2024 Top Private Universities in North Carolina

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  1,189 reviews

Sophomore: Duke offers me an enriching and transformative experience. What stands out to me the most is the invaluable network and the exceptional people I've encountered here. The community at Duke is filled with goal-oriented, friendly, and intelligent individuals, all of whom have inspired and motivated me to strive for excellence. Moreover, Duke's commitment to providing outstanding academic resources has been a game-changer for me. I'm especially thankful for the innovative and entrepreneurship resources, as they have open my career path to startups. Lastly, the buildings and nature are beautiful!... Read 1,189 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• 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 3.73 out of 5  862 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 862 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $24,643

• 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

• 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

• Elon, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,550 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 1,550 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $40,366

• SAT range 1160-1320

• Misenheimer, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  275 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 275 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $19,198

• SAT range 940-1130

• Rocky Mount, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  239 reviews

Alum: I graduated from NCWU in 2018 with a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I loved my time at NCWU and it provided me with the two most important things I wanted out of a school: life long friends, and the ability to continue playing the sport I loved so much. While NCWU is not a typical college experience due to its smaller size, it truly is a tight knit community. You can walk into any room and know at least one other person, you never had to worry about knowing someone in your classes either. It was not without its flaws, but neither is any other university. The buildings are dated and some of their residence life rules could use an update as well, but these are cosmetic issues that did not overshadow the people I met who made my college experience a success.... Read 239 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $20,208

• SAT range 860-1120

• Boiling Springs, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  784 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 784 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $20,296

• SAT range 960-1190

• Buies Creek, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,335 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 1,335 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $23,163

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Banner Elk, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  267 reviews

Freshman: Life in this community goes far beyond the classroom. The residential campus in the mountains provides a setting for development in both a personal and academic level. The traditions they have inspire civic engagement and serve as a reminder to respect the environment. You can interact with students, instructors, and staff through a variety of groups and activities, some of which, for me, might result in life long connections.... Read 267 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $25,894

• SAT range 1040-1240

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  301 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 301 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  468 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 468 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $25,785

• SAT range 950-1200

• Wilson, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  430 reviews

Sophomore: Academically, Barton College offers a range of diverse and rigorous programs that have allowed me to explore my interests and pursue my educational goals. The faculty members provided me with guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for intellectual growth. The small class sizes have facilitated meaningful interactions and discussions, enabling me to develop critical thinking skills and deepen my understanding of the subjects I'm studying. As a student-athlete, Barton College has provided me with an exceptional athletic program that has not only honed my skills but also instilled important values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. The college's commitment to athletic excellence is evident through state-of-the-art facilities, experienced coaches, and a supportive community. Representing Barton College in my chosen sport has been an honor, and the camaraderie among teammates and the sense of pride in our athletic achievements have made my experience truly memorable.... Read 430 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $22,996

• SAT range 970-1150

• High Point, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,546 reviews

Sophomore: My decision to attend HPU was easy once I stepped onto the campus. After my first year I know I made the right decision. My freshman dorm was Wanek and I couldn't have been happier with the roommate that was assigned to me and the quality of the building. Everything is like living at an all-inclusive resort. The tuition cost is not the cheapest, but it includes everything! We have unlimited access to all types of food venues, snacks with entertainment such as carnivals, concerts and more without an extra cost. When you walk to class in the morning there is a kiosk offering drinks and snacks free of charge. The educators are top notch and engaging and we are offered free tutoring. I have made my forever friends while participating in Greek Life and Athletics! Did I mention school spirit? It is a must see. Attend a HPU basketball game in the amazing arena. The student section receives food and merch for attending. I LOVE it! This is my home.... Read 1,546 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $40,604

• SAT range 1080-1300

• 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 C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $18,717

• SAT range 940-1130

• Brevard, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  223 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 223 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $21,305

• SAT range 850-1050

• Mount Olive, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  373 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 373 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $16,736

• SAT range 990-1150

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  603 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 603 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $18,205

• SAT range 1110-1230

• Hickory, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  463 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 463 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $21,739

• SAT range 970-1170

• Salisbury, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  348 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 348 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $19,276

• SAT range 990-1150

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  242 reviews

Alum: My time at Greensboro College was a great experience. I graduated in 2018 and felt that I was well prepared to go out in the world and be successful in all I do. I was very involved and always felt I had the support I needed/wanted from everyone on campus. Although its a small school, you won't know everyone. Did it have its flaws? Of course, every college does! But, was it worth the time and effort to prepare me to be close to completing a doctoral program, absolutely! College is what you make of it and I made the best out of my experience.... Read 242 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $16,239

• SAT range 900-1100

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  666 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 666 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $27,462

• SAT range —

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.28 out of 5  876 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 876 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,000

• SAT range 800-980

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.35 out of 5  642 reviews

Senior: Shaw University, which is a historically black college, is known for its strong sense of community and pride, which is often cited as one of the reasons why students enjoy attending this institution. Shaw is also notable for its rich history and being the first HBCU in the south. Although the university has been great for helping students succeed in their studies, student wishes that Shaw had more activities available. I am particularly proud to be a member of the Women's basketball team and would like to see the cafe hours extended or the den opened for late night meals. While I love being part of the team, she wishes that the university had more activities available for students to participate in. Despite this, I still has a very positive outlook on the university, and credits the helpful teachers and supportive community for helping her succeed. However, I think that the cafe could be open later or that there could be more options for late night meals.... Read 642 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $15,498

• SAT range —