Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2025

Badge for BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • We have identified 34 of the best private institutions in North Carolina, each offering an intimate campus experience.
  • Many of the best private colleges in North Carolina offer a dynamic campus life, helping to create a strong sense of community and a balanced college experience that blends academics with student life.
  • Many of the best private colleges in North Carolina emphasize small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships.

10 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina in 2025

  1. Duke University
  2. Wake Forest University
  3. Davidson College
  4. Campbell University
  5. Shaw University
    +3
  6. Meredith College
    +1
  7. Elon University
    –2
  8. Guilford College
    +3
  9. High Point University
    –3
  10. Warren Wilson College
    +2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

The top 4 spots in our 2025 ranking of the best private colleges in North Carolina remain unchanged this year, while Shaw University gains 3 spots to move into the top 5. Guilford College also gained 3 spots to move into the top 10.

Duke University is introducing new curriculum for the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, a strengthened first-year experience through “Constellations”—clusters of interconnected courses—and a renewed focus on writing and language studies.

Additionally, the Duke University School of Nursing is launching a Master’s Entry to the Practice of Nursing (MEPN) program in Fall 2025, providing a pathway for individuals without an undergraduate nursing degree to become registered nurses.

Shaw University has a new partnership with Wake County Public Schools, set to begin in August 2025, which will bring high school students from the Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy to Shaw’s campus for dual enrollment. This collaboration is expected to add approximately 75-100 students to the campus community.

Guilford College is offering a three-week residential experience from June 30 to July 18, 2025, allowing rising high school seniors to earn college credits through courses on global challenges and ethical frontiers.

The Guilford College Bridge program is also providing incoming freshmen with an immersive pre-college experience during the same period, focusing on similar themes.

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 34 private universities in North Carolina. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in North Carolina, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Best Private Colleges in North Carolina

  1. #1

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $65,805
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $114,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Duke University known for?

    Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Wake Forest University

    Winston-Salem , NC
    #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025 #4 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wake Forest University

    Cost of Degree: $64,758
    Expenses: $22,798
    Starting Salary: $79,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wake Forest University known for?

    Wake Forest University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Davidson College

    Cost of Degree: $60,050
    Expenses: $19,175
    Starting Salary: $71,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Davidson College known for?

    Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Campbell University

    Buies Creek , NC
    #7 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Campbell University

    Cost of Degree: $40,410
    Expenses: $23,301
    Starting Salary: $58,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Campbell University known for?

    Campbell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Campbell University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Information Technology And Security
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology And Security
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Pre-Law
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Pre-Law
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Generalist
    • Public Relations And Corporate Communication
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Shaw University

    Raleigh , NC
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    14%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Shaw University

    Cost of Degree: $17,272
    Expenses: $13,680
    Starting Salary: $30,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Shaw University known for?

    Shaw University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Meredith College

    Raleigh , NC
    #3 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #11 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Meredith College

    Cost of Degree: $43,936
    Expenses: $15,610
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Meredith College known for?

    Meredith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Elon University

    Elon , NC
    #1 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #9 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024 #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Elon University

    Cost of Degree: $44,536
    Expenses: $17,978
    Starting Salary: $58,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Elon University known for?

    Elon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Elon University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management & Entrepreneurship
    • Marketing & Mis
    • Economics & Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Global Studies
    • Community Services
    • Individualized
    • Security Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Guilford College

    Greensboro , NC
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Guilford College

    Cost of Degree: $41,140
    Expenses: $15,870
    Starting Salary: $39,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Guilford College known for?

    Guilford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    High Point University

    High Point , NC
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1191/26

    Career Outlook for degree at High Point University

    Cost of Degree: $44,208
    Expenses: $22,212
    Starting Salary: $42,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is High Point University known for?

    High Point University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Warren Wilson College

    Swannanoa , NC
    #9 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Warren Wilson College

    Cost of Degree: $40,290
    Expenses: $16,690
    Starting Salary: $29,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Warren Wilson College known for?

    Warren Wilson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Bennett College

    Greensboro , NC
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bennett College

    Cost of Degree: $19,140
    Expenses: $22,824
    Starting Salary: $32,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bennett College known for?

    Bennett College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Catawba College

    Salisbury , NC
    #6 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #12 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #22 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Catawba College

    Cost of Degree: $33,400
    Expenses: $17,399
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Catawba College known for?

    Catawba College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Catawba College’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Professional Accounting
    • Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAE in Birth-Kindergarten Education.
    • Required Credits: 56
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Johnson C. Smith University

    Charlotte , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Johnson C. Smith University

    Cost of Degree: $20,480
    Expenses: $15,464
    Starting Salary: $31,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Johnson C. Smith University known for?

    Johnson C. Smith University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Salem College

    Winston-Salem , NC
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Salem College

    Cost of Degree: $32,752
    Expenses: $20,132
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Salem College known for?

    Salem College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Queens University of Charlotte

    Charlotte , NC
    #5 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #14 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1167/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Queens University of Charlotte

    Cost of Degree: $42,790
    Expenses: $24,105
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Queens University of Charlotte known for?

    Queens University of Charlotte’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Wingate University

    Wingate , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Wingate University

    Cost of Degree: $41,731
    Expenses: $18,776
    Starting Salary: $55,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wingate University known for?

    Wingate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Mars Hill University

    Mars Hill , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mars Hill University

    Cost of Degree: $37,270
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    What is Mars Hill University known for?

    Mars Hill University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Greensboro College

    Greensboro , NC
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Greensboro College

    Cost of Degree: $20,400
    Expenses: $16,445
    Starting Salary: $41,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Greensboro College known for?

    Greensboro College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Greensboro College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Leadership And Management
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Livingstone College

    Salisbury , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    880/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Livingstone College

    Cost of Degree: $18,296
    Expenses: $10,094
    Starting Salary: $26,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Livingstone College known for?

    Livingstone College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Belmont Abbey College

    Belmont , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Belmont Abbey College

    Cost of Degree: $19,500
    Expenses: $16,656
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Belmont Abbey College known for?

    Belmont Abbey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Montreat College

    Montreat , NC
    #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in North Carolina 2025 #12 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #14 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Montreat College

    Cost of Degree: $33,860
    Expenses: $13,430
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Montreat College known for?

    Montreat College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Montreat College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Bachelor Of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    University of Mount Olive

    Mount Olive , NC
    #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in North Carolina 2025 #7 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2025 #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #11 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mount Olive

    Cost of Degree: $25,950
    Expenses: $14,562
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mount Olive known for?

    University of Mount Olive’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of Mount Olive’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Agribusiness
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Agricultural Communication And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education (B-K)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Religion
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 126-141
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Barton College

    Wilson , NC
    #22 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Barton College

    Cost of Degree: $35,600
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $39,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barton College known for?

    Barton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Barton College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Brevard College

    Brevard , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Brevard College

    Cost of Degree: $31,250
    Expenses: $16,400
    Starting Salary: $35,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brevard College known for?

    Brevard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  30. #25

    North Carolina Wesleyan University

    Rocky Mount , NC
    #16 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #24 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $35,536
    Expenses: $15,294
    Starting Salary: $41,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is North Carolina Wesleyan University known for?

    North Carolina Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
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What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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