2023 Best Colleges in North Carolina

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  1,179 reviews

Alum: As a former alumni of Duke University, I can confidently say that it is one of the best universities in the world. The academic programs are rigorous, challenging, and thought-provoking, and the faculty members are top-notch and dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded education. The campus is beautiful, with world-class facilities and plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities. The university also places a strong emphasis on community service and encourages students to get involved in various volunteer projects. Overall, my experience at Duke University was life-changing, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-tier education in a supportive and stimulating environment.... Read 1,179 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• 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

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  2,580 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 2,580 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $11,508

• SAT range 1140-1380

• Winston-salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  850 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 850 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $24,643

• SAT range 1270-1410

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  3,366 reviews

Sophomore: NC State is a beautiful university with opportunities for students of all majors and desired career fields. At NC State you will find staff dedicated to helping students through whatever challenges- academic, professional, or personal- they may face. Professor genuinely want to see their students succeed and are always open to help in any way they can. Resources like the academic success center, counseling center, and walk-in advising are always available for students to use free of charge. This university houses some of the smartest minds this world has seen. Campus is always lively, and there is always something to do. Even though NC State is a large public university, it is easy to find a community of people to connect with. This university is the absolute best one to attend!... Read 3,366 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $14,328

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Boone, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  2,714 reviews

Junior: Appalachian State is a great university where i have made the most meaningful connections, both personal and professional. Boone is a beautiful town with amazing scenery of the blue ridge mountains that comes alive every fall on gamedays.... Read 2,714 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $12,735

• SAT range 1130-1300

• Wilmington, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,926 reviews

Sophomore: The University of North Carolina Wilmington is an incredible institution filled with professors and other staff members that are just as eager to help you succeed in life as you are. Moreover, there are many useful resources available on campus for students to thrive and become the best version of themselves.... Read 1,926 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,792

• SAT range 1210-1330

• Winston Salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  261 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 261 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $12,097

• SAT range 1120-1380

• 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

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  3,102 reviews

Junior: It is a good school, I have made great friends and know many people of all kinds of races and religions, and origins. I like the school and everything about it except the amount of political involvement. I am not very political and it gets annoying seeing so much protest and so much rivalry between the few conservatives against the heavily liberal school.... Read 3,102 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $9,950

• SAT range 1020-1260

• Cullowhee, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,574 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 1,574 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $13,082

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Elon, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,537 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 1,537 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $40,366

• SAT range 1160-1320

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  594 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly appreciated how much the professors worked with athletics to create a cohesive environment. I also really enjoyed the small class sizes which gave me an individualized education experience, as well as allowing me to get to know my professors on a personal level, which later on did help with letters of recommendation. My biggest complaint about Queens, particularly at the end of my college experience, was how biased some of the courses appeared to be.... Read 594 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $29,810

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Greenville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  2,998 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 2,998 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $14,762

• SAT range 1020-1170

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  749 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 749 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $21,717

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Asheville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  691 reviews

Junior: So far, I've very much enjoyed my time at UNCA! My classes are small, my professors are well educated and understanding, and I'm having a great time while I learn! It seems that the faculty and staff at UNCA truly care about my performance and my overall mental health. Being on campus and feeling the support from the academic community is so appreciated! I feel like I've finally found a place to belong, a place to feel good about my work, and I place that not only supports my growth, but offers many resources along the way. I'm so glad UNCA is part of my academic journey! Thanks UNCA, I'm truly grateful to be here!... Read 691 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $13,838

• SAT range 1130-1330

• Boiling Springs, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  773 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 773 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $20,296

• SAT range 960-1190

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  3,007 reviews

Other: I am excited about starting my freshman year of college at North Carolina A&T State University. The students are very talented and welcoming, and the staff is helpful when it comes to communicating about help with financial aid.... Read 3,007 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $9,145

• SAT range 990-1170

• Winston-salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,259 reviews

Junior: Winston Salem State University has made it a point to make information accessible. I am a transfer student from a community college and the transfer could not have gone smoother! My advisor has been extremely helpful in answering a long list of questions about transferring credits, my path towards a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, and more. Overall, they are an affordable, inclusive, and helpful university that I would recommend to many people. I have several friends and family members that have earned degrees here and they all have had good things to say!... Read 1,259 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $12,976

• SAT range 880-1040

• Misenheimer, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.35 out of 5  274 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 274 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $19,198

• SAT range 940-1130

• High Point, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,514 reviews

Sophomore: I love everything about High Point University. The campus is beautiful, making you feel at home and not a random place where you go to school. When I first visited, they had my name on a mini billboard for my own designated parking spot, welcoming me with open arms. We have the newest equipment to make learning a fun experience and really get your hands on what your major will be like. The teacher-to-student ratio is 30:1, so it feels like a high school classroom, so you still get that one-on-one time with the teacher. Furthermore, the teachers will remember your name, not just another student they have to teach. When it comes to social life, there are plenty of things to do. For example, we have a skating rink, a movie theater, an arcade, and convenience stores all on campus, and if you need to travel to get groceries, they provide shuttles to take to there. Plus, we have concerts, a carnival, a petting zoo came to campus, and food trucks every week, so no one goes hungry.... Read 1,514 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $40,604

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Wilson, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  429 reviews

Freshman: It is an amazing school that makes you feel included at all times! I am an international student from Spain and I couldn't be happier to have chose Barton as my college. It is home now. The campus is small but it is gorgeous. If you are planning in being a student-athlete I sincerely recommend Barton because it is a big family that will care about you. Every single teacher will know your name, that is for sure.... Read 429 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $22,996

• SAT range 970-1150

• Buies Creek, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,326 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 1,326 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $23,163

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  931 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Fayetteville State University was great! The professors are great. They want to see you succeed at Fayetteville State University. Student life is fun because Fayetteville State is always looking for new ways to get people involved around campus. For example, even though we are in quarantine they are holding virtual events for students to attend. As far as housing, it could be a little better. The food could he a little better as well. I wish that our campus had other restaurants within it. Sometimes Chick-fil-A, the grill, and the cafe could get a little tiring from eating the same thing over.... Read 931 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $6,718

• SAT range 830-1040

• Mount Olive, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  370 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 370 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $16,736

• SAT range 990-1150