2024 Best Colleges with Elementary Education Degrees in North Carolina

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  2,625 reviews

Junior: Over all my experience at UNC has been very good! It is a fast pace academically challenging environment. I consider this a good thing, the challenge and learning is exactly what I was looking for. The classes and teachers push me to work hard and grow. The mindset of the other students is likewise. Most students I encounter with are hard working. The main bad experience I have had at UNC Chapel Hill is the two lock downs caused by armed and dangerous people on campus. I do not completely blame the university for this as, of course, they cannot control every possible threat that steps onto campus. The first lock down a staff member was tragically shot and passed away. The university cancelled classes the next two days out of respect and to allow the students to recover. This was the right thing to do. However the second lock down class continued the next day as normal. I am believe they should have cancelled class at least one day after to allow students a break to process and recover.... Read 2,625 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 —

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,417 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 3,417 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $14,328

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Boone, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  2,767 reviews

Senior: App State can be a great school depending on what your major is! I started as Choral Music Education and switched to Vocal Performance, and I've learned that all degree programs within the Hayes School of Music are incredibly difficult and time consuming. Do not choose to be a music major unless you are very passionate about and dedicated to classical music, since you will be spending all of your time in a practice room. I'm officially changing my major to Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies with a minor in Music, which seems like the better fit for me. There's a decently sized queer population on campus, but there's hardly any racial diversity at all. I love the mountains and the campus in general, but it's important to note that because of the mountains and hills the town of Boone and App State's campus are not very accessible for students/people with physical disabilities. I've had a fairly negative experience as a music major, but I love Appalachian State University as a whole!... Read 2,767 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $12,735

• SAT range 1130-1300

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  3,173 reviews

Junior: UNCG has a beautiful exterior with large trees, well-groomed bushes and grass patches, and architecture that combines the originally built dorms and class buildings with the newly updated and modern buildings. People are generally very friendly, both students and staff! And classes tend to be relatively decent with lots of thoughtful discussions and creative interactions in their syllabus. There is some improvement that could be made with the way a few buildings are as they get a little older and outdated in technology (dorm-wise). And sometimes there can be so much going on that one cannot even think about how they are going to be able to participate in so many activities whilst still staying strong in grades. But overall, UNCG is a very lovely school and one that people should consider attending for their degrees.... Read 3,173 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $9,950

• SAT range 1020-1260

• 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 —

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  3,461 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 3,461 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $15,682

• SAT range 1120-1320

• Wilmington, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,970 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 1,970 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,792

• SAT range 1210-1330

• Albemarle, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  108 reviews

Other: I took the associate in arts Transfer pathway at the Stanly Community College. I enjoyed it the staff was extremely nice and communicated well I was able to pick my classes within the degree, so I carved my pathway. Additionally, this carved off two years of the four-year degree I plan on getting. So overall, there is nothing I would change since I enjoyed my experience.... Read 108 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,522

• SAT range —

• Greenville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  3,051 reviews

Junior: East Carolina University has something for everyone, especially if being a pirate is in your blood! With my parents and the majority of my extended family being ECU alumni, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Reasonable distance from the capital to the coast makes ECU the perfect distance for educational and/ or fun day trips. Recent additions and updates to campus classroom buildings and residence halls have helped ECU spring forward with state of the art facilities and living spaces. Many residence halls are co-ed now allowing for even more diversity than in the past. There’s nothing like a sports team that never gives up! The ECU pirates continue to strive to improve their program. Taking on new coaches and expanding their division to play more and more schools, gives ECU’s football team something g to be proud of. Once a Pirate, always a pirate!... Read 3,051 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $14,762

• SAT range 1020-1170

• Cullowhee, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,605 reviews

Freshman: Oh, I'd love to share an amazing experience I had at Western Carolina University! It was such a vibrant and inclusive community. The campus was surrounded by the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, providing a breathtaking backdrop for my studies. The professors were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making learning engaging and inspiring. I also had the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations, which helped me make lifelong friends and create unforgettable memories. Whether it was attending football games, exploring the nearby hiking trails, or participating in campus events, every moment at WCU was filled with excitement and growth. It truly was an incredible experience that I'll cherish forever!... Read 1,605 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $13,082

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,094 reviews

Junior: I am currently a prospective transfer student that has had the best transfer admissions and enrollment experience with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I have not taken any classes yet but, was able to experience what a Business course would look and feel like at the New Student Orientation I had participated in. I loved how welcoming and helpful everyone was including the adminstration and what would be my future peers as well. I do believe I chose the correct University to transfer to this fall as I have only had a positive experience with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University thus far. I truly am overly excited to continue my education in a state I have never lived in and am ready to began pursuing a more fulfilling and plentiful life!... Read 3,094 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $9,145

• SAT range 990-1170

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  604 reviews

Senior: Ever since the day I inquired about transferring to Queens University, employees and staff have been nothing short of welcoming! From the moment I spoke with an admissions counselor, I had a great feeling about my future potential of being a queens student. Since, I have absolutely fallen in love with the nursing program and feel so lucky to have such supportive professors who go out of their way to assist us in reaching our best potential. I would recommend Queens to anybody who is looking for a smaller campus that fosters an incredible community, and not to mention the beautiful campus, too!... Read 604 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $29,810

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Wilson, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  119 reviews

Junior: My experience at Wilson Community College was a great one! The professors were helpful, and the campus was organized and easy to navigate when I had to be there. All of the staff were kind and didn't mind helping when needed. The courses were very informative. I would attend Wilson Community College again.... Read 119 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,999

• SAT range —

• Winston-salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  1,278 reviews

Other: Hello, Zaire Page! I'd be delighted to hear about your experience at Winston-Salem State University. Your time at the university has likely been a transformative journey filled with growth and learning. Winston-Salem State University is known for its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and community engagement. It's a place where students have the opportunity to thrive both inside and outside the classroom, whether through rigorous academic programs, vibrant student organizations, or a welcoming campus atmosphere. As you reflect on your overall experience, I'm sure you'll find a rich tapestry of memories, challenges, and successes that have contributed to your personal and academic development. Your unique perspective and insights will provide a valuable glimpse into the world of Winston-Salem State University and inspire others to embark on their own educational adventures.... Read 1,278 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $12,976

• SAT range 880-1040

• 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 —

• Clinton, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  71 reviews

Freshman: As a freshman here at Sampson Community College I feel very welcomed. I really like how the staff has went the extra mile to make sure I am prepared and have knowledge of the school history and campus layout. The classes are small and the teachers all seem to have experience in my field of major "Agribusiness Technology", in which helps me out a lot and makes me feel comfortable that I'm being educated properly on the tasks and history at hand. The only things that I can think of at the moment that I would like to see change would be growth. I would like to see the college grow and be able to offer more classes, more facilities, and more parking space.... Read 71 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,155

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Elon, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,553 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 1,553 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $40,366

• SAT range 1160-1320

• Misenheimer, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  276 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 276 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $19,198

• SAT range 940-1130

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  957 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 957 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $6,718

• SAT range 830-1040

• Rocky Mount, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  239 reviews

Alum: I graduated from NCWU in 2018 with a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I loved my time at NCWU and it provided me with the two most important things I wanted out of a school: life long friends, and the ability to continue playing the sport I loved so much. While NCWU is not a typical college experience due to its smaller size, it truly is a tight knit community. You can walk into any room and know at least one other person, you never had to worry about knowing someone in your classes either. It was not without its flaws, but neither is any other university. The buildings are dated and some of their residence life rules could use an update as well, but these are cosmetic issues that did not overshadow the people I met who made my college experience a success.... Read 239 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $20,208

• SAT range 860-1120

• Pembroke, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,212 reviews

Junior: Here at UNCP, the administrators make sure you have a safe place to study. They make sure they prepare you for your work ahead so that you can put your best foot forward. As someone who values a balance of mental, physical, and educational progress, there are plenty of opportunities for me to engage in on campus. Before class, I register for F45 to help build my physical health. They make sure you know your resourses in case you need to talk to someone. Lastly, the teachers make sure you are ready for the work ahead of you. Not to mention, even the food is great, and that's coming from a vegan! If I had to change anything, I wish there was more members in the SOTC Marching Band. I have fun, but I want to share my love of the marching arts with more people!... Read 1,212 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $11,022

• SAT range 890-1140

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,094 reviews

Freshman: I've been at Central for about a month now, and overall I can say that I've enjoyed my experience a lot! During move-in week, there was a large event called "Eaglemania" that lasted for a week. There were chances to network, meet fellow students, and get to know the campus. It was the perfect introduction to what our new life would be. Now that I'm settled in, I wish our living situation was a bit better. I'm an honors student, and I live in the Benjamin Ruffin Residence hall. We have roaches, we were able to spray to get rid of them, but I think that should've been taken care of for us. Our AC system is also broken and has yet to be fixed but overall it's been a wonderful experience. I love how many events are present on campus, but one specific thing I would change is the pool. Central has a beautiful, Olympic-sized pool that currently has no water in it. I love swimming, and I'd love to get some laps in a couple times a week for exercise. Overall Central is a great school.... Read 1,094 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $14,496

• SAT range 930-1150