree.... Read 1,928 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,792

• SAT range 1210-1330

• Asheville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  691 reviews

Junior: So far, I've very much enjoyed my time at UNCA! My classes are small, my professors are well educated and understanding, and I'm having a great time while I learn! It seems that the faculty and staff at UNCA truly care about my performance and my overall mental health. Being on campus and feeling the support from the academic community is so appreciated! I feel like I've finally found a place to belong, a place to feel good about my work, and I place that not only supports my growth, but offers many resources along the way. I'm so glad UNCA is part of my academic journey! Thanks UNCA, I'm truly grateful to be here!... Read 691 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $13,838

• SAT range 1130-1330

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  656 reviews

Freshman: Johnson and wales is one of the best schools out there. With so much Diversity it sucks you in. The kindness of the students, staff and advisors are beyond what you would expect.... Read 656 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $27,462

• SAT range —

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  296 reviews

Niche User: Students get tons of face-time with professors and professors invest lots of time and energy helping students engage in classes, find internships, and succeed academically and personally. Student athletes have good support in developing a balance between sports and academics and time management. Also, being steps away from downtown Raleigh with culture and entertainment options is amazing!... Read 296 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $26,338

• SAT range 1000-1130

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  749 reviews

Sophomore: Meredith College has shaped me into the women I am today. From the area to the professors, I realized that it is possible to feel safe and welcomed in an area you don’t even know. Professors, peers, coaches, and dining hall members care about us dearly. I love how Meredith keeps so many traditions alive such as corn huskin, class day, fire and water, and much more! They allow us students to come together as one and realize we are all in the same part of our lives together! I love this school and I love where I am at. One thing I think they can improve on is improving the dining hall and listening more to the students on major decisions!... Read 749 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $21,717

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,368 reviews

Alum: I loved NC State. I met my best friends while there and I am so thankful to my time there. I loved on campus for two years and I felt safe. Campus was a blast, always something to do. The gym was awesome! Food was great on campus. Going to sporting events was great! I went to soccer, ice hockey, volleyball, football, and basketball games! Such a wonderful time. I miss it!... Read 3,368 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $14,328

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  2,582 reviews

Junior: I love Chapel Hill! UNC has a really great balance between emphasis on academic efforts and social activities. As a UNC student I love being able to attend a wide variety of classes during the week then attend a football or basketball game when I have the time.... Read 2,582 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $11,508

• SAT range 1140-1380

• Boone, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  2,716 reviews

Junior: Appalachian State is a great university where i have made the most meaningful connections, both personal and professional. Boone is a beautiful town with amazing scenery of the blue ridge mountains that comes alive every fall on gamedays.... Read 2,716 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $12,735

• SAT range 1130-1300

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  3,387 reviews

Alum: My experience in college would be studded with immense variety of emotions apart from a sense of excitement. The mere "first day away from home" feeling does engulf you. That is to say, until you find friends that you more often than not will be bound to for life! As slowly but steadily relationships were made and acquaintances became friends, life appeared a bit brighter. The after-effects of the overrated final examinations and holidays marred by crammed library sessions exams will wear off. So hard is it to comprehend the passage of time that is college.... Read 3,387 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $15,682

• SAT range 1120-1320

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.34 out of 5  640 reviews

Sophomore: Shaw University, is the oldest HBCU in the south. I love the school because it’s a HBCU and there’s not any changes so far I would recommend them to change because the university progress is excellence and there’s lots of determinations in the school.... Read 640 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $15,498

• SAT range —

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  239 reviews

Niche User: The diversity and attention to detail in this school was profound. Each and every professor was deticated to pushing their students to excellence and I felt my academic needs were beyond met. There was a sense of family on campus that was instilled through faculty and students. One negative aspect of this University is the overall location. It sort of seems as if it was just squished into the middle of a town with no thought, and doesn't have much of a traditional "college" feel. Despite this, I loved the experience and education this school gave me and would reccomend.... Read 239 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $16,239

• SAT range 900-1100

• Davidson, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  332 reviews

Alum: Most of my profs were great. Since it's a small school, they're available and they invest in students! They push us to think critically. The student body's commitment to social justice is inspiring, but the administration thinks hosting panels and holding meetings to respond to racism is enough. It's not. Luckily student organizers push Davidson to go further. The party scene is ok, and there are social events for non-drinkers. There are many student activities. We're about 40 minutes from Charlotte by car but students mostly stay on campus. Counseling is free to all students, but you may have to wait 3 wks to get an appointment. Mental health is a serious issue, probably because there is so much academic pressure. Career services offers summer internship grants, job shadowing opportunities, and help applying for positions. Davidson staff in non-academic roles are incredible and during my time there, I built relationships with everyone from cafeteria workers to office administrators.... Read 332 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $25,794

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.28 out of 5  875 reviews

Junior: The one thing i can say about Johnson C Smith University is that they really care and put so much effort into their students and their needs when it comes to classes, financial aid, and even when it comes to housing. the teachers here always stay after hours to make sure you pass, and the lessons be very helpful to the point that it's impossible for students not to pass. The advisors here help you with anything you need especially when it comes to any problem you would probably have whether if it's a teacher or gpa or grades. The counselors would literally put time and effort into their students to make sure their mental is where it should be because college although can be an achievement it can also be very much stressful. I love it here and the students are nice and very welcoming, and the programs are just helpful and very fun todo.... Read 875 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,000

• SAT range 800-980

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  462 reviews

Senior: Guilford is a very fun institution to attend there are a lot of possibilities that the school offers and there are so many friendly and helpful staff in the financial aid department. I highly recommend coming to Guilford the rooms are really good and there are plenty of opportunities to thrive and become a part of the Guilford community. Our new President Kyle Farmbry has been very motivational and has gotten a lot of respect from the students after we lost our last President. But actions speak far louder than words do. Apply and find out for yourself!... Read 462 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $25,785

• SAT range 950-1200

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  3,104 reviews

Senior: The University of North Carolina-Greensboro is a progressive campus with excellent students and professors. I have had the opportunity to grow as a student and person and improve my leadership skills. I would recommend the college to prospective high school students. I believe the college could do a better job of providing grants and scholarships to middle income students since I only received school loans for financial aid even though I qualified via my FAFSA form for grants, scholarships, and work study.... Read 3,104 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $9,950

• SAT range 1020-1260

• Montreat, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  293 reviews

Alum: I like to say that Montreat is about community. It's not big, it's in the middle of nowhere, so don't go if you want a "big college" experience (totally overrated btw). There are plenty of solid students and teachers that are willing and able to pour into you and grow you as a person. People that have issues with the administration do not take the time to figure out what is going on behind the scenes. Pretty much everyone I got the chance to work with in admin genuinely cares about the students. I think the best example of Montreat College is this. We had a very tragic situation happen on campus. Some people's solution to that was to blame people who had literally dropped everything to take care of the situation. However, it was at that time that I got to see the true beauty of Montreat. An entire community, from teachers to students to people living in the area (who are very active in caring for and helping students s.o to Momma Martha) came together to love and support each other.... Read 293 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $23,083

• SAT range 1030-1220

• Swannanoa, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  339 reviews

Freshman: I love Wilson. I am a freshman and I chose this college for the unique experience of non-traditional learning, cool student body, and the opportunities for people who are interested in the arts. Warren Wilson is NOT for everyone. If you choose to come here, be ready to be in a small community of people who have bold personalities, and don't expect a normal college experience. Sports aren't a huge thing here, we do not have greek life, and parties are typically pretty small and are either in the dorms or one of the pastures. Personally I have gained a lot from the academics here so far, I have a lot of opportunities in my areas of interest and there are a lot of cool classes here. One of my favorite things is that the GE requirements are really cool and even if you don't like a certain subject you will probably find something you like in the list. There is a huge live music scene here too! Really the most complaints I have are the dorms aren't the best and food options are limited.... Read 339 reviews

• grade C

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $25,611

• SAT range 1120-1280

• Banner Elk, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  263 reviews

Sophomore: Lees-McRae College is a fantastic mountain school, it provides its students with a unique opportunity to receive an education in a field that interests them while allowing them easy access to nature. The faculty and staff were very kind and accommodating in my experience.... Read 263 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $25,894

• SAT range 1040-1240

• Hickory, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  457 reviews

Freshman: Lenoir-Rhyne University has overall been an excellent experience! Applying to the college, getting in contact with advising and help desks have been the easiest. The campus is beautiful and very enticing. The students and staff are very pleasant to talk to and be around. Although the school is very challenging, Lenoir-Rhyne is worth every penny! The school makes getting your BSN so easy. So far there is nothing about the school that I would change. I would recommend this school to anyone who is serious about their education. Along with a great curriculum, they also have a fantastic sports regimen. Their music program brings students from all over the country to their school and continues to win awards for their skills. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. There are sororities and other clubs for extra curricular activities.... Read 457 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $21,739

• SAT range 970-1170

• Brevard, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  219 reviews

Junior: Located in Western North Carolina. Brevard College is a small liberal Arts College with less than a thousand students enrolled. Brevard College has offered me a home away from home. Through the years I have created tight relationship with my professors who care about me and not just about school. I have lunch with them and even have cookouts at their house with other students. I am majoring in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. I have a passion for working in the outdoors and I have learned so much already. I am proud to say that Pisgah National Forest is my classroom for four years. Currently I am still meeting General Education needs. Classes have been a good challenge for me. No class is too hard, but they are challenging students to exceed the minimal effort. I am so happy that I have found a college that I love.... Read 219 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $21,305

• SAT range 850-1050

• Belmont, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  216 reviews

Other: Belmont Abbey College allowed me to meet people from all around the world and form lifelong friendships, which made my stay there enjoyable.... Read 216 reviews

• grade C

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $21,821

• SAT range 990-1180

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  3,010 reviews

Other: I am excited about starting my freshman year of college at North Carolina A&T State University. The students are very talented and welcoming, and the staff is helpful when it comes to communicating about help with financial aid.... Read 3,010 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $9,145

• SAT range 990-1170

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  364 reviews

Freshman: I haven’t started going there yet, but in August 2023 I will be a freshman at Saint Augustine University. I hope this will be a great first experience for me.... Read 364 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $18,158

• SAT range 780-940

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  1,181 reviews

Junior: I think Duke is the perfect balance of academics and leisure. The school spirit is unmatched and something I appreciate. A lot of professors are truly dedicated to their craft and care deeply about the students' and our education. Some professors can be challenging to deal with and not as organized, but there are a lot of resources on campus that are available for students. The food is also amazing compared to other schools, many options.... Read 1,181 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570