2023 Best Colleges in the Charlotte Area

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $25,794

• SAT range 1300-1460

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $15,682

• SAT range 1120-1320

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  595 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 595 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $29,810

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Rock Hill, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,662 reviews

Alum: I'd 100% recommend WU to students who are looking for a small-to-midsize university with excellent professors in a tight-knit community with lots of room for interesting opportunities. While attending the university I had several leadership opportunities, was aided in scoring three awesome internships, and offered several jobs upon graduating. I was also able to travel to Washington D.C, Minneapolis, Greece, and Italy with very little out-of-pocket costs. I grew a lot during my time there and learned so much. WU is especially stellar when it comes to career readiness (at least in the MCOM department). We learned how to write resumes, prepare for interviews, and market ourselves. I've found that I have significantly more experience in that area than a lot of my coworkers that are the same age as me. It's not a huge flashy university with lots of sports and a rich Greek life, but that's not what I was looking for. Not for everyone, but it was a great experience for me!... Read 1,662 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $17,100

• SAT range 1000-1180

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  655 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Johnson & Wales University has been incredibly positive. The professors are engaging, they really enjoy their jobs and you can tell that they genuinely care about their students and their success in the classes they teach. Many of the staff have successful careers in their respective fields beyond their position at JWU, so they're able to offer lots of guidance to their students about getting started in their professional careers. Johnson & Wales is a great place to go to school, my only regret is that I didn't transfer here sooner!... Read 655 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $27,462

• SAT range —

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,000

• SAT range 800-980

• 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

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $21,821

• SAT range 990-1180

• Wingate, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  762 reviews

Other: I attended Wingate during the start of Covid, so I didn't get to experience everything fully due to social distancing and everything being locked down, but Wingate has good amenities such as a gym, convenience stores, and a variety of places to eat at for students to choose from. They give you an allowance to spend at the campus stores, which is nice and helpful.... Read 762 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $19,013

• SAT range 930-1130

• Concord, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  52 reviews

Sophomore: I love the small class sizes, supportive staff and welcoming environment. The nursing staff are very encouraging. The campus is across from a food court and mall allowing for easy access to food.... Read 52 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $18,506

• SAT range 960-1130

• Rock Hill, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: It was a great experience at an HBCU, amazing teachers, and the environment was incredible! It was also a very affordable 2 years which was great!... Read 13 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,070

• SAT range —

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  26 reviews

Graduate Student: I like the college because of its diversity, the teaching received from the Professors. The staff goes out of the way to ensure you get the best. I have loved my experience working with a great group of people.... Read 26 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,124

• SAT range —

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  51 reviews

Freshman: The Advisors were very informative and the Instructors are engaging. The Tech Bundle allows you to have the hands on experience of in person classes while taking classes online.... Read 51 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $29,449

• SAT range —