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NCAA Division III Colleges in North Carolina

9 schools in North Carolina. See our methodology.

Salem College stands out among North Carolina's nine Division III institutions with a 56.3% graduation rate, nearly 16 percentage points above the group average. These small colleges serve 8,446 students across the state, from Warren Wilson's mountain campus in Swannanoa to coastal regions. Net prices range from $18,165 at North Carolina Wesleyan to $24,978 at Methodist University, making them accessible alternatives to larger state universities. Graduates earn between $36,260 and $51,562 annually, positioning them well for North Carolina's growing healthcare sector and Research Triangle technology companies. The acceptance rates span 39.9% to 87.5%, with Brevard College being the most selective. These institutions connect students to state scholarship programs while maintaining the close-knit academic environment that defines Division III education. Methodist University enrolls the most students at 1,425, while Salem College focuses on just 390 students.
9
Schools
$21,252
Avg. Net Price
$45,637
Avg. Earnings
43.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in North Carolina

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 760 $21,376 39.0% 39.9%
2 661 $21,728 44.3% 63.2%
3 654 $21,953 42.6% 69.1%
4 656 $19,314 40.8% 84.3%
5 390 $18,835 56.3% 87.5%
6 1,169 $18,165 40.4% 68.4%
7 1,011 $21,200 47.7% 83.5%
8 1,425 $24,978 40.1% 75.7%
9 720 $23,719 43.2% 84.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Salem College different from other North Carolina Division III schools?

Salem College achieves a 56.3% graduation rate with just 390 students, the highest completion rate among these nine institutions. The college accepts 87.5% of applicants while maintaining strong outcomes, with graduates earning $44,640 annually. This combination of selectivity and success sets it apart from larger Division III competitors.

How do costs compare across North Carolina's Division III colleges?

Net prices range from $18,165 at North Carolina Wesleyan University to $24,978 at Methodist University, a $6,813 spread. Most schools cluster between $18,000-$22,000 annually. Students can access NC Need-Based Scholarships to further reduce costs, making these private colleges competitive with public options.

Where do graduates typically find employment in North Carolina?

Graduates earn $36,260 to $51,562 annually, with Pfeiffer University leading at $51,562. North Carolina's Research Triangle technology sector, Charlotte banking industry, and expanding healthcare field provide strong career paths. The state's growing economy supports varied opportunities for liberal arts graduates.

Is Brevard College worth its competitive admission process?

Brevard College accepts only 39.9% of applicants, the lowest rate among these nine schools, yet maintains a 39% graduation rate below the group average. With 760 students and graduates earning $43,545, the selectivity doesn't necessarily translate to superior outcomes compared to more accessible alternatives.

What enrollment sizes can students expect at these colleges?

Enrollment ranges from Salem College's intimate 390 students to Methodist University's 1,425 students. Seven of the nine schools enroll fewer than 1,000 students, creating small class environments. The average enrollment across all nine institutions is 938 students, ensuring personalized attention.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.