#1 in Nursing
Duke University
Durham, NC
Acceptance
6%
Total Cost
$78,563
SAT
1500–1570
Duke fuses Gothic grandeur and basketball madness with relentless ambition in North Carolina's brainy Research Triangle.
Explore North Carolina Colleges
Colleges in North Carolina
Explore 69 colleges and universities in North Carolina, including 17 public institutions and 52 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
69
Colleges
17
Public
52
Private
North Carolina at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
69%
Average acceptance rate for North Carolina colleges
Avg Net Price
$19,621
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$20,976
For public universities
North Carolina College Systems
North Carolina has a major public university system that serve students across the state. Understanding these systems can help you find the right fit.
Popular Comparisons
See how North Carolina colleges compare head-to-head on acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes.
North Carolina Colleges Directory
Browse 69 colleges in North Carolina, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
#2 in Best Value
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Acceptance
15%
Total Cost
$20,823
SAT
1390–1530
At UNC Chapel Hill, you'll join America's first public university, where Tar Heel spirit ignites fierce academics amid pine-scented walks and basketball fever in the Research Triangle.
#7 in Best Value
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Acceptance
42%
Total Cost
$20,867
SAT
1300–1470
Join the rowdy Wolfpack for hands-on engineering and ag innovation smack in the Research Triangle's tech boom.
#20 in Best Value
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston Salem, NC
Acceptance
30%
Total Cost
$20,014
SAT
1140–1370
University of North Carolina School of the Arts is located in Winston Salem, NC.
#21 in Liberal Arts
Davidson College
Davidson, NC
Acceptance
13%
Total Cost
$74,216
SAT
1400–1530
You'll pledge an ironclad Honor Code on day one, trading cutthroat competition for deep trust in a tight-knit Presbyterian liberal arts haven just outside Charlotte.
#44 in Communications
Elon University
Elon, NC
Acceptance
66%
Total Cost
$56,719
SAT
1130–1280
Small-town North Carolina liberal arts school where communications students run their own TV network and nearly everyone studies abroad.
#51 in Public Universities
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
Acceptance
64%
Total Cost
$18,711
SAT
1230–1340
Coastal public university blending marine science excellence with creative arts in beachside Wilmington.
#59 in Public Universities
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Asheville, NC
Acceptance
92%
Total Cost
$15,520
SAT
1170–1360
The UNC system's sole public liberal arts college, where Blue Ridge Mountain views fuel creative minds and rigorous seminars.
#68 in Best Value
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC
Acceptance
89%
Total Cost
$15,110
SAT
1150–1355
Historic public university blending strong teacher training roots with diverse research and arts programs.
#82 in Computer Science
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Acceptance
80%
Total Cost
$16,304
SAT
1140–1330
Rising research university powering engineering and business careers in Charlotte's financial epicenter.
FAQs about North Carolina Colleges
Duke University is the highest-ranked university in North Carolina, ranked #6 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at North Carolina colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $20,976 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $24,127. After financial aid, the average net price is $19,621.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in North Carolina is 69%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
North Carolina has a major public university system: University of North Carolina System (UNC). Together, these systems include 16 campuses serving hundreds of thousands of students. The UNC System includes 16 public universities anchored by UNC Chapel Hill, one of America's original public universities.
To qualify for in-state tuition at North Carolina public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a North Carolina driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
North Carolina is located in the Southeast region of the United States. The Southeast combines Southern hospitality with top-tier research universities and a growing tech sector, offering excellent value and vibrant campus life.
North Carolina offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $19,621. Public universities in North Carolina provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.