2023 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina

• 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

• 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 3.74 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Banner Elk, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  263 reviews

Sophomore: Lees-McRae College is a fantastic mountain school, it provides its students with a unique opportunity to receive an education in a field that interests them while allowing them easy access to nature. The faculty and staff were very kind and accommodating in my experience.... Read 263 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $25,894

• SAT range 1040-1240

• Mars Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.32 out of 5  572 reviews

Freshman: I am a current student-athlete at Mars Hill University and I can not praise it enough. All the professors I have had so far are wonderful and really care about the student's education. Other staff and faculty have also been extremely nice to me. The campus is beautifully placed in the mountains with breathtaking views and stunning sunsets. I have met a greatly diverse group of people since coming here, including international students who if anything outnumber the students from local areas. There is a hard-working group of faculty who come up with activities and such to get students involved on campus while also creating learning and career opportunities. My fellow students here have welcomed me with open arms and have treated me with kindness.... Read 572 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $18,717

• SAT range 940-1130

• Hickory, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  457 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 457 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $21,739

• SAT range 970-1170

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  462 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 462 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $25,785

• SAT range 950-1200

• Brevard, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  219 reviews

Junior: Located in Western North Carolina. Brevard College is a small liberal Arts College with less than a thousand students enrolled. Brevard College has offered me a home away from home. Through the years I have created tight relationship with my professors who care about me and not just about school. I have lunch with them and even have cookouts at their house with other students. I am majoring in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. I have a passion for working in the outdoors and I have learned so much already. I am proud to say that Pisgah National Forest is my classroom for four years. Currently I am still meeting General Education needs. Classes have been a good challenge for me. No class is too hard, but they are challenging students to exceed the minimal effort. I am so happy that I have found a college that I love.... Read 219 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $21,305

• SAT range 850-1050

• Rocky Mount, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  235 reviews

Freshman: This school has provided me with an excellent education. Professors and administrators are quite useful in terms of structure and direction. The university provides several academic options as well as excellent sporting programs. My only criticism is that I wish the student life was better. The school strives to offer a variety of activities, but I wish there was more to do on or around campus.... Read 235 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $20,208

• SAT range 860-1120

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  296 reviews

Niche User: Students get tons of face-time with professors and professors invest lots of time and energy helping students engage in classes, find internships, and succeed academically and personally. Student athletes have good support in developing a balance between sports and academics and time management. Also, being steps away from downtown Raleigh with culture and entertainment options is amazing!... Read 296 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $26,338

• SAT range 1000-1130

• 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 —

• Montreat, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  293 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 293 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $23,083

• SAT range 1030-1220

• Salisbury, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  347 reviews

Graduate Student: The majority of my time at Catawba is going nicely. The school's personnel and instructors are kind, and I enjoy the environment. I'd like to see the classrooms and buildings renovated because they need to be updated.The gym also need restoration because it is too tiny for a school with that many kids. The "quad," which serves as the hub of campus, is typically empty because there is little to do there. The school needs to do a better job of organizing activities so that children may interact and develop friends.... Read 347 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $19,276

• SAT range 990-1150

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  239 reviews

Niche User: The diversity and attention to detail in this school was profound. Each and every professor was deticated to pushing their students to excellence and I felt my academic needs were beyond met. There was a sense of family on campus that was instilled through faculty and students. One negative aspect of this University is the overall location. It sort of seems as if it was just squished into the middle of a town with no thought, and doesn't have much of a traditional "college" feel. Despite this, I loved the experience and education this school gave me and would reccomend.... Read 239 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $16,239

• SAT range 900-1100

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  598 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 598 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $18,205

• SAT range 1110-1230

• Elizabeth City, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  490 reviews

Junior: I have experienced the ups and downs of college. I enjoy the closeness of the professors and the ratios of classes at ECSU! I love the bonds I have formed not only with the professors but with the facility and student body. The overall relationships are promising and the school wants nothing but success from its Viking Family! We, the students, are always informed when it comes to the decisions our chancellor makes in regards to improving the campus and increasing academic excellence. There are more things to boast about when it comes to ECSU. I believe the adjustments you have to make as an individual is the size of the campus and student body. If you are looking for a small scope when it comes to those necessities, then ECSU is for you! Another factor is the location of the school; it’s in a rural community but once you dive deep into the area, you’ll find more than what you think! It’s also an hour from two beautiful beaches, the Outer Banks and Virginia Beach.... Read 490 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $4,085

• SAT range 860-1070

• 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 3.8 out of 5  215 reviews

Alum: I would really recommend Belmont Abbey College, it is an amicable and safe environment. The professors are excellent and will always be glad to help their students in any way they can. I would, however, love to see more diversity in the community and student activities. Overall, I had a great experience at Belmont Abbey!... Read 215 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $21,821

• SAT range 990-1180