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Small Colleges in North Carolina

50 schools in North Carolina. See our methodology.

Davidson College charges a net price of $18,127 yet produces graduates earning $81,400 annually, making it the clear earnings leader among North Carolina's small colleges. This premium liberal arts school accepts just 17% of applicants, contrasting sharply with specialized health science programs like Carolinas College of Health Sciences, which maintains a 100% graduation rate while accepting 71% of students. The state's 111 small colleges span from Wilkes Community College, where students actually receive $28 in financial aid beyond costs, to institutions charging nearly $18,200 annually. Community colleges dominate the affordable end, with 13 schools charging under $8,000 net price while maintaining graduation rates above 50%. These institutions directly serve North Carolina's key industries, particularly healthcare and technology. Health science programs at Carolinas College and Cabarrus College prepare graduates for Charlotte's expanding medical sector, while community colleges across rural counties like McDowell and Montgomery provide workforce training for local manufacturing and service industries. The Research Triangle's tech boom creates demand for skilled workers, making these affordable programs particularly valuable for career changers and recent high school graduates seeking practical training without massive debt loads.
50
Schools
$8,008
Avg. Net Price
$38,566
Avg. Earnings
48.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in North Carolina

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 409 100.0% 70.6%
2 1,901 $18,127 91.9% 17.0%
3 902 $12,372 79.2% 31.8%
4 1,430 $4,215 71.7%
5 602 $17,271 45.5% 44.9%
6 614 $6,838 57.1%
7 1,998 $4,152 56.6%
8 938 $6,073 57.6%
9 1,881 $-28 52.4%
10 1,446 $7,242 53.6%
11 1,422 $4,477 52.5%
12 854 $7,697 53.8%
13 435 $4,584 53.6%
14 941 $3,826 52.5%
15 3,359 $5,752 50.7%
16 1,304 $4,928 53.6%
17 371 $5,260 48.6%
18 1,124 $8,785 46.3%
19 1,056 $6,723 48.7%
20 1,613 $4,534 47.2%
21 821 $4,474 51.0%
22 1,877 $4,402 45.8%
23 2,375 $8,596 47.9%
24 2,454 $7,258 42.1%
25 793 $3,834 44.1%
26 2,682 $7,779 42.0%
27 240 $7,847 47.1%
28 2,790 $12,865 55.0% 74.3%
29 1,144 $11,889 41.5%
30 707 $5,215 41.7%
31 3,255 $616 41.3%
32 2,331 $5,517 39.8%
33 1,788 $8,829 37.7%
34 4,244 $13,393 48.6% 73.4%
35 216 $21,664 50.0%
36 1,047 $20,011 34.1% 25.3%
37 1,555 $4,072 35.2%
38 540 $4,073 41.4%
39 3,195 $1,183 36.2%
40 3,517 $9,415 35.6%
41 1,271 $4,751 39.0%
42 1,863 $7,237 48.1% 74.2%
43 1,279 $6,042 40.9%
44 1,332 $5,357 35.7%
45 1,560 $5,105 36.3%
46 807 $6,753 35.6%
47 761 $3,852 38.9%
48 4,909 $12,851 32.1%
49 2,998 $3,946 28.8%
50 4,970 $40,721 70.0% 78.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Davidson College worth its higher cost compared to other small North Carolina schools?

Davidson graduates earn $81,400 annually, significantly more than any other small college in the state. Despite charging $18,127 net price, this return on investment justifies the premium. The college maintains a 92% graduation rate while accepting only 17% of applicants, indicating highly selective academics that translate to strong career outcomes.

How do North Carolina's community colleges compare in terms of graduation rates?

Community colleges in the state show graduation rates ranging from 45% to 72%, with Stanly Community College leading at 72%. Most hover around 52-58%, which aligns with national community college averages. These rates reflect the practical, career-focused nature of programs designed for workforce entry rather than four-year transfer.

Is attending a health science program in North Carolina financially beneficial?

Health science graduates earn $58,708 to $64,624 annually, well above the state average. Carolinas College of Health Sciences achieves 100% graduation rates, while Cabarrus College graduates earn $58,708 despite a 46% graduation rate. Both programs directly feed Charlotte's expanding healthcare sector, ensuring strong job placement.

Does the NC Need-Based Scholarship significantly impact college costs?

The scholarship helps make education affordable, with some students at Wilkes Community College receiving $28 more than their total costs. Community colleges across the state charge net prices under $8,000, making higher education accessible for working families and career changers throughout North Carolina's rural regions.

Where do small college graduates typically find employment in North Carolina?

Graduates enter Charlotte's banking and healthcare sectors, Research Triangle technology companies, and regional manufacturing. Community college programs specifically train workers for local industries, with graduates earning $32,232 to $36,686 in rural areas while health science graduates command higher salaries in urban medical centers.

What acceptance rates can students expect at North Carolina's small colleges?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from Davidson's selective 17% to open-enrollment community colleges. Health science programs like Carolinas College accept 71% of applicants, while UNC School of the Arts accepts 32%. Most community colleges maintain open admission policies, focusing on student success rather than selectivity.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.