2024 Best Colleges for Music in North Carolina

• Winston Salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  262 reviews

Sophomore: UNC School of the Arts is an amazing school! It's a very small campus, which helps students receive specific feedback and gives the chance to build up friendships and relationships between your classmates.... Read 262 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $12,097

• SAT range 1120-1380

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  2,611 reviews

Graduate Student: Studying at UNC Chapel Hill is a great privilege, still with room for growth. This review is specific to my experience as a master's student in the School of Social Work (with in-person, hybrid, and virtual classes). My pro's & con's center on 2 topics: Quality mentorship: The primary reason I came to CH is because of the quality mentorship from faculty & staff. Compared to my previous experiences, this school offered the perfect combination of expertise in what I hoped to learn along with supportive mentors. An area for growth is the lack of regular advising in the 3-year MSW Program. Diverse connections: The fact that the school is comprised of students, staff, faculty, and community members from a variety of diverse backgrounds is its greatest strength. This creates a learning experience much greater than what can be curated by any one group. Every interaction is a learning experience! An area for growth is the lack of diversity within greek life and among tenured faculty!... Read 2,611 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $11,508

• SAT range 1140-1380

• Winston-salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  862 reviews

Niche User: Small school academic benefits with a favorable student/faculty ratio wrapped in the benefits of a big school spirit. Wake has a rigorous curriculum backed by caring, involved professors. Its gorgeous tree lined campus (ranked as one of the most beautiful by Architectural Digest) has plenty of outdoor space for study and play, and has modern student housing and facilities. Downtown Winston Salem, a burgeoning area with great cafes, restaurants and arts scene, is only a short drive from campus. Although ranked #23 by US News as "best value", it is still underrated. Graduates benefit from the support of a strong alum network and a Wake diploma is highly regarded on a national level. Go Deacs!... Read 862 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $24,643

• SAT range —

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,153 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the campus, it is very beautiful! The food was good but after winter break it started becoming average, still better than most campuses. The teachers are good and passionate about the subject they're teaching. There are office hours with each professor, there are S.I sessions, and tutoring available free for all students for their classes. The resources for students are endless, with health services, mental health services, food services, etc., there is something for every problem you can think of. There are a lot of clubs you can join and the campus is very LGBTQ+ friendly and accepting of all genders!... Read 3,153 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $9,950

• SAT range 1020-1260

• Boone, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  2,746 reviews

Alum: My experience at Appalachian State University was great! I had lots of fun in the mountains. I loved the people, the weather, the classes, and everything about the school. The staff was very good at offering help when needed, and there was always something fun and interesting to participate in on campus. I had a great time all four years I attended. I can not think of anything I would like to see changed at the school. It was a fun and very awarding experience. There is literally something for everybody to do there, and so many people to meet.... Read 2,746 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $12,735

• SAT range 1130-1300

• Cullowhee, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,594 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a freshman here at WCU and I enjoy being here. I am double Majoring in art and education. I love the classes and the campus itself. If you love the mountains this university might be for you. There's plenty of hiking trails and gorgeous overlooks walking distance from campus. I have had amazing Oppurtunites here because the school offers so many different clubs to join and athletics. I have also had great luck with meeting a lot of new people and making friends here. I haven't had any issues with my classes so far, the professors are usually very nice and understanding. If you do feel behind in a class, the school also offers free tutoring! So, take advantage of that. The dorms have overall been good. WCU just recently built new freshmen dorms which is nice. The campus food is also really good. When I was looking for colleges, I thought personally that WCU had the best options. I thank Western Carolina University for giving me so many Oppurtunites and great memories.... Read 1,594 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $13,082

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Asheville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  695 reviews

Junior: My experience at UNC- Asheville was wonderful, timeless and fun! It gave me the opportunity to grow as a person on my own and meet people that encouraged me to try my hardest. I grew strong friendships with people with my beliefs, traits and hobbies. I was able to secure amazing, career-growing internships through UNCA, and I would do it again a million times. It was definitely stressful at times but worth the education I gained.... Read 695 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $13,838

• SAT range 1130-1330

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  3,444 reviews

Freshman: UNC Charlotte is a fantastic college with a vibrant campus and a wide range of academic programs. The campus itself is beautiful, and there are plenty of resources available to support students' academic and personal growth. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and they genuinely care about their students' success. The campus community is diverse and welcoming, creating a great environment for making new friends and getting involved in various clubs and organizations. There are so many opportunities at UNC Charlotte academically to be a successful student. Overall, UNC Charlotte provides a great college experience with ample opportunities for learning, growth, and fun!... Read 3,444 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $15,682

• SAT range 1120-1320

• Wilmington, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,950 reviews

Alum: UNCW isn't as large as many other UNC schools, but the opportunities available to students - learning communities, scholarships, research, study abroad, extracurriculars, networking - are incredibly robust, especially for undergraduates that might not know what opportunities to look for when they first start off! The Honors program helps its students take even better advantage of the resources that the school has to offer. UNCW is not the most diverse institution. Their commitment to worldliness and diversity is vocal: things like demographic-based student organizations, encouraging every student to study abroad, and providing scholarships and the like specifically for minority groups. But this isn't reflected in the bulk of the student body, faculty, and administration. In my time there (and in the years since), UNCW has grown a lot in this area, though, and I hope that trend continues!... Read 1,950 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,792

• SAT range 1210-1330

• Elon, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,550 reviews

Freshman: I love Elon! The community is so welcoming, and you can tell my stepping on the beautiful campus. The school supplies so many opportunities for students to get involved. Org fairs are amazing ways to find new things that you may be interested in, and meet others who have the same interests as you. Almost all of the undergraduate teachers that I have had are very understanding and genuinely want to see their students succeed. The night life is very fun, however parties start later than at other universities. Dining options are very good and there are plenty of retail places that you can 'swipe' into a select number of times a week, depending on your meal plan. I have no complaints about Elon and would highly recommend applying!... Read 1,550 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $40,366

• SAT range 1160-1320

• Pembroke, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,207 reviews

Senior: UNC Pembroke has allowed me to be a full-time student-athlete and work three jobs in the EMS and Fire Service. They offer courses that fit my busy schedule, and the professors have been fantastic. The small class size creates a more personal learning environment which has helped me tremendously in my academic studies. I am set to graduate a semester early in December of 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology partnered with a Minor in English. I will then be pursing a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management. I am extremely fortunate as UNCP is one of the only Universities in the state to offer this program. The atmosphere on campus is so much fun to be a part of. They do an excellent job of providing students with means of entertainment. We also participate in a significant number of community outreach programs. The Pembroke community takes great pride in their university, and it is evident in the amount of support we receive every day.... Read 1,207 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $11,022

• SAT range 890-1140

• Buies Creek, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,335 reviews

Junior: There are many great things about attending Campbell! For one, Campbell is a consistently growing school. Campbell provides for their students, and genuinely cares for their students. At Campbell, you will find resources, staff and students to assist you in every aspect of your college journey. I personally love the atmosphere, and how diverse the campus is. Campbell has many new buildings, including a new student union which is part of the bookstore, cafeteria, gym, gaming rooms, hangout spots, dance rooms, and many more. I enjoy how Campbell is always committed to their students. Campbell has changed so much, but still remains the same driven school. This school continually improves and has always had student's best-interest at heart. Through the financial process, Campbell has always had my back.. and as a new student it is refreshing. Campbell has provided so much for me, and I highly recommend others to consider Campbell in their college decision making journey.... Read 1,335 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $23,163

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Wingate, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  777 reviews

Sophomore: For the most part I enjoy going here. They’re many clubs to join, a lot of surrounding places to go to, decent professors, and many resources. It has a home feel and it’s not too overly crowded. Although it does has it minor issues like any school, it’s never something that over takes the good, you’ll hear more positives than negative!... Read 777 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $19,013

• SAT range 930-1130

• Boiling Springs, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  784 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Gardner-Webb University has been incredible. Every class that I have taken has challenged me and helped me grow into a better student and individual. The campus is gorgeous at all times of the year. The staff and fellow students are some of the kindest and most caring individuals you will ever meet. Whenever you meet someone new it feels like you have known them forever. The food is pretty good most days but every now and then, a sandwich is the best way to go. The dorms are very nice and clean. They are also in great proximity to where the classes are. Overall Gardner-Webb University is a wonderful school to further your education.... Read 784 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $20,296

• SAT range 960-1190

• Hickory, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  463 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 463 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $21,739

• SAT range 970-1170

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  603 reviews

Freshman: So far, my experience at Methodist University has been wonderful! I am a commuting student and a freshman at Methodist. I am a Music Performance major, a small field of study at Methodist. Methodist is very inclusive and diverse with everything involving students, professors, and academics alike. Because I am a Music Performance major, I am heavily involved with the music programs that Methodist has to offer. Methodist offers vocal and instrumental lessons for students even if you are not in a music field of study. Methodist also offers ensembles for all instruments. I am currently involved with the Methodist Chamber Orchestra. My overall experience at Methodist has been wonderful. I greatly appreciate Methodist's activity and involvment with the students who live both on and off campus. This is a great school with great opportunities of education!... Read 603 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $18,205

• SAT range 1110-1230

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  754 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 754 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $21,717

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Mount Olive, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  373 reviews

Sophomore: The staff and students are kind and very helpful in my experience here at this school. I enjoy the overall experience here at the university so far. I hope that my next two years will be as fulfilling as the ones that I have taken so far. I'm currently on the women's soccer team as a manager and that experience has given me what I need to declare my major. I'm an English major who wants to work in sports communication. My time here at the school has had its ups and downs but one thing that I know about this school is the amount of time and effort that is put into our schooling makes it worth the pain that you could go through here. We are small and a private school but here we will be a tight community. I like that all my teachers know my name and work with me through things that aren't always school related. All in all I think that if your looking for a smaller school with a great community I would come here, if you are looking for something bigger I wouldn't.... Read 373 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $16,736

• SAT range 990-1150

• Salisbury, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  348 reviews

Graduate Student: The majority of my time at Catawba is going nicely. The school's personnel and instructors are kind, and I enjoy the environment. I'd like to see the classrooms and buildings renovated because they need to be updated.The gym also need restoration because it is too tiny for a school with that many kids. The "quad," which serves as the hub of campus, is typically empty because there is little to do there. The school needs to do a better job of organizing activities so that children may interact and develop friends.... Read 348 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $19,276

• SAT range 990-1150

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.28 out of 5  876 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 876 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,000

• SAT range 800-980

• Mars Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.32 out of 5  572 reviews

Freshman: I am a current student-athlete at Mars Hill University and I can not praise it enough. All the professors I have had so far are wonderful and really care about the student's education. Other staff and faculty have also been extremely nice to me. The campus is beautifully placed in the mountains with breathtaking views and stunning sunsets. I have met a greatly diverse group of people since coming here, including international students who if anything outnumber the students from local areas. There is a hard-working group of faculty who come up with activities and such to get students involved on campus while also creating learning and career opportunities. My fellow students here have welcomed me with open arms and have treated me with kindness.... Read 572 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $18,717

• SAT range 940-1130

• Brevard, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  223 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 223 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $21,305

• SAT range 850-1050

• 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 minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $23,083

• SAT range 1030-1220

• Misenheimer, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  275 reviews

Sophomore: I love Pfeiffer's family-like atmosphere! Pfeiffer has a saying, "Pfeiffer Is Home". I know that many colleges may also have sayings like this, but I truly feel that I am at home attending Pfeiffer University. Over half of Pfeiffer's population consist of athletes which really creates that close-knit atmosphere. All athletes support each other in their success. I am currently a sophomore volleyball player at Pfeiffer and I have never once regretted my decision on attending Pfeiffer over another school. I am so thankful that I found a college that truly feels like home.... Read 275 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $19,198

• SAT range 940-1130

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  242 reviews

Alum: My time at Greensboro College was a great experience. I graduated in 2018 and felt that I was well prepared to go out in the world and be successful in all I do. I was very involved and always felt I had the support I needed/wanted from everyone on campus. Although its a small school, you won't know everyone. Did it have its flaws? Of course, every college does! But, was it worth the time and effort to prepare me to be close to completing a doctoral program, absolutely! College is what you make of it and I made the best out of my experience.... Read 242 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $16,239

• SAT range 900-1100