North Carolina’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
What are the best colleges and universities in North Carolina if you reward schools for making the best use of their limited resources? Academic Stewardship asks how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential.
Colleges and universities in North Carolina deserve to be recognized when they do more with less. It’s impressive when a large wealthy school can spend money lavishly on expensive buildings and programs. But it’s even more impressive when a small school with limited means is able to train and inspire students that the larger wealthier schools tend to ignore.
The American Association of Colleges and Universities reported in late 2021 that almost 75 percent of higher-education professionals at US colleges and universities felt financial constraints prevented their schools from effectively attracting students. Distracted by the size and amenities of larger schools, prospective students tended especially to be overawed by the big research universities.
North Carolina’s smaller colleges, especially its liberal arts colleges, need effective ways of communicating their value to a world that celebrates “bigger is better” and “you need the best.” Unfortunately, most college ranking companies, such as U.S. News & World Report, define “best” in a way that devalues schools with smaller budgets and fewer students even when these schools do remarkable work in advancing their students’ education. By and large, college rankings penalize schools that serve underserved populations.
Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell, who for years now has criticized conventional college rankings for misrepresenting what’s good and valuable in education, we decided to construct a new ranking metric that highlights those schools that do more with less. That metric—called the Academic Stewardship metric—takes away both the size and the wealth advantage of schools, and focuses instead on how well schools use the resources available to them to advance the education of their students.
How We Measure the Academic Stewardship of North Carolina’s Colleges and Universities
As a metric, Academic Stewardship is defined by a precise mathematical formula, which can be found in our Academic Stewardship white paper. Measuring the Academic Stewardship of North Carolina’s colleges requires measuring two forms of stewardship: 1) Stewardship of financial resources (using the money they have responsibility without waste) and 2) Stewardship of human resources (doing their best to help students, faculty, and administration to flourish). Together, these two types of stewardship form what we call Academic Stewardship. If you want to learn more about the factors involved in Academic Stewardship, click the more button below.
- Stewardship of financial resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of financial resources, we factored in its undergraduate size, budget, endowments and reserves, as well as tuition and fees. All these data are available from the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition, we factored in a school’s financial responsibility as gauged by the Federal Student Aid Office at the US Department of Education through its financial responsibility composite scores.
- Stewardship of human resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of human resources, we used our InfluenceRanking engine to track the influence of the school’s faculty and alumni but also to control for size of the undergraduate student body. We’ve found that measuring a school’s influence based on the contributions of faculty and alumni make in their fields of study but then also controlling for size of the undergraduate population is the single best indicator of academic excellence. We call this Concentrated Influence. Schools that rank highly in Concentrated Influence are schools that, given their available human resources, invest heavily in their students and faculty, and the results are demonstrable.
- We measure the influence of colleges and universities based on the publications and citations of the schools’ faculty and alumni who are teaching in and working in areas related to their degrees. To do this, we take publicly available databases, such as Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Wikipedia and use these to measure the influence of academics in their disciplines. Having measured the influence of persons, we then identify the schools that they’re affiliated with, adding up the influence scores of the faculty and alumni to measure the influence of the schools and their disciplinary programs. Finally, we control these influence scores by size of undergraduate student body so that schools do not score high in influence simply because of a size advantage. We lay out these methodological considerations on our methodology page.
- Academic Stewardship: Having measured a school’s stewardship of financial and human resources in the two previous points, we now divide the second measure by the first to define the Academic Stewardship metric. This metric spotlights smaller schools, with fewer financial resources and people, that invest wisely and do proportionately better in building influence than large wealthy schools. Many of these smaller, less wealthy schools are incentivized to make better use of their resources but would never get recognized in conventional school rankings, which directly or indirectly put a premium on the wealth of schools.
Academic Stewardship as so defined is connected to keeping tuition and other costs down, but it should not be confused with affordability or frugality. The schools that this metric ranks as exemplary academic stewards tend to be all over the map when it comes to tuition and other costs. At issue is the influence of schools given the financial and human resources they have on hand. If a school is going to charge more for tuition, then that needs to be reflected in the school having proportionately greater influence.
Why Academic Stewardship Matters to Students and Their Families
The benefits of attending a school with strong academic stewardship include:
- A clear reason for why students are at the school in the first place. Without the distraction of amenities and luxuries, these schools are at once unpretentious but also passionately committed to their educational mission. The schools in this ranking are financially efficient and academically rigorous. By avoiding frills, these schools take the most direct path to accomplishing their mission of educating students.
- Valuing character over prestige and self-indulgence. A school that’s a good steward of its resources doesn’t instill shame in its students over what they are missing (such as elite cuisine) but rather pride in what they have and making the most of it. These schools exhibit a culture of good stewardship, which tends to build good character in the students that attend these schools.
- Avoiding the spoiled-student syndrome. It’s easy to think that offering students endless options and opportunities will enrich their time at school in every way. But spoiling people—whether in business, sports, or academics—has the opposite effect, causing people to take their advantages for granted and in the end achieving less than they might otherwise, a point well-documented in Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. Schools exhibiting academic stewardship avoid this pitfall.
- The best schools vs. the schools that help students to be their best. Students at schools demonstrating outstanding academic stewardship aren’t so much concerned about being at the “best” school, whatever that may mean, as about being at a school that helps them to be their best. These schools pay attention to their students, hoping that any glory goes to them rather than to the school. Small schools, and especially liberal arts colleges, help themselves by communicating this advantage to prospective students.
- Emphasizing development over talent and achievement. Schools like Harvard and Stanford have their pick of academic talent, and their students have a long record of achievement even before they apply to such elite schools. But if a school doesn’t have the resources of a Harvard or Stanford, how does it build a great team of students? In that case, it must focus on student development. Colleges exemplifying academic stewardship emphasize student growth and development, ensuring that the schools are doing everything in their power to help students reach their full potential and thereby become their best selves.
North Carolina’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
- #4 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
14%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Shaw University
Cost of Degree: $16,480Expenses: $13,254Starting Salary: $30,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- Medical
- Communications
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
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: $18,296Expenses: $10,094Starting Salary: $26,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
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: $41,140Expenses: $15,670Starting Salary: $39,500Cost Recoup Time: 20 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
- #3 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
Other Rankings
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: $42,660Expenses: $15,234Starting Salary: $43,500Cost Recoup Time: 19 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
- #6 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #12 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
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: $32,868Expenses: $16,410Starting Salary: $42,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- 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
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
25%
Graduation
43%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Johnson C. Smith University
Cost of Degree: $19,504Expenses: $14,750Starting Salary: $31,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #11 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #7 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
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: $57,090Expenses: $18,525Starting Salary: $71,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #5 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
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: $40,830Expenses: $17,266Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- History
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
59%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1242/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Asheville
Cost of Degree: $7,380Expenses: $14,220Starting Salary: $38,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Asheville known for?
University of North Carolina at Asheville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Physics
- History
- Literature
- Biology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
44%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
970/19
Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina Central University
Cost of Degree: $6,599Expenses: $19,403Starting Salary: $35,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Carolina Central University known for?
North Carolina Central University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Biology
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #12 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #15 Best HBCU Online Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
50%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
940/16
Career Outlook for degree at Winston-Salem State University
Cost of Degree: $6,276Expenses: $16,136Starting Salary: $37,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Winston-Salem State University known for?
Winston-Salem State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Winston-Salem State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Bachelor Of Science
Degree Concentrations
- Birth To Kindergarten Education
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120-126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BIS in Bachelor Of Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Integrative Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn-Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in North Carolina 2024
- #7 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
- #13 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
- #13 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #14 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
- #23 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
56%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Campbell University
Cost of Degree: $39,230Expenses: $21,310Starting Salary: $58,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
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: $41,916Expenses: $20,274Starting Salary: $42,900Cost Recoup Time: 20 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
- #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #7 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
Other Rankings
- #13 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
- #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #16 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #20 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #24 Best Universities in the World 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #4 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #1 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
- #1 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #1 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #4 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #5 Best Online Master's in Management
- #6 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
- #14 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #15 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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: $62,688Expenses: $20,061Starting Salary: $114,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- #7 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$4K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
61%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/22
Career Outlook for degree at Western Carolina University
Cost of Degree: $4,453Expenses: $14,888Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Carolina University known for?
Western Carolina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- History
- Social Work
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Western Carolina University’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Innovation Leadership And Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Business Administration And Law
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Concentration In Administration Of Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency And Disaster Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Birth-Kindergarten Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency Medical Care
- Required Credits: 16
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
57%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/20
Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina A&T State University
Cost of Degree: $6,733Expenses: $12,639Starting Salary: $39,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Carolina A&T State University known for?
North Carolina A&T State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
North Carolina A&T State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Economics
- Required Credits: 179
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Electronics Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
Degree Concentrations
- African American Studies
- Applied Cultural Thought
- Applied Cultural Thought
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn Completion Option
- Required Credits: 31
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Agricultural Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- Agricultural Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Health And Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
- #8 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #2 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
- #5 Best Online Master's in Economics
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
- #7 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
- #20 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
- #24 Best Online Master’s in Education
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
58%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Cost of Degree: $7,498Expenses: $13,052Starting Salary: $40,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Greensboro known for?
University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Online Degrees
BA in Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration (Business Studies)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Information Systems And Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Peace And Conflict Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Integrated Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BLS in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #16 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
Other Rankings
- #17 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #10 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #25 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #1 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
- #2 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
- #2 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
- #2 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #3 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
- #3 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #4 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #5 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #7 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
- #7 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #8 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's in Management
- #10 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
- #13 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
- #20 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
91%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Cost of Degree: $8,989Expenses: $16,260Starting Salary: $68,800Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
21%
Graduation
90%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Wake Forest University
Cost of Degree: $62,128Expenses: $20,860Starting Salary: $79,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- #1 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #5 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
Other Rankings
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: $42,241Expenses: $17,386Starting Salary: $58,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- 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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
75%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/24
Career Outlook for degree at Appalachian State University
Cost of Degree: $7,450Expenses: $15,252Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Appalachian State University known for?
Appalachian State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Appalachian State University’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Management
- Required Credits: 53
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Workforce Leadership & Development
- Required Credits: 50-59
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Child Development - Birth Through Kindergarten
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 70
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Middle Grades Education
- Required Credits: 73
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #22 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #1 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #1 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #2 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #4 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
- #5 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
- #10 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #10 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #16 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #21 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
85%
Student body
40K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/30
Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina State University
Cost of Degree: $9,128Expenses: $16,624Starting Salary: $59,500Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Carolina State University known for?
North Carolina State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
North Carolina State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Leadership In The Public Sector
- Required Credits: 12
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
70%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Cost of Degree: $7,214Expenses: $16,446Starting Salary: $50,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Charlotte known for?
University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Engineering
- Business
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- History
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Online Degrees
BA in Respiratory Therapy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Engineering Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Electrical
- Fire Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
- #2 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
- #9 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #9 Best RN to BSN Online
- #11 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #21 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #12 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
65%
Student body
31K
Career Outlook for degree at East Carolina University
Cost of Degree: $7,325Expenses: $16,488Starting Salary: $45,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is East Carolina University known for?
East Carolina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
East Carolina University’s Online Degrees
BS in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Interpersonal/Organizational
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Industrial Distribution And Logistics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Management
Degree Concentrations
- Management And General Business
- Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Management Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Birth Through Kindergarten (B-K) Teacher Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Family And Consumer Sciences Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Middle Grades Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in University Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 125-133
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
43%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/23
Career Outlook for degree at William Peace University
Cost of Degree: $33,050Starting Salary: $36,900What is William Peace University known for?
William Peace University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
William Peace University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Leadership & Nonprofit Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Strategic Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
North Carolina’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
Colleges and Universities in North Carolina
Among these schools are over 60 public colleges and universities, including the state’s largest school, North Carolina State University, which serves almost 30,000 students. Tuition costs average about $9,000, just below the national average, and students also have the option to enroll in over 1,000 online courses. Another notable public school is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is one of the country’s oldest universities.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
The 25,000 students who attend UNC will walk the same halls as Francis Collins, Thomas Wolfe, and former president James K. Polk. North Carolina’s private schools have also made a name for themselves, including the well-known Duke University located in Durham. Here, students can earn degrees in some of the top programs, like nursing, political science, and business. Additionally, students can attend one of the many small schools which serve less than 5,000 students, like Campbell University in Buies Creek, or a religiously affiliated school, like Mid-Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City.
From its coastal beaches to its lush forests, it’s no wonder the Wright Brothers dreamed of taking flight over North Carolina. This state is rich with history, scenic views, and famous people who once called it home, like John Coltrane and Nicholas Sparks. Students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree also have the option of choosing from over 100 schools in the Tar Heel State.
Whether you prefer ocean views or wooded forests, North Carolina has something for everyone. Discover more about the state’s higher learning options.
What are North Carolina’s Colleges & Universities?
- 13 Research Universities
- 36 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 16 Graduate Schools
- 15 Public Colleges & Universities
- 34 Private Colleges & Universities
- 26 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 33 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 22 Affordable Colleges (below 16,000,000/year)
- 48 Community Colleges
- 28 Online Colleges