2024 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina

• Davidson, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  336 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 336 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $25,794

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Winston Salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  262 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 262 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $12,097

• SAT range 1120-1380

• 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 —

• 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 —

• 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 —

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Sylva, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  185 reviews

Niche User: I was able to complete my Associates in Science and high school diploma while dual-enrolled at Jackson County Early College and Southwestern Community College. I've since moved on to undergraduate studies at Western Carolina University. SCC is a fantastic option for a variety of students. I cannot speak highly enough of SCC's associates of science program! The professors help foster a strong understanding of course material, while also respecting student's independent schedules. I high recommend SCC!... Read 185 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,744

• 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 —

• Dublin, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  45 reviews

Freshman: I have had a good experience while I have studied here! Counselors are great, help is everywhere with open door policies.... Read 45 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,376

• SAT range —

• Morganton, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  155 reviews

Graduate Student: I attended WPCC for both my high school diploma and Associates degree. WPCC faculty and staff are the best! They are always willing to help you whether it is in regards to Fasfa or even personal stuff. WPCC does care about its students and their education. As far as curriculum, the material is challenging at times but it’s all worth it!... Read 155 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,965

• SAT range —

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  754 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 754 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $21,717

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Roxboro, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  101 reviews

Senior: The administration and teachers are extremely nice and respectful. They will help you with assignments and other documentation if needed. These people make you feel welcomed and I highly recommend this college for other students to take.... Read 101 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,785

• SAT range —

• Rocky Mount, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  204 reviews

Niche User: Hello, my name’s Josey! My current experience at Nash Community has been more than incredible! I’ve familiarized myself through the online systems I’ve been operating with for over 8 months now and have been pleased with absolutely everything on how functional the work and staff align on a general element. The staff have ensured that us students are taught properly and understanding the overall material without making us over stress or feel burnt out in an instant. I recommend this community college to many and have been enjoying the Career & College Promise Program I’ve been in through Southern Nash High School by which I’m very grateful to have been offered and given the opportunity surely! Thank you and happy studying to you all! :)... Read 204 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,628

• SAT range —

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  601 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 601 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $29,810

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Dobson, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  150 reviews

Freshman: Surry Community College has gone above and beyond to help me do my absolute best in college. I have taken college classes since I was a sophomore in high school, and my father was terminally ill. When he passed away my junior year, all of my professors were extremely kind and understanding, and helped me adjust to the schoolwork when I was ready. Since then, I have not had a single bad encounter with a professor or anyone at SCC. I highly recommend the school.... Read 150 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,632

• 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 —

• Weldon, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  100 reviews

Freshman: I started attending Halifax Community College in the Fall of 2022. I have had a wonderful experience so far. The guidance from my advisor has been excellent, and so have the instructors of the classes I have taken. Our rural community college does not get nearly enough of the credit they deserve, and I want to give them some of that here!... Read 100 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,686

• SAT range —

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Winterville, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  480 reviews

Sophomore: Pitt community college is a great college and focus on their students. They work one on one with students, you get to know your instructors, it's easier to interact with teachers and students. Pitt is a great affordable and accessible community college. Pitt is a flexible college for students working full time job and going to school like me. Pitt educates and empowers there students for success. Pitt provides access to dynamic learning opportunities designed to stimulate personal enrichment and successful career preparation. I love Pitt and I'm planning on going back to get another degree from them. One thing I loved about Pitt was the small classes. I get to interact with my professor and not get distracted from others talking and a large classroom. I feel like I'm well prepared to go to a four year college with the help from Pitt. I choose Pitt because I was unsure about what college to go to after high school and I didn't want to leave my family and friends so I picked Pitt.... Read 480 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,453

• SAT range —

• Bolivia, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  87 reviews

Sophomore: It's a beautiful campus located in a rural area. Class size is small with a good student to teacher ratio. This college also offers free gym membership to all students. Their gym is very well appointed with equipment, classes and an indoor pool.... Read 87 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,034

• SAT range —

• Asheville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  695 reviews

Junior: My experience at UNC- Asheville was wonderful, timeless and fun! It gave me the opportunity to grow as a person on my own and meet people that encouraged me to try my hardest. I grew strong friendships with people with my beliefs, traits and hobbies. I was able to secure amazing, career-growing internships through UNCA, and I would do it again a million times. It was definitely stressful at times but worth the education I gained.... Read 695 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $13,838

• SAT range 1130-1330