Best Colleges in North Carolina 2026

North Carolina offers students an impressive array of higher education options, with 57 qualifying institutions ranging from major research universities to specialized colleges. The state's top-ranked schools demonstrate a compelling mix of academic excellence and value, with both public and private institutions earning recognition. Three of the top five schools are public, highlighting North Carolina's strong investment in accessible higher education alongside elite private options like Duke and Davidson.

When evaluating North Carolina colleges, students should prioritize graduation rates, faculty-to-student ratios, and post-graduation employment outcomes. The state's leading institutions excel in research opportunities, campus resources, and career preparation across diverse fields from medicine and engineering to liberal arts. Consider both academic fit and financial aid packages when making your decision.

Schools Ranked

$50,044

Avg. Earnings

67.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Graduation Rate	Median Earnings	Acceptance Rate	In-State Tuition
1	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina	92.1%	$72,200	17.1%	$8,989
2	Duke University Durham, North Carolina	95.8%	$97,800	6.4%	$65,805
3	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, North Carolina	84.6%	$68,758	47.2%	$8,895
4	Carolinas College of Health Sciences Charlotte, North Carolina	100.0%	$64,624	70.6%	$19,095
5	Davidson College Davidson, North Carolina	91.9%	$81,400	17.0%	$60,300
6	Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, North Carolina	90.9%	$78,158	21.4%	$64,758
7	University of North Carolina School of the Arts Winston Salem, North Carolina	79.2%	$38,357	31.8%	$9,477
8	Stanly Community College Albemarle, North Carolina	71.7%	$36,686		$2,672
9	University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, North Carolina	70.7%	$54,967	68.8%	$7,317
10	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	67.7%	$57,289	79.6%	$7,214
11	Appalachian State University Boone, North Carolina	73.1%	$51,836	83.1%	$7,541
12	Elon University Elon, North Carolina	83.0%	$74,545	74.5%	$44,536
13	Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Concord, North Carolina	45.5%	$58,708	44.9%	$16,070
14	North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, North Carolina	55.3%	$44,440	56.4%	$6,748
15	McDowell Technical Community College Marion, North Carolina	57.1%	$33,035		$1,958
16	Wayne Community College Goldsboro, North Carolina	56.6%	$34,148		$2,524
17	Edgecombe Community College Tarboro, North Carolina	57.6%	$33,267		$2,640
18	Wilkes Community College Wilkesboro, North Carolina	52.4%	$34,728		$2,572
19	Randolph Community College Asheboro, North Carolina	53.6%	$33,336		$2,416
20	Nash Community College Rocky Mount, North Carolina	52.5%	$34,912		$2,883
21	Montgomery Community College Troy, North Carolina	53.8%	$32,742		$2,538
22	Tri-County Community College Murphy, North Carolina	53.6%	$32,232		$2,363
23	Sampson Community College Clinton, North Carolina	52.5%	$33,409		$2,830
24	Gaston College Dallas, North Carolina	50.7%	$35,386		$3,186
25	Southwestern Community College Sylva, North Carolina	53.6%	$34,145		$5,806