2024 Top Colleges for Trades and Personal Services in North Carolina

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,400 reviews

Junior: NC State is not just a school with great academics, campus, and people, but instead a wildly diverse cosmopolitan community. At State there is truly something for everyone. For those who don’t know or have never visited campus, State is located close to Downtown Raleigh. Students enjoy its busy commercial areas as well as the abundance of tech companies, government departments, and awesome parks. On the weekends, friends and myself enjoy the nightlife of Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle. Besides the sense of place that NC State provides, the faculty is remarkable. They retain a sense of intellectual prowess without that air of elitism that other public and private universities might have. Every faculty member I have interacted with has been down to earth and actually cares about student success. I have made so many great connections and friendships since being here. Even though the campus is huge and our student body is large, State feels like a close knit community. Go pack!... Read 3,400 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $14,328

• SAT range 1270-1440

• 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 —

• Elizabeth City, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.27 out of 5  494 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 494 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $4,085

• SAT range 860-1070

• New Bern, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  190 reviews

Freshman: Craven Community is overall an amazing school. Super friendly staff and everyone is very helpful. The school is very affordable and well organized. All the staff is very quick to help you. I like how the Newbern campus shows somewhat of a university campus so that way students could get a feel of how things are going to be if they decided to continue their education at a university. As of right now, I can't think of anything I would want them to change.... Read 190 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,409

• SAT range —

• 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

• Salisbury, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  259 reviews

Niche User: I love Rowan-Cabarrus! I'm an early college student who takes classes there. I am on track to receive my Associate's in Art in 2022. All the professors I've had, have been amazing and the resources available are great! I especially love the tutoring center and library that they have available to students. Also, all the professors are very supportive and caring. I recently went through a breakup and my Chemistry professor was incredibly understanding. She talked to me in class and later checked up on me through email. I've never felt more seen or understood by a professor before!... Read 259 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,356

• SAT range —

• Elizabeth City, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  179 reviews

Sophomore: Great school, great professors, and a great environment to learn in! I am a dual enrolled student, taking most of my classes at COA. I am pursuing graduating with an associates in science before graduating high school! There are many different campuses, not only the Elizabeth City campus but they are all wonderful. All the professors seem passionate about teaching and setting up an education for the younger generation! I am very thankful to be part of this program before transferring to ECU to study psychology!... Read 179 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,608

• 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

• 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 4.12 out of 5  221 reviews

Freshman: Catawba Valley Community College has a variety of different majors you could choose from and has an easy transfer if you want to continue your education! I really enjoy experiencing the college experience that many have told me about. Even if the college isn't a university, the professors there are kind and caring as well as strict when it comes to school work. The college provides a library, a student "break room", a study hall, student services, and many more. What I would like to see change would be the success of Catawba Valley Community College; hoping it would become a university for others very soon.... Read 221 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,286

• SAT range —

• Greenville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  3,030 reviews

Freshman: Love my professors so far! They're very helpful and the campus is a good size. This college is very social based though, so without making the right friends or finding the right clubs to click with, you can't truly enjoy the college experiences ecu has to offer. Food options are decent but you learn grocery shopping is more so worth it that buying off of campus. Staff is friendly but overworked and under appreciated by ecu for what they do. Dorms are ok, but not worth board rates. They should get a new rooming system in place to find similarities between the people they're housing together especially since they require freshmen to stay there the first year. Really nursing and business based for those looking for these types of degrees.... Read 3,030 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $14,762

• SAT range 1020-1170

• 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

• Albemarle, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  107 reviews

Sophomore: I adored Stanly Community College, my professors were awesome, and the atmosphere was lovely. I'm excited about my adventure at UNC Charlotte, my years at Stanly Community College will benefit me tremendously in this next chapter. As for what I'd like to see changed, I honestly can't think of anything, I learned a lot of new things, I made friends, and found professors that I'll always admire.... Read 107 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,522

• SAT range —

• Pinehurst, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  242 reviews

Sophomore: Sandhills Community College is a great way to take college-level classes at an affordable price. They offer a multitude of different classes and degrees. It is a great place for people who are just beginning their college education or for people who are coming back to finish their college education. All of the staff and counselors are helpful at every step of the way. They make it clear and adamant that you can use any resources available at the college. The student body is very welcoming and everyone is friendly, whether you're a new student or a returning student. Overall, it is a great place for anyone to pursue their college education!... Read 242 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,418

• SAT range —

• Dallas, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  366 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 366 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,094

• SAT range —

• Smithfield, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  239 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Johnston Community College has been great so far. The Professors are friendly to everyone and understand if you're having a hard time learning the material. Some of the Professors offer one on one tutoring for students to help understand the material, so they won't fall behind. They will do everything in their ability to help you succeed in class.... Read 239 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,430

• SAT range —

• Sanford, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  324 reviews

Sophomore: This community school provides a variety of programs in health care. The school provides assistances for financial services, tutoring, and awesome staff members that are very understanding and helpful. If I could recommend any student who is interested and a short career or a two year transfer this community college is what I would recommend. All of the following is what I like about the school. They provide what is convenient for the students there.... Read 324 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,321

• SAT range —

• Asheboro, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  187 reviews

Freshman: I liked having the option of doing my prerequisite classes online while in high school. Signing up for my prerequisite courses will help me have a less stressful college semester when I start in the Fall. I recommend getting ahead of the game to avoid as much stress and the possibility of having a semester off. I have taken eight prerequisite classes and all of the professors I have had were understanding, passionate, courteous, inspiring, and motivating. The only thing I would like to change, based on my experience, is how the different departments communicate with one another.... Read 187 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,279

• SAT range —

• Wilmington, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  519 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 519 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,266

• SAT range —

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  221 reviews

Graduate Student: Strayer Universuty is amazing! The professors are knowledgeable not just with the course material but with real world application. The information we learn can be used immediately in our professional lives and by those of us with entrepreneurial endeavors. The flexibility Strayer provides its students is crucial and enables our success. I also love how Strayer rewards us for our hard work and is always encouraging us to keep pushing.... Read 221 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $19,631

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Flat Rock, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  128 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 128 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,783

• SAT range —

• Whiteville, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  41 reviews

Senior: I love SCC! Everyone from staff and administration to students and teachers are absolutely amazing! Every teacher I have had has been more than willing to help and has seemed passionate about their job. My favorite thing about SCC is its sense of community. With countless community and student events, you're sure to feel right at home. Tuition is more than affordable, you won't regret enrolling with the rams!... Read 41 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,428

• SAT range —