Choosing the right university in North Carolina can impact your entire career, your network, and even your future job opportunities. With more than 50 four-year institutions across the state, students have options ranging from world-renowned private schools to accessible public campuses within the UNC System and NC schools.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the 10 most prestigious universities in North Carolina, what makes each one of them stand out, and how to decide which path best fits your goals. Whether you are drawn to the Research Triangle’s innovation hubs, the affordability of NC Promise schools, or the close-knit community of a liberal arts college, you’ll find everything you need to best compare the state’s top choices.
Key Takeaways
• North Carolina is home to both elite private universities and affordable public schools, offering diverse options for students.
• The top 10 universities in NC include Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, NC State, and Davidson, among others.
• Rankings consider graduation rates, acceptance rates, tuition costs, student diversity, and overall value.
• UNC System schools provide some of the most affordable tuition in the country, with programs like NC Promise capping in-state costs.
• Each institution offers unique strengths, from strong STEM programs at NC State and NC A&T to liberal arts excellence at Davidson.
• Students can choose based on factors like class size, research opportunities, and financial aid availability.
How We Defined North Carolina University Rankings
The best universities in North Carolina in this article are ranked using factors like graduation rates, acceptance rates, diversity, tuition policies, and student life. Our top picks have low student-faculty ratios, high graduation rates, a diverse campus community, and a wide selection of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs for you to choose from.
North Carolina Universities Ranked: Top 10 Universities in North Carolina
These are the top 10 universities in North Carolina, ranked by academic reputation, value, and student outcomes.
- Duke University
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #61
• Campus Location(s): Durham
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,4881
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~88%1
• Acceptance Rate: ~7%1
• Tuition & Fees (2024-25): ~$69,140/year (private)1
- Davidson College
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #14 in National Liberal Arts Colleges10
• Campus Location(s): Davidson
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,90410
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~89%10
• Acceptance Rate: ~14%10
• Tuition & Fees: ~$64,160/year10
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #272
• Campus Location(s): Chapel Hill
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,8802
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 86%2
• Acceptance Rate: ~19%2
• Tuition & Fees: ~$9,003 in-state; ~$41,211 out-of-state2
- Wake Forest University
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #463
• Campus Location(s): Winston-Salem
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,4713
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~87%3
• Acceptance Rate: ~22%3
• Tuition & Fees: ~$67,642/year3
- North Carolina State University
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #584
• Campus Location(s): Raleigh
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 27,3234
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~69%4
• Acceptance Rate: ~40%4
• Tuition & Fees: ~$8,986 in-state; ~$33,034 out-of-state4
- Elon University
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #835
• Campus Location(s): Elon
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,4025
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~78%5
• Acceptance Rate: ~67%5
• Tuition & Fees: ~$46,958/year5
- East Carolina University
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #1896
• Campus Location(s): Greenville
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,3286
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~43%6
• Acceptance Rate: ~90%6
• Tuition & Fees: ~$7,361 in-state; ~$23,638 out-of-state6
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #2319
• Campus Location(s): Greensboro
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 12,2169
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~43%9
• Acceptance Rate: ~46%9
• Tuition & Fees: ~$6,733 in-state; ~$20,243 out-of-state9
- Campbell University
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #3297
• Campus Location(s): Buies Creek, Raleigh, Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,8137
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~41%7
• Acceptance Rate: ~94%7
• Tuition & Fees: ~$41,600/year7
- Gardner-Webb University
• U.S. News National Ranking (2025): #3888
• Campus Location(s): Boiling Springs
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,8418
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~51%8
• Acceptance Rate: ~75%8
• Tuition & Fees: ~$34,705/year8
Tuition and Cost Comparison Table (2025)
The following tuition comparison table shows the estimated 2025 costs for the top universities in North Carolina.
| University | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | ~7%1 | ~88%1 | ~$69,140/year (private)1 |
| Davidson | ~14%10 | ~89%10 | ~$64,160/year10 |
| UNC-Chapel Hill | ~19%2 | 86%2 | ~$9,003 in-state; ~$41,211 out-of-state2 |
| Wake Forest | ~22%3 | ~87%3 | ~$67,642/year3 |
| NC State | ~40%4 | ~69%4 | ~$8,986 in-state; ~$33,034 out-of-state4 |
| Elon | ~67%5 | ~78%5 | ~$46,958/year5 |
| East Carolina | ~90%6 | ~43%6 | ~$7,361 in-state; ~$23,638 out-of-state6 |
| NC A&T | ~46%9 | ~43%9 | ~$6,733 in-state; ~$20,243 out-of-state9 |
| Campbell | ~94%7 | ~41%7 | ~$41,600/year7 |
| Gardner-Webb | ~75%8 | ~51%8 | ~$34,705/year8 |
The Best Colleges and Universities in North Carolina, Explained
North Carolina colleges and universities offer diverse student experiences, from large public campuses to intimate private colleges. We will explore North Carolina’s top universities in more detail below. This information was compiled from U.S. News & World Report rankings, as well as from each university’s website.
NC Promise and Affordability Programs
North Carolina’s NC Promise program makes college more affordable by capping tuition at just $500 per semester for in-state students.11 Four UNC System institutions (Western Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Elizabeth City State University, and Fayetteville State University) participate in NC Promise. Under this plan, undergraduate in-state students pay only $500 per semester tuition, while out-of-state students pay $2,500 per semester.11
Is a University in North Carolina Right for You?
Choosing a university in North Carolina means balancing academics, affordability, campus culture, and long-term career opportunities. A university in North Carolina could absolutely be the right fit for you. As a prospective student, you have a wide selection of academic programs, athletic programs, diverse student bodies, low student-to-faculty ratios that allow you to maximize your learning, and affordable tuition and financial aid available to you. If you aren’t ready to commit to a four-year college program, you might want to consider an affordable bootcamp.
Best Universities in North Carolina FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about the best universities in North Carolina, from affordability to Ivy League comparisons.
What is the difference between a college and a university?
Colleges are smaller institutions that focus on undergraduate programs, associate degrees, and pre-professional programs. Universities tend to be much larger than colleges and offer both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Universities typically do more investigative research, with many professors at universities conducting their own research, in addition to teaching.
Which University of North Carolina campus is the best?
UNC – Chapel Hill ranks as the best UNC campus, according to U.S. News & World Report.2
Are there Ivy League universities in North Carolina?
Duke University is often considered Ivy-adjacent in prestige, but the Ivy League itself includes only eight Northeastern schools.
Which universities are best for STEM?
NC State and NC A&T are known for strong STEM programs, with Duke also offering top-ranked programs in engineering and medical sciences.
Which universities are best for liberal arts?
Davidson College, Wake Forest University, and Elon University are recognized for liberal arts excellence.
Are North Carolina universities affordable?
Yes, UNC System schools are considered some of the most affordable in the country, especially with initiatives like NC Promise.
What if I cannot attend college at the moment?
The reality is that not everyone has the time or money to attend a four-year college. You should check to see if a school you are interested in has a part-time program, or talk with the financial aid office to see if you’ve missed some scholarship opportunities. There are also alternatives that are faster and more affordable, such as bootcamps and certificate programs.
Sources:
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/duke-university-2920
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-north-carolina-chapel-hill-2974
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/wake-forest-2978
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/north-carolina-state-raleigh-2972
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/elon-university-2927
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/east-carolina-university-2923
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/campbell-university-2913
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/gardnerwebb-university-2929
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/north-carolina-at-2905
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/davidson-college-2918
- https://www.northcarolina.edu/impact/affordability-efficiency/nc-promise/
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