North Carolina Colleges & Universities

Explore North Carolina's Top Universities

Discover the Tar Heel State's exceptional higher education system featuring world-class research universities, outstanding value, and diverse academic opportunities.

North Carolina's Higher Education Excellence

UNC System
17
Public Universities

Comprehensive university system including UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, and other distinguished institutions offering exceptional value and academic quality.

Key Features:
  • • World-class research opportunities
  • • Exceptional in-state value
  • • Strong academic reputation
  • • Diverse program offerings
Community Colleges
58
Community Colleges

Comprehensive community college system offering affordable education, guaranteed transfer pathways, and excellent career training programs.

Key Features:
  • • Comprehensive Articulation Agreement
  • • Guaranteed transfer pathways
  • • Very affordable tuition
  • • Excellent support services
Private Universities
35+
Private Institutions

Elite private universities including Duke, Wake Forest, Davidson, and Elon offering world-class education with generous financial aid.

Key Features:
  • • Small class sizes
  • • Prestigious academic reputation
  • • Generous financial aid
  • • Strong alumni networks

Featured North Carolina Universities

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC
Public Research University

Flagship public university with world-class academics and prestigious reputation

Students
31,705
Admission Rate
19.0%
Graduation Rate
91.0%
In-State Tuition
$7,019
Out-of-State
$37,552

Duke University

Durham, NC
Private Research University

Elite private university known for academic excellence and strong athletics

Students
16,871
Admission Rate
6.0%
Graduation Rate
95.0%
In-State Tuition
$60,435
Out-of-State
$60,435

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC
Public Research University

Leading research university with strong engineering and agriculture programs

Students
36,304
Admission Rate
47.0%
Graduation Rate
85.0%
In-State Tuition
$9,101
Out-of-State
$29,916

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC
Private Research University

Prestigious private university with small classes and strong liberal arts focus

Students
5,441
Admission Rate
25.0%
Graduation Rate
89.0%
In-State Tuition
$60,876
Out-of-State
$60,876

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC
Public Research University

Growing urban university with strong business and engineering programs

Students
30,652
Admission Rate
65.0%
Graduation Rate
70.0%
In-State Tuition
$7,019
Out-of-State
$23,283

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC
Public University

Mountain campus university known for education, outdoor recreation, and strong community

Students
20,023
Admission Rate
73.0%
Graduation Rate
73.0%
In-State Tuition
$7,410
Out-of-State
$24,017

North Carolina Transfer Excellence

Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA)

North Carolina's CAA ensures seamless transfer from community colleges to UNC system universities with guaranteed junior standing.

Benefits:

  • • Save $15,000+ on total degree cost
  • • Guaranteed junior standing transfer
  • • All general education requirements transfer
  • • Transfer Assured Admission (TAA) pathways
Academic Advantages

North Carolina offers exceptional academic quality across all institution types with strong support for student success.

Quality Indicators:

  • • Multiple top-ranked universities
  • • Strong faculty-to-student ratios
  • • Excellent graduation rates
  • • Outstanding post-graduation outcomes

Continue Your North Carolina College Planning Journey

Now that you've explored your options, learn about funding your education

Back: North Carolina College Planning

Return to the main North Carolina college planning guide and overview

Back to Main Guide

Step 2: Financial Aid & Scholarships

Learn about North Carolina need-based aid and merit scholarship programs

Explore Financial Aid