2024 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina

• Davidson, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  338 reviews

Alum: The professors and faculty are incredibly passionate not only about their research but helping students become better, independent researchers. They care about their students academic performance as well as their general well-being, and help their students prepare for life after Davidson. Additionally, the small classroom environments helps foster a close knit community that thrives on collaboration and the honor code engenders a common, shared community standard of honesty and integrity. The student government, additionally, helps act as an advocate for student voices and works with the administration to effect positive change for everyone. If students ever need help, the administration and staff are generally helpful and provide help in a timely manner. I needed a letter same day for a job offer from the transcript office before transcripts with final grades were available and they were kind enough to fulfill my request on short notice!... Read 338 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $25,794

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  756 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 756 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $21,717

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Asheville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  696 reviews

Senior: UNCA has been a transformative experience for me as the University’s liberal arts core provided solace amid uncertainty. Majoring in French and International Studies, I became the French Course Ambassador, revived Club Francophone, and rejuvenated Pi Delta Phi. Campus’s focus on student engagement allowed me to foster a sense of community of like-minded folks who want to nurture the evermore importance of person-to-person, global citizenry. This scholarship could be a game-changer. It would enable me to play a beneficial role in a Faculty Led Study Abroad program in Saumur, France (requested aid by prof.). Leveraging my ASCI connections and my status as a UNCA alumnus, I can significantly enhance the students’ experience. This grant is vital for my ability to contribute meaningfully to their journey pursuing our shared intercultural values. UNCA has empowered me to make positive impacts on campus, and with this scholarship, I can inspire current students to make their own in the world.... Read 696 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $13,838

• SAT range 1130-1330

• 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

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  302 reviews

Sophomore: William Peace University is an excellent private college because the campus is accessible to navigate, the campus values and incorporates Immersive Learning to improve education among Peace students, and the classes are enjoyable. Classes were challenging, but they also helped me open up a variety of perspectives about life and try new things. I liked how it was easier for me to build relationships with students as well as peer tutors and my professors. The campus also provided a ton of services, clubs, and inclusive groups. They even offer student jobs and volunteer opportunities as well as off-campus. I had the opportunity to volunteer off-campus to gain leadership experience for one of my Honors classes. Also, I like that William Peace offers an Honors Program to encourage students to push further and learn different life principles such as leadership, business, and the professional workplace. I had a great First Year and hopefully, the rest of my 4-year experience will go well.... Read 302 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $26,338

• SAT range 1000-1130

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  470 reviews

Senior: Guilford is a very fun institution to attend there are a lot of possibilities that the school offers and there are so many friendly and helpful staff in the financial aid department. I highly recommend coming to Guilford the rooms are really good and there are plenty of opportunities to thrive and become a part of the Guilford community. Our new President Kyle Farmbry has been very motivational and has gotten a lot of respect from the students after we lost our last President. But actions speak far louder than words do. Apply and find out for yourself!... Read 470 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $25,785

• SAT range 950-1200

• 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

• Hickory, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  464 reviews

Freshman: Lenoir-Rhyne University has overall been an excellent experience! Applying to the college, getting in contact with advising and help desks have been the easiest. The campus is beautiful and very enticing. The students and staff are very pleasant to talk to and be around. Although the school is very challenging, Lenoir-Rhyne is worth every penny! The school makes getting your BSN so easy. So far there is nothing about the school that I would change. I would recommend this school to anyone who is serious about their education. Along with a great curriculum, they also have a fantastic sports regimen. Their music program brings students from all over the country to their school and continues to win awards for their skills. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. There are sororities and other clubs for extra curricular activities.... Read 464 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $21,739

• SAT range 970-1170

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.28 out of 5  877 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 877 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,000

• SAT range 800-980

• Montreat, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  295 reviews

Alum: I like to say that Montreat is about community. It's not big, it's in the middle of nowhere, so don't go if you want a "big college" experience (totally overrated btw). There are plenty of solid students and teachers that are willing and able to pour into you and grow you as a person. People that have issues with the administration do not take the time to figure out what is going on behind the scenes. Pretty much everyone I got the chance to work with in admin genuinely cares about the students. I think the best example of Montreat College is this. We had a very tragic situation happen on campus. Some people's solution to that was to blame people who had literally dropped everything to take care of the situation. However, it was at that time that I got to see the true beauty of Montreat. An entire community, from teachers to students to people living in the area (who are very active in caring for and helping students s.o to Momma Martha) came together to love and support each other.... Read 295 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $23,083

• SAT range 1030-1220

• Swannanoa, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  341 reviews

Freshman: I love Wilson. I am a freshman and I chose this college for the unique experience of non-traditional learning, cool student body, and the opportunities for people who are interested in the arts. Warren Wilson is NOT for everyone. If you choose to come here, be ready to be in a small community of people who have bold personalities, and don't expect a normal college experience. Sports aren't a huge thing here, we do not have greek life, and parties are typically pretty small and are either in the dorms or one of the pastures. Personally I have gained a lot from the academics here so far, I have a lot of opportunities in my areas of interest and there are a lot of cool classes here. One of my favorite things is that the GE requirements are really cool and even if you don't like a certain subject you will probably find something you like in the list. There is a huge live music scene here too! Really the most complaints I have are the dorms aren't the best and food options are limited.... Read 341 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $25,611

• SAT range 1120-1280

• Winston-salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  526 reviews

Sophomore: Salem College has been the best college experience anyone can experience, one of a kind moments that you'll cherish for the rest of your journey. I do however would like to see a fast food restaurant around here. Other than that, Salem College is excelling in academics and progressiveness, staff and faculty going through extensive training on pronouns and different types of identities. I love salem... Read 526 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $11,408

• SAT range 930-1140