North Carolina Colleges, Universities And Trade Schools

- Total Colleges: 190
- Total Medical Schools: 5
- Total Colleges With Tenure: 0
- Colleges By Highest Degree Offered
- Associate's: 68
- Bachelor's Degree: 30
- Master's Degree: 28
- Doctor's Degree: 22
- Total Faculty: 125,114
- Total Full Time Faculty: 93,947
- Total Part Time Faculty: 31,167
- Total Students: 593,541
- Total Full Time Students: 384,199
- Total Part Time Students: 209,342
- Total Undergraduate Students: 523,942
- Total Graduate Students: 69,599
Student Race Breakdown

Student Gender Breakdown

Student Age Breakdown

North Carolina is home to a large number of colleges and universities, both public and private, located throughout the state. The state is moderately large in population and among the smaller states, though larger than most New England states, geographically. It is bordered by Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the west, Georgia to the Southwest, and South Carolina to the South. Raleigh is the capital and second largest city in the state, the largest being Charlotte. A higher concentration of schools will be found within or near these two cities, though schools can be found in most sections of the state.
The University of North Carolina is one of the oldest educational institutions in the United States, having been founded in 1789 in Chapel Hill. The school was joined over time by other publically funded institutions that became part of a single consolidated system beginning with the merger of three colleges in 1931 as part of measures to control costs of due to the Great Depression. The process continued until 1971 when all bachelor degree granting public institutions were brought together under the umbrella of the University of North Carolina banner, with each school maintaining its own board of trustees and chancellor, but answering to the governance of a unifying body. The system enrolls over 180,000 students annually, graduating approximately 40,000 students each year, a majority of which are bachelor degree seeking students. The system is responsible for 75% of all bachelor degrees awarded in the state. The system consists of 16 colleges and universities and one high school.
University of North Carolina System Schools include:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill)
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh)
- Appalachian State University (Boone)
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem)
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte)
Private institutions in the state have a history of offering a liberal arts education, with many of the institutions being rooted in Christian methods of education or teachings as part of its foundation. This often includes connection to a specific denomination or church. Private schools tend to have higher tuition costs, lower student enrollment, and an excellent student to teacher ratio. Private institutions also receive little to no public funding, utilizing private sources and tuition fees to maintain operations, often leading to more extracurricular study programs, updated facilities, and specialized education.
Private colleges and universities in North Carolina Include:
- Salem College (Winston-Salem)
- New Life Theological Seminary (Charlotte)
- Brevard College (Brevard)
- Guilford College (Greensboro)
- Barton College (Wilson)
North Carolina is also home to career schools and community colleges. Career schools offer specialized education and training in specific areas of study, preparing individuals for entry into the workforce. Such schools can be found in most urban centers throughout the state. Community Colleges are managed and operated by the North Carolina Community College System and are located throughout the state. Such schools provide transfer opportunities to four year institutions or career training similar to those provided by career schools. Community colleges also confer two year associate degrees to graduates.
Listings of Colleges in North Carolina
4-Year Colleges and Universities
The table below lists 4-year colleges and universities in North Carolina, including both public and private schools.
| School Name | Tuition | Size | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex School of Theology (ASOT) Durham, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $4,900 | Under 1,000 | |
| Appalachian State University Boone, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $5,538 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| Barton College Wilson, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $22,982 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Belmont Abbey College (BAC) Belmont, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $26,182 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Bennett College for Women (Bennett College / Bennett) Greensboro, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $16,794 | Under 1,000 | |
| Brevard College Brevard, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $22,860 | Under 1,000 | |
| Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Concord, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $10,740 | Under 1,000 | |
| Campbell University Inc Buies Creek, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $24,720 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Carolina Christian College Winston Salem, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $3,785 | Under 1,000 | |
| Catawba College Salisbury, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $25,160 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Charlotte School of Law Charlotte, NC Private For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | - | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Chowan University Murfreesboro, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $21,020 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts Asheville, NC Private For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Davidson College Davidson, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $38,866 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Duke University Durham, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $41,938 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| East Carolina University (ECU) Greenville, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $5,364 | 20,000+ | |
| Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Elizabeth City, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $3,814 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Elon University Elon, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $27,881 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Fayetteville State University (FSU) Fayetteville, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $4,109 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Gardner - Webb University (GWU) Boiling Springs, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $23,510 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Greensboro College Greensboro, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $24,970 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Guilford College Greensboro, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $30,430 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Heritage Bible College Dunn, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $7,140 | Under 1,000 | |
| High Point University (HPU) High Point, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | - | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Hood Theological Seminary Salisbury, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Johnson C Smith University Charlotte, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $17,368 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Laurel University High Point, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $8,890 | Under 1,000 | |
| Lees - Mcrae College Banner Elk, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $22,564 | Under 1,000 | |
| Lenoir - Rhyne University Hickory, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $26,524 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Living Arts College Raleigh, NC Private For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $15,325 | Under 1,000 | |
| Livingstone College Salisbury, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $15,408 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Mars Hill College Mars Hill, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $23,318 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Meredith College (Meredith, Meridith) Raleigh, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $27,770 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Methodist University (Methodist) Fayetteville, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $25,550 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Mid - Atlantic Christian University Elizabeth City, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $11,200 | Under 1,000 | |
| Montreat College (Montreat-Anderson College) Montreat, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $23,198 | Under 1,000 | |
| Mount Olive College (MOC) Mount Olive, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $16,300 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| New Life Theological Seminary Charlotte, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $7,550 | Under 1,000 | |
| North Carolina a & T State University (NCAT) Greensboro, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $4,668 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Durham, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $4,801 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NC State, NCSU) Raleigh, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $7,018 | 20,000+ | |
| North Carolina Wesleyan College Rocky Mount, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $24,890 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Pfeiffer University Misenheimer, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $21,625 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Piedmont International University Winston Salem, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $11,220 | Under 1,000 | |
| Queens University of Charlotte (Queens) Charlotte, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $25,356 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Saint Augustines College (St. Aug) Raleigh, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $17,160 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Salem College Winston Salem, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $22,720 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Shaw University Raleigh, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $13,226 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| South College - Asheville Asheville, NC Private For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $17,100 | Under 1,000 | |
| University of North Carolina - Wilmington (UNCW, UNC Wilmington) Wilmington, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $5,672 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA, UNC Asheville) Asheville, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $5,393 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Chapel Hill, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $7,009 | 20,000+ | |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) Charlotte, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $5,440 | 20,000+ | |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Greensboro, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $5,765 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) Pembroke, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $4,643 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| University of North Carolina School of the Arts Winston-Salem, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $6,908 | Under 1,000 | |
| Wake Forest University (WFU) Winston Salem, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $41,576 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Warren Wilson College (Warren Wilson/WWC) Swannanoa, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $26,675 | Under 1,000 | |
| Western Carolina University (WCU) Cullowhee, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $5,387 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| William Peace University (Peace College) Raleigh, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $25,886 | Under 1,000 | |
| Wingate University Wingate, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 4-Year or Above | $22,180 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Winston - Salem State University (WSSU) Winston-Salem, NC Public, 4-Year or Above | $4,584 | 5,000 - 9,999 |
Community Colleges
The table below lists 2-year public colleges and community colleges in North Carolina. Many of these colleges have an open policy for admitting new students.
| School Name | Tuition | Size | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamance Community College (ACC, Alamance College) Graham, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,158 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Asheville - Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) Asheville, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,875 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) Washington, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,192 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Bladen Community College (BCC) Dublin, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,201 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,213 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Brunswick Community College Bolivia, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,228 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Hudson, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,204 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Wilmington, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,265 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences Charlotte, NC Public, 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Carteret Community College Morehead City, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,261 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Hickory, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,215 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) Sanford, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,216 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Charlotte, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,450 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| Cleveland Community College Shelby, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,222 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Coastal Carolina Community College Jacksonville, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,158 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| College of the Albemarle Elizabeth City, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,229 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Craven Community College New Bern, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,712 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Davidson County Community College (DCCC) Thomasville, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,726 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) Durham, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,220 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Edgecombe Community College (ECC) Tarboro, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,200 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) Fayetteville, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,218 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech, FTCC) Winston Salem, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,654 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| Gaston College Dallas, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,400 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) Jamestown, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,314 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| Halifax Community College Weldon, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,250 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Haywood Community College Clyde, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,234 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Isothermal Community College (ICC) Spindale, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,166 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| James Sprunt Community College Kenansville, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,198 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Johnston Community College (JCC) Smithfield, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,225 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Lenoir Community College Kinston, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,019 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Martin Community College Williamston, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,394 | Under 1,000 | |
| Mayland Community College Spruce Pine, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,243 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Mcdowell Technical Community College Marion, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,724 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Mitchell Community College Statesville, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,201 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Montgomery Community College Troy, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,203 | Under 1,000 | |
| Nash Community College Rocky Mount, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,244 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Pamlico Community College Grantsboro, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,164 | Under 1,000 | |
| Piedmont Community College Roxboro, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,221 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Pitt Community College (PCC) Winterville, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,979 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Randolph Community College Asheboro, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,670 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Richmond Community College Hamlet, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,186 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Roanoke - Chowan Community College (RCCC) Ahoskie, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,229 | Under 1,000 | |
| Robeson Community College (RCC) Lumberton, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,132 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Rockingham Community College Wentworth, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,244 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Rowan - Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) Salisbury, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,250 | 5,000 - 9,999 | |
| Sampson Community College Clinton, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,204 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Sandhills Community College (SCC, Sandhills) Pinehurst, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,002 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| South Piedmont Community College Polkton, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,276 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Southeastern Community College Whiteville, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,227 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Southwestern Community College Sylva, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,224 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Stanly Community College (Stanly Technical College) Albemarle, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,248 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Surry Community College (SCC) Dobson, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,236 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Tri - County Community College Murphy, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,187 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Vance - Granville Community College (VGCC) Henderson, NC Public, 2-Year | $1,694 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) Raleigh, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,210 | 10,000 - 19,999 | |
| Wayne Community College (WCC) Goldsboro, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,220 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) Morganton, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,155 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Wilkes Community College Wilkesboro, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,248 | 1,000 - 4,999 | |
| Wilson Community College (WCC) Wilson, NC Public, 2-Year | $2,233 | 1,000 - 4,999 |
Technical Colleges
The table below lists 2-year public technical colleges in North Carolina. These colleges do not offer any degrees, but rather provide students training in many career fields.
| School Name | Tuition | Size | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy School of Nursing Charlotte, NC Public, 2-Year | $5,450 | Under 1,000 |
Career Colleges
The table below lists career and trade schools in North Carolina. These include both public and private institutions.
| School Name | Tuition | Size | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Brookstone College of Business Charlotte, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Carolina School of Broadcasting Charlotte, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Center for Massage & Natural Health Asheville, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| College of Wilmington Wilmington, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Durham Beauty Academy Durham, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Empire Beauty School - Matthews Matthews, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Fayetteville Beauty College Fayetteville, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| King's College Charlotte, NC Private For-Profit, 2-Year | $13,540 | Under 1,000 | |
| Leons Beauty School Inc Greensboro, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Louisburg College Louisburg, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 2-Year | $14,722 | Under 1,000 | |
| Mitchells Hairstyling Academy-Goldsboro Goldsboro, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Mitchells Hairstyling Academy-Greenville Greenville, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Mitchells Hairstyling Academy-Wilson Wilson, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Park West Barber School Durham, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Paul Mitchell the School - Fayetteville Fayetteville, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Paul Mitchell the School Gastonia Gastonia, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Pinnacle Institute of Cosmetology Mooresville, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Regency Beauty Institute - Winston - Salem Winston Salem, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Regina's College of Beauty-Monroe Monroe, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Southeastern Institute - Charlotte Charlotte, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Techskills - Charlotte Charlotte, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| The Fila Academy High Point, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| The Medical Arts School Raleigh, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Watts School of Nursing Durham, NC Private Not-For-Profit, 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 | |
| Winston Salem Barber School Winston Salem, NC Private For-Profit, Less-Than 2-Year | - | Under 1,000 |