2024 Top Colleges for Protective Services in North Carolina

• Buies Creek, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,340 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 1,340 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $23,163

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Flat Rock, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  129 reviews

Freshman: I decided to choose Blue Ridge Community College, specifically as a pre-transfer school so that I may transfer into a four year after obtaining my associate's degree. As a high school senior, I greatly appreciated the ability to take online college courses while working full time, attending high school, and in the pursuit of my degree. Nearly all of my professors were incredibly passionate, diligent, and were genuinely dedicated to both teaching and helping their students succeed in their professional future. Also during my time there, due to an anonymous and generous sponsor that allowed for all of the students to attend tuition free for nearly two years! I have been very impressed with Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock North Carolina, and will continue finishing out my associate's degree after high school.... Read 129 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,783

• SAT range —

• Boiling Springs, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  785 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 785 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $20,296

• SAT range 960-1190

• Jacksonville, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  418 reviews

Senior: It is exactly as the name suggests, a community! Instructors and students alike are kind and always willing to help! The small class settings allow each student to receive 1-on-1 assistance or even schedule meetings during an instructor’s office hours. I am in my 4th and final year here, but this has definitely been the best 4 years of my school experience so far! Thank you!... Read 418 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,979

• SAT range —

• Thomasville, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  297 reviews

Senior: I think that DDCC is pretty great. For a community college I could think of nowhere else I'd prefer to go. You get a student life experience that rivals many 4-year universities and they give you a lot of resources to succeed. Plus, we get free tutoring! Even though they don't have dorms on campus (or at least not yet) I still feel like DDCC is my home away from home. There's always something to do or someone to talk to as well as many quieter spaces to study. The Storm Cellar's food is really good, especially the tenders. I wish there were more athletic programs but they are slowly expanding and I personally think that we're pretty competitive for a school our size. I always feel safe and supported here, so if you're looking for a community college I would go here!... Read 297 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,504

• SAT range —

• Hickory, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  224 reviews

Freshman: The transition from highschool to college can be quite the leap. I am honored to say that so far, this transition has been a smooth one for me. I am currently enrolled at Catawba valley Community College, and I am loving it. The classes are not your typical highly populated University classrooms, this allows for excellent and direct communication with both my professors and fellow classmates. On top of this, the professors, staff, and leaders at CVCC are extremely friendly and hospitable. I always feel at home here on campus, even though it is only my first semester as a full time college student, the reason for this is because of the positive, friendly, and healthy atmosphere that many professors, staff, and leaders foster at a consistent rate. They say college is what you make it, while this is true, college is also influenced by what those around you make it, and I can personally say that at CVCC, college is made great!... Read 224 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,286

• SAT range —

• Goldsboro, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  256 reviews

Sophomore: I’ve been at Wayne community college since about 2008. I went to high school there and I got my associates in liberal arts. Now in 2023, I have went back to get my two degree in early childhood. I can say they offered evening classes in 2008-2012 but not for every class. They have come so far because now they have evening classes for trucking, early childhood, nursing and anything else you need. The staff is helpful in almost every way. If they try something new and they don’t see the results they are looking for, they’ll try something else. Wayne community college has come a long way compared when I started out and that’s why I was going back.... Read 256 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,795

• SAT range —

• Shelby, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  113 reviews

Alum: I had an excellent experience at Cleveland Community College. I recently graduated with my AA and I am so pleased that I made the decision to attend CCC after I graduated high school. The staff are all very helpful and truly want you to be your best self and succeed to the best of your abilities. Resources and ways to stay connected to the school were made clear to me before I even applied, which I am very thankful for. My advisor was very helpful and answered every question that I had, even if it was small. If I was struggling in a class, I knew I had resources and people to go to in order to raise my grade and gain a better understanding of the material. I felt that I was in a supportive environment in a non-judgmental school community and I am very grateful for my experience at Cleveland Community College.... Read 113 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $1,048

• SAT range —

• Marion, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  50 reviews

Other: I’m currently in their first ever ADN program at McDowell Technical Community College. I really feel that they strive to help us understand the material that’s being taught to us and don’t just want us to memorize it for a test. I feel like by the time I graduate I will have the proper education to be the best nurse I can be. The teachers are always free to listen to any suggestions/ concerns students are having. Of course there are difficulties present however I feel they are pretty minor. The biggest issue seem to be communication between faculty (instructors, advisors, and admissions office), which will most likely resolve as like previously mentioned this is a new program. I would recommend McDowell Technical Community College to others looking to advance their education.... Read 50 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,640

• SAT range —

• Hudson, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  235 reviews

Sophomore: I love Caldwell! I have taken many classes with various professors and have never been through a bad experience. The location has many restaurants right beside it, as well as tons of options in the nearby towns of Hickory, Lenoir, and Granite Falls. Advisors are very welcoming and truly want what's best for you. My advice is an old saying, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". As long as you vouch for your needs and wants, they will do their best to beet them as much as possible!... Read 235 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,087

• SAT range —

• Salisbury, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  260 reviews

Sophomore: Although some professors were overwhelmed, some tasked with teaching up to 6 courses or more online at a time, I did have excellent professors as well. The resources that the school provides are extraordinary, with several student leadership opportunities as well. The campus is decent, but does not offer much seating space. Additionally, I would argue that a majority of the student body are under the age of 19, many enrolled in the middle-college program they offer. Thus, I do feel slightly alienated as an older student, which I would communicate to other prospective students. The courses, though, offer knowledgeable information and I feel have prepared me to transfer to University. Overall, I have had a great experience with the college and am very grateful to have had the opportunity to spend two years at a much cheaper cost with the same education compared to a four-year University. The campus is very diverse ethnically. There are no sports teams and it can be hard to meet students.... Read 260 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,356

• SAT range —

• Kinston, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  135 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Lenoir Community College. I am currently still enrolled, enjoying most of my classes. They have an excellent Agriculture program, with knowledgeable and helpful professors. However, I haven't had such a positive experience with some of the courses. In one of my classes, the notes we take don't help me on the tests because the content is on a much higher level. It can be confusing and frustrating for some, but I have no problems with the instructor. Other than that, I've enjoyed my time at LCC!... Read 135 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,729

• SAT range —

• Dallas, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  367 reviews

Senior: Gaston College exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The faculty and staff are dedicated, knowledgeable, and always available to help. The campus facilities are modern and well-maintained. The college offers diverse programs that prepare students for the workforce. The sense of community is strong, and students are supportive. I highly recommend Gaston College for its commitment to excellence and transformative educational experience.... Read 367 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,094

• SAT range —

• Smithfield, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  242 reviews

Sophomore: I love my experience at Johnston Community College. They offer various forms of support for their students. JCC allows students to feel comfortable about their academic career with numerous available platforms that allows students to succeed. They also seem to be in constant improvement and take heed to student feedback and utilize that when considering reconstruction of areas in need of improvement.... Read 242 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,430

• SAT range —

• Wilmington, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  525 reviews

Junior: I have had a semi-positive learning experience at Cape Fear Community College. Of course with every school there are good and bad professors, and the same applied to CFCC. This semester especially, I had an extremely positive experience with my Anatomy and Physiology professor, and became more excited to learn every time I stepped foot into his classroom. His course was interesting, structured, organized, difficult, but I learned so much that I will be taking with me throughout my career. I would personally like to see more professors like him at Cape Fear because he genuinely cares about his students. I was having an issue with one of my other professors, and he sat on the phone with me for almost an hour giving me the best advice, on a Friday!... Read 525 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,266

• SAT range —

• Raleigh, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  1,013 reviews

Freshman: When I applied for Wake Tech, the team there was super flexible and willing to help me out on my educational prowess and my goals after graduation. Wake Tech offers students like myself excessive freedom and resources that I can use for whatever I may need, and their campuses are great for whatever is needed! The campuses have whatever you may need for your time there, computer labs, food trucks, libraries, learning centers, tutoring options, bus transportation, access to almost anything you may need while your time at Wake Tech!... Read 1,013 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,980

• SAT range —

• Charlotte, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,281 reviews

Freshman: Central Piedmont is a great starter college! It was super easy to apply and all the employees were so helpful and easy to work with! Any time I would need any assistance they were always very helpful and patient! As a starting freshman it is suprisingly hard to figure out everything right away, but they made it very easy to figure out and explained what I need to do. The only thing is that I really wish that their libraries were bigger, especially the central campus one in Uptown, Charlottte. It is a great campus, with many great accommodations and features. But for the amount of students that go to CPCC, I believe there should be more seating areas for students. It would also be great if there was more food options and cafes! Spending so much time there studying, I'm sure that students would absolutely appreciate that! Nevertheless, all my professors are the sweetest and super helpful in my studies! I wouldn't want to start my college experience anywhere else!... Read 1,281 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,600

• SAT range —

• Jamestown, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  457 reviews

Sophomore: My experience being a student here at GTCC is good! I had a wide variety of choices to fill in for my Associate of Science degree. I feel accomplished that I am reaching toward to the end of my last semester at GTCC with great grades! I am thankful for their support in dropping the fees in all of my semesters. I only had to worry about my books/supplies to cover by FAFSA and grants. Overall, I would definitely recommend admitting as an upcoming student here at GTCC! It is worth the price and education!... Read 457 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,158

• SAT range —

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  955 reviews

Freshman: My overall experience at Fayetteville State University has been wonderful so far as a college freshman. FSU offers a variety of hands on programs and resources that will help benefit students. This includes programs that support mental health, physical well being, grade extensions, and more. The staff and overall institution environment is extremely diverse and friendly, and they pride themselves into being able to encourage and support students.... Read 955 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $6,718

• SAT range 830-1040

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  583 reviews

Sophomore: I have gone back to FTCC to get a few more credits to transfer to a 4-year college. Going back was easy, and everyone was very supportive. If you already have your transcripts here and want to take a few more credits to transfer to East Carolina College or another 4-year college, I highly recommend using them to get those last credits finished! The teachers and students in the Student Center are very nice and helpful. They helped me access my electronic book, relearn to navigate blackboard, walked me through adding Microsoft 365 onto my laptop, and even helped me study for my Praxis test so I could transfer to a 4-year college! They were so kind and helpful. Even if you don't go to FTCC, be sure to use your college's Student Center. I also like that you can see the names of professors when you register for classes. This lets you find professors that will be compatible with your learning style!... Read 583 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,231

• SAT range —

• Winston-salem, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  462 reviews

Senior: It would be wonderful to have the return of sixteen-week courses, especially for subjects in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These courses would allow for a more in-depth exploration of the material, giving students ample time to master the concepts and hone their skills. Not only would this benefit the students, but it could also lead to a more qualified and knowledgeable workforce in these industries. The longer duration of the courses would also provide a greater sense of stability and routine for students, allowing them to better manage their time and workload. Overall, the reintroduction of sixteen-week courses could have numerous benefits for both students and the workforce.... Read 462 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,040

• SAT range —

• Asheville, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  323 reviews

Freshman: My advisors have been so helpful in my registration and enrollment process, and I feel supported in a process that can be overwhelming. After years of being on-the-fence about what was the right decision as far as continuing my education, seeing the various programs and opportunities offered by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College gave me confidence that this was the place to achieve my goals. Their trainings in New Student Orientation and easy-to-navigate Student Self-Service portal have started my college journey off on the right foot, and the communication between staff and students is always quick and informative, even going so far as to schedule appointments via Zoom to maintain their focus on public safety and health. Of the 25,000 students that attend this college, I am more than grateful to be one of them.... Read 323 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,964

• SAT range —

• Elizabeth City, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.27 out of 5  495 reviews

Sophomore: My attendance at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) has been a very enjoyable time. Learning about The HBCU culture and being African American, unquestionably help me find who I am . Being a legcay of a parent whom attended ECSU absolutely allowed me to have a foundation laid. Something That I enjoy about attending ECSU is they are certainly a diverse and inclusive institution. The Jorney of a Aviation Science Flight Educations student is quite exciting, Even though they have a new flight program we have wide variety of job opportunity. ECSU campus is full of amazing and different orgfanzations to can join from greek to Campus activties.... Read 495 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $4,085

• SAT range 860-1070

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  605 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 605 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $18,205

• SAT range 1110-1230

• Graham, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  346 reviews

Senior: I had a great time at Alamance Community College. It is a great and affordable school to complete your general education classes before transferring. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. The campus is pretty and well-kept. The school is continuing to grow with adding three new buildings recently. They have a great staff!... Read 346 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,040

• SAT range —