Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2026
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 2026
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 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026
Tuition + fees
$73K
Acceptance
6%
Graduation
96%
Student body
18K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for degree at Duke University
Cost of Degree: $65,805Expenses: $21,267Starting Salary: $113,937Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Duke University known for?
Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Education
- Law
- Sociology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026 #4 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$70K
Acceptance
22%
Graduation
90%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1465/33
Career Outlook for degree at Wake Forest University
Cost of Degree: $64,758Expenses: $22,798Starting Salary: $104,443Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wake Forest University known for?
Wake Forest University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
90%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1465/32
Career Outlook for degree at Davidson College
Cost of Degree: $60,050Expenses: $19,175Starting Salary: $89,297Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Davidson College known for?
Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Economics
- Education
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
59%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Campbell University
Cost of Degree: $40,410Expenses: $23,301Starting Salary: $59,026Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Information Technology And Security
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology And Security
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Pre-Law
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Pre-Law
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BA in Christian Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Generalist
- Public Relations And Corporate Communication
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BA in Liberal Arts
Degree Concentrations
- Humanities
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Healthcare Management
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
- #4 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #4 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
20%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Shaw University
Cost of Degree: $17,272Expenses: $13,680Starting Salary: $38,822Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Shaw University known for?
Shaw University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Political Science
- Communications
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #11 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1223/26
Career Outlook for degree at Meredith College
Cost of Degree: $43,936Expenses: $15,610Starting Salary: $54,417Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Meredith College known for?
Meredith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Communications
- Education
- Biology
- Psychology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #9 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026 #9 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2026 #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2026
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
81%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1205/25
Career Outlook for degree at Elon University
Cost of Degree: $44,536Expenses: $17,978Starting Salary: $82,524Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Global Studies
- Community Services
- Individualized
- Security Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
43%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/21
Career Outlook for degree at Guilford College
Cost of Degree: $41,140Expenses: $15,870Starting Salary: $52,803Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Guilford College known for?
Guilford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Literature
- Political Science
- Business
- History
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
40%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Warren Wilson College
Cost of Degree: $40,290Expenses: $16,690Starting Salary: $39,685Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Warren Wilson College known for?
Warren Wilson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
72%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/28
Career Outlook for degree at High Point University
Cost of Degree: $44,208Expenses: $22,212Starting Salary: $73,547Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is High Point University known for?
High Point University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Business
- Computer Science
- Economics
- History
- Engineering
- Education
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
32%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Bennett College
Cost of Degree: $19,140Expenses: $22,824Starting Salary: $43,355Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bennett College known for?
Bennett College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1154/19
Career Outlook for degree at Salem College
Cost of Degree: $32,752Expenses: $20,132Starting Salary: $50,734Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Salem College known for?
Salem College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #11 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2026 #22 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2026
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
48%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1165/21
Career Outlook for degree at Catawba College
Cost of Degree: $33,400Expenses: $17,399Starting Salary: $52,260Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Catawba College known for?
Catawba College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Biology
- Education
- Sociology
- History
- Political Science
- Medical
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Catawba College’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Professional Accounting
- Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BAE in Birth-Kindergarten Education.
- Required Credits: 56
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
- Required Credits: 122
- Format: Fully online
- #10 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #5 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #14 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #15 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
57%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/23
Career Outlook for degree at Queens University of Charlotte
Cost of Degree: $42,790Expenses: $24,105Starting Salary: $58,736Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Queens University of Charlotte known for?
Queens University of Charlotte’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Biology
- History
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
34%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Johnson C. Smith University
Cost of Degree: $20,480Expenses: $15,464Starting Salary: $44,849Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Johnson C. Smith University known for?
Johnson C. Smith University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- History
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
42%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Greensboro College
Cost of Degree: $20,400Expenses: $16,445Starting Salary: $50,121Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Greensboro College known for?
Greensboro College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Education
- Political Science
- Psychology
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Greensboro College’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Leadership And Management
- Required Credits: 72
- Format: Fully online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BA in General Psychology
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
BS in General Psychology
- Required Credits: 124
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Career Outlook for degree at Belmont Abbey College
Cost of Degree: $19,500Expenses: $16,656Starting Salary: $53,850Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Belmont Abbey College known for?
Belmont Abbey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Literature
- Economics
- History
- Philosophy
- Biology
- Communications
- Education
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
43%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/21
Career Outlook for degree at Wingate University
Cost of Degree: $41,731Expenses: $18,776Starting Salary: $57,646Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wingate University known for?
Wingate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- History
- Social Work
- Biology
- Education
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Political Science
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
46%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Mars Hill University
Cost of Degree: $37,270Starting Salary: $48,185What is Mars Hill University known for?
Mars Hill University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Business
- Literature
- Biology
- History
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
20%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Livingstone College
Cost of Degree: $18,296Expenses: $10,094Starting Salary: $38,502Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Livingstone College known for?
Livingstone College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- History
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Biology
- Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in North Carolina 2026 #12 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #14 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
43%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Montreat College
Cost of Degree: $33,860Expenses: $13,430Starting Salary: $53,114Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Montreat College known for?
Montreat College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- History
- Biology
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Montreat College’s Online Degrees
BS in Bachelor Of Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
BS in Bachelor Of Science In Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Bachelor Of Science In Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Bachelor Of Science In Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Bachelor Of Science In Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Bachelor Of Science In Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
BS in Bachelor Of Science In Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Bachelor Of Science In Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in North Carolina 2026 #6 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2026 #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #11 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
42%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Mount Olive
Cost of Degree: $25,950Expenses: $14,562Starting Salary: $54,851Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Format: Fully online
BA in Agribusiness
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Agricultural Communication And Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Finance
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BS in Early Childhood Education (B-K)
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BS in Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BS in Religion
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Healthcare Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 126-141
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
47%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Barton College
Cost of Degree: $35,600Expenses: $16,550Starting Salary: $52,876Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Barton College known for?
Barton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- History
- Biology
- Communications
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Education
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Barton College’s Online Degrees
BA in Business
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 42
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
42%
Graduation
40%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/21
Career Outlook for degree at Brevard College
Cost of Degree: $31,250Expenses: $16,400Starting Salary: $49,182Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Brevard College known for?
Brevard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Literature
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Psychology
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
- #16 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #24 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
45%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $35,536Expenses: $15,294Starting Salary: $49,264Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Carolina Wesleyan University known for?
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
North Carolina’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest
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.
North Carolina’s private colleges combine distinctive campus cultures, focused academic programs, and varied post-graduate outcomes—so identifying the “best” depends on what matters most to you: class size and teaching intensity, specialized majors and research opportunities, faith-based missions, or career and professional preparation. This guide highlights institutions across those dimensions and explains the practical differences between liberal arts colleges, regional universities, and private research schools so you can match fit, cost, and outcomes to your goals.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.