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NCAA Division I Colleges in North Carolina

19 schools in North Carolina. See our methodology.

Duke University's 6.4% acceptance rate stands as the most selective among North Carolina's 19 Division I institutions, while the state's most affordable option, UNC Greensboro, costs just $10,170 annually. This range reflects North Carolina's commitment to accessible higher education alongside elite academic opportunities. The Research Triangle's tech boom has created strong demand for graduates from NC State and UNC Chapel Hill, where engineering and computer science programs feed directly into companies like IBM, Cisco, and SAS Institute. Charlotte's banking sector similarly draws from UNC Charlotte and other regional schools, with Bank of America and Wells Fargo maintaining major recruiting relationships. Graduation rates span from 46% to Duke's impressive 95.8%, while post-graduation earnings reach from $42,968 to $97,800. The state's Need-Based Scholarship program helps bridge affordability gaps, particularly benefiting students at mid-tier institutions like Appalachian State and Western Carolina. North Carolina's varied economic market, from Asheville's tourism industry to the Triad's manufacturing base, creates varied career pathways for graduates across all 19 institutions. This economic diversity explains why even smaller schools like Davidson College, with just 1,901 students, maintain strong placement records and earning potential of $81,400 for graduates.
19
Schools
$20,935
Avg. Net Price
$60,165
Avg. Earnings
70.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in North Carolina

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 20,556 $12,983 92.1% 17.1%
2 6,417 $34,454 95.8% 6.4%
3 26,389 $16,931 84.6% 47.2%
4 1,901 $18,127 91.9% 17.0%
5 5,471 $28,746 90.9% 21.4%
6 14,176 $19,472 70.7% 68.8%
7 23,567 $14,745 67.7% 79.6%
8 19,304 $16,487 73.1% 83.1%
9 6,402 $41,048 83.0% 74.5%
10 11,925 $10,980 55.3% 56.4%
11 19,857 $16,514 62.1% 92.3%
12 9,867 $12,579 59.1% 84.8%
13 2,790 $12,865 55.0% 74.3%
14 13,848 $10,170 57.9% 91.9%
15 4,970 $40,721 70.0% 78.9%
16 1,362 $27,786 65.9% 71.3%
17 5,400 $15,028 46.0% 84.4%
18 1,836 $24,137 61.7% 75.0%
19 2,790 $23,991 55.9% 88.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Duke University worth its $34,454 annual cost compared to other North Carolina schools?

Duke's graduates earn $97,800 annually, the highest among North Carolina's Division I schools, and maintain a 95.8% graduation rate. The 6.4% acceptance rate reflects its academic selectivity, while the small 6,417 enrollment ensures personalized attention that justifies the premium cost for many families.

How do North Carolina's public universities compare in terms of value and outcomes?

UNC Chapel Hill offers the strongest public option with 92.1% graduation rates and $72,200 earnings at $12,983 annually. NC State provides excellent STEM opportunities at $16,931, while UNC Greensboro delivers the most affordable education at $10,170, though with more modest outcomes.

Is there a significant difference in job prospects between North Carolina's expensive and affordable colleges?

Earnings vary considerably, from $42,968 at UNC Asheville to $97,800 at Duke. However, mid-priced schools like Davidson ($18,127 cost, $81,400 earnings) often outperform more expensive options, suggesting that institutional fit matters more than price alone.

Does North Carolina offer good Division I options for students with average academic credentials?

Absolutely. East Carolina accepts 92.3% of applicants, while Appalachian State takes 83% and maintains a solid 73.1% graduation rate. UNC Charlotte accepts nearly 80% of students and offers strong connections to the banking sector with $57,289 average earnings.

Where should students look for the best balance of cost, acceptance rates, and career outcomes?

NC State offers strong value with 47% acceptance, 84.6% graduation rates, and $68,758 earnings at $16,931 annually. UNC Wilmington provides another balanced option with 68.8% acceptance and coastal location advantages, though at slightly higher cost.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in North Carolina Cheapest Programs in North Carolina

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.