2024 Top Public Universities in North Carolina

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  2,626 reviews

Junior: Over all my experience at UNC has been very good! It is a fast pace academically challenging environment. I consider this a good thing, the challenge and learning is exactly what I was looking for. The classes and teachers push me to work hard and grow. The mindset of the other students is likewise. Most students I encounter with are hard working. The main bad experience I have had at UNC Chapel Hill is the two lock downs caused by armed and dangerous people on campus. I do not completely blame the university for this as, of course, they cannot control every possible threat that steps onto campus. The first lock down a staff member was tragically shot and passed away. The university cancelled classes the next two days out of respect and to allow the students to recover. This was the right thing to do. However the second lock down class continued the next day as normal. I am believe they should have cancelled class at least one day after to allow students a break to process and recover.... Read 2,626 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $11,508

• SAT range 1140-1380

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,417 reviews

Junior: NC State is not just a school with great academics, campus, and people, but instead a wildly diverse cosmopolitan community. At State there is truly something for everyone. For those who don’t know or have never visited campus, State is located close to Downtown Raleigh. Students enjoy its busy commercial areas as well as the abundance of tech companies, government departments, and awesome parks. On the weekends, friends and myself enjoy the nightlife of Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle. Besides the sense of place that NC State provides, the faculty is remarkable. They retain a sense of intellectual prowess without that air of elitism that other public and private universities might have. Every faculty member I have interacted with has been down to earth and actually cares about student success. I have made so many great connections and friendships since being here. Even though the campus is huge and our student body is large, State feels like a close knit community. Go pack!... Read 3,417 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $14,328

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Winston Salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  264 reviews

Alum: UNCSA is by far one of the top musical educations programs in the country. After my B.Mus., I went on to receive my M.Mus., my D.M.A., my B.Sci., B.Sci., M.Sci., and M.D., Ph.D., and by far, next to my Ph.D., my B.Mus. was one of the most cherished that I received. The education was superlative, and my Professors were all simply amazing. They cared for their students, put them through rigorous paces so that they would be competitive when they went into the professional performing arena. Academics were superb and well taught. Most are not aware, but UNCSA had rolling-admissions when I was a student there (Music, '86). You would have to complete a recital in front of the University Music faculty, be prepared to answer any questions they had, and be performing well in your academic coursework. Given that, you would receive your letter in July prior to the University year starting whether or not you were allowed to return. Do yourself a favor and check out this marvelous University.... Read 264 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $12,097

• SAT range 1120-1380

• Boone, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  2,768 reviews

Freshman: I have not been here too terribly long yet, and I am still adjusting to campus and college life but I really am liking it here. The people on campus are really accepting and welcoming and the environment on and around campus seems quite healthy and accepting of all sorts of people! The classes range in difficulty and not all professors teach the same, but there are resources outside of your professors that are available for extra help if needed. There is a variety of on campus events, even though they might not all be advertised well but most of them are student led and fun to participate in if you can hear about them ahead of time. The food on campus and housing is really the only downside, some of the food is a bit redundant and isn't always appetizing. There is not enough housing for student on campus and the housing lottery seems unfair. And there isn't even close to enough parking for all the students and professors, but most things are walkable distance. Overall a nice school!... Read 2,768 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $12,735

• SAT range 1130-1300

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  3,173 reviews

Junior: UNCG has a beautiful exterior with large trees, well-groomed bushes and grass patches, and architecture that combines the originally built dorms and class buildings with the newly updated and modern buildings. People are generally very friendly, both students and staff! And classes tend to be relatively decent with lots of thoughtful discussions and creative interactions in their syllabus. There is some improvement that could be made with the way a few buildings are as they get a little older and outdated in technology (dorm-wise). And sometimes there can be so much going on that one cannot even think about how they are going to be able to participate in so many activities whilst still staying strong in grades. But overall, UNCG is a very lovely school and one that people should consider attending for their degrees.... Read 3,173 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $9,950

• SAT range 1020-1260

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  3,461 reviews

Freshman: UNC Charlotte is a fantastic college with a vibrant campus and a wide range of academic programs. The campus itself is beautiful, and there are plenty of resources available to support students' academic and personal growth. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and they genuinely care about their students' success. The campus community is diverse and welcoming, creating a great environment for making new friends and getting involved in various clubs and organizations. There are so many opportunities at UNC Charlotte academically to be a successful student. Overall, UNC Charlotte provides a great college experience with ample opportunities for learning, growth, and fun!... Read 3,461 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $15,682

• SAT range 1120-1320

• Wilmington, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,970 reviews

Alum: UNCW isn't as large as many other UNC schools, but the opportunities available to students - learning communities, scholarships, research, study abroad, extracurriculars, networking - are incredibly robust, especially for undergraduates that might not know what opportunities to look for when they first start off! The Honors program helps its students take even better advantage of the resources that the school has to offer. UNCW is not the most diverse institution. Their commitment to worldliness and diversity is vocal: things like demographic-based student organizations, encouraging every student to study abroad, and providing scholarships and the like specifically for minority groups. But this isn't reflected in the bulk of the student body, faculty, and administration. In my time there (and in the years since), UNCW has grown a lot in this area, though, and I hope that trend continues!... Read 1,970 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,792

• SAT range 1210-1330

• Greenville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  3,052 reviews

Junior: East Carolina University has something for everyone, especially if being a pirate is in your blood! With my parents and the majority of my extended family being ECU alumni, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Reasonable distance from the capital to the coast makes ECU the perfect distance for educational and/ or fun day trips. Recent additions and updates to campus classroom buildings and residence halls have helped ECU spring forward with state of the art facilities and living spaces. Many residence halls are co-ed now allowing for even more diversity than in the past. There’s nothing like a sports team that never gives up! The ECU pirates continue to strive to improve their program. Taking on new coaches and expanding their division to play more and more schools, gives ECU’s football team something g to be proud of. Once a Pirate, always a pirate!... Read 3,052 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $14,762

• SAT range 1020-1170

• Cullowhee, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,605 reviews

Freshman: Oh, I'd love to share an amazing experience I had at Western Carolina University! It was such a vibrant and inclusive community. The campus was surrounded by the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, providing a breathtaking backdrop for my studies. The professors were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making learning engaging and inspiring. I also had the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations, which helped me make lifelong friends and create unforgettable memories. Whether it was attending football games, exploring the nearby hiking trails, or participating in campus events, every moment at WCU was filled with excitement and growth. It truly was an incredible experience that I'll cherish forever!... Read 1,605 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $13,082

• SAT range 1060-1230

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,095 reviews

Junior: I am currently a prospective transfer student that has had the best transfer admissions and enrollment experience with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I have not taken any classes yet but, was able to experience what a Business course would look and feel like at the New Student Orientation I had participated in. I loved how welcoming and helpful everyone was including the adminstration and what would be my future peers as well. I do believe I chose the correct University to transfer to this fall as I have only had a positive experience with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University thus far. I truly am overly excited to continue my education in a state I have never lived in and am ready to began pursuing a more fulfilling and plentiful life!... Read 3,095 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $9,145

• SAT range 990-1170

• Winston-salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  1,278 reviews

Other: Hello, Zaire Page! I'd be delighted to hear about your experience at Winston-Salem State University. Your time at the university has likely been a transformative journey filled with growth and learning. Winston-Salem State University is known for its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and community engagement. It's a place where students have the opportunity to thrive both inside and outside the classroom, whether through rigorous academic programs, vibrant student organizations, or a welcoming campus atmosphere. As you reflect on your overall experience, I'm sure you'll find a rich tapestry of memories, challenges, and successes that have contributed to your personal and academic development. Your unique perspective and insights will provide a valuable glimpse into the world of Winston-Salem State University and inspire others to embark on their own educational adventures.... Read 1,278 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $12,976

• SAT range 880-1040

• Asheville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  697 reviews

Alum: I wasn't so sure about this college. I was a transplant to North Carolina from Michigan when I was 15 and there was some ups and downs. I even took a couple semesters off from here a couple of times, because of the strains from life. I also started as a Sociology major and quickly knew it wasn't the right path for me, because the first class, professor, and students I ended up with were a bit prejudice. Other classes, professors, and students were great! I loved the International Studies program! All of the professors are kind and care about your studies and life. My favorite professor was Dr. Jinhua Li, because she didn't just teach a class. Dr. Li taught history, language, and the lives of people in different countries from our own. I was extremely happy and fortunate to have gone to this campus and chosen an International Studies major and an Asian Studies minor and to have had incredible professors backing my journey.... Read 697 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $13,838

• SAT range 1130-1330

• Fayetteville, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  957 reviews

Freshman: My overall experience at Fayetteville State University has been wonderful so far as a college freshman. FSU offers a variety of hands on programs and resources that will help benefit students. This includes programs that support mental health, physical well being, grade extensions, and more. The staff and overall institution environment is extremely diverse and friendly, and they pride themselves into being able to encourage and support students.... Read 957 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $6,718

• SAT range 830-1040

• Pembroke, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,212 reviews

Junior: Here at UNCP, the administrators make sure you have a safe place to study. They make sure they prepare you for your work ahead so that you can put your best foot forward. As someone who values a balance of mental, physical, and educational progress, there are plenty of opportunities for me to engage in on campus. Before class, I register for F45 to help build my physical health. They make sure you know your resourses in case you need to talk to someone. Lastly, the teachers make sure you are ready for the work ahead of you. Not to mention, even the food is great, and that's coming from a vegan! If I had to change anything, I wish there was more members in the SOTC Marching Band. I have fun, but I want to share my love of the marching arts with more people!... Read 1,212 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $11,022

• SAT range 890-1140

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,094 reviews

Freshman: I've been at Central for about a month now, and overall I can say that I've enjoyed my experience a lot! During move-in week, there was a large event called "Eaglemania" that lasted for a week. There were chances to network, meet fellow students, and get to know the campus. It was the perfect introduction to what our new life would be. Now that I'm settled in, I wish our living situation was a bit better. I'm an honors student, and I live in the Benjamin Ruffin Residence hall. We have roaches, we were able to spray to get rid of them, but I think that should've been taken care of for us. Our AC system is also broken and has yet to be fixed but overall it's been a wonderful experience. I love how many events are present on campus, but one specific thing I would change is the pool. Central has a beautiful, Olympic-sized pool that currently has no water in it. I love swimming, and I'd love to get some laps in a couple times a week for exercise. Overall Central is a great school.... Read 1,094 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $14,496

• SAT range 930-1150

• 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

• Greensboro, NC•

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Junior: I like having flexibility to complete my college education online. The classes provide a lot of helpful information and are teaching me a lot. The professors are usually very helpful, and the staff wants to help you succeed. You will be challenged and learn a lot here. Overall, this has been a great experience so far.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

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• Wilmington, NC•

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Junior: I like that the University of North Carolina Wilmington is allowing the pathway program through my local community college which allows me to go to school strictly online to obtain my Bachelors in Social Work. The faculty has been really understanding and helpful during this process. I and other students from my Community College have not had to go to the campus at all. We just started classes, so I'm not quite sure what needs to be changed if anything.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

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• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Freshman: They UNC systemm has both small and large schools that can cater to all types of student needs. They are diverse in population and course/major offerings as well as extra curricular activities. A few of the schools are HBCU including North Carolina A&T State which graduates the highest number of minority engineers amongst HBCUs.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

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• Pembroke, NC•

• 4 Year (Online)

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Cullowhee, NC•

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Junior: The Distance Education Department is great! They are always polite, easily accessible, and very supportive. They always respond to calls and emails quickly ... no matter how many times you call or write! They are very knowledgeable of processes and options available to students.... Read 3 reviews

• grade unavailable

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