Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024

Badge for BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in North Carolina

  1. Duke University
    • Tuition: $63K
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Tuition: $9K
  3. North Carolina State University
    • Tuition: $9K
  4. Wake Forest University
    • Tuition: $62K
  5. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
    • Tuition: $7K
  6. East Carolina University
    • Tuition: $7K
  7. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    • Tuition: $7K
  8. North Carolina Central University
    • Tuition: $7K
  9. Appalachian State University
    • Tuition: $7K
  10. Western Carolina University
    • Tuition: $4K

Key Takeaways

  • Sixteen schools in North Carolina meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of North Carolina’s top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in North Carolina that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in North Carolina offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Colleges and Universities in North Carolina

There are over 60 public colleges and universities in North Carolina, 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. The 25,000 students who attend UNC will walk the same halls as Francis Collins, Thomas Wolfe, and former president James K. Polk.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

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.


What are North Carolina’s Colleges & Universities?

North Carolina’s Best Overall

There are 16 doctorate-granting graduate schools in North Carolina. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the North Carolina is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in North Carolina

  1. #1

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #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

    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: $62,688
    Expenses: $20,061
    Starting Salary: $114,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

    With a vibrant learning environment, graduate students at Duke University can expect to receive unparalleled support services and training from top-notch instructors.

    What we love about Duke University:

    The Duke School of Law offers a joint Juris Doctor and Master of Arts degree that allows students to gain comprehensive legal education alongside advanced interdisciplinary studies.

    Duke University is ideal for students who:

    Want to take up a graduate certificate in Global Health.

    Duke University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not interested in meeting new people.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #11 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #11 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,989
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $68,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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

    Eyeing global impact, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides graduate programs that center on leadership and community engagement.

    What we love about the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:

    Graduate students are given extra academic boost through workshops and training materials provided by the CareerWell Professional Development program.

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is ideal for students who:

    Prefer many graduate program choices in the field of Biological Sciences.

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill might not be the best fit for students who:

    Plan on taking a graduate degree in Civil Engineering.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    North Carolina State University

    Raleigh , NC
    #2 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024 #3 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,128
    Expenses: $16,624
    Starting Salary: $59,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is North Carolina State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    From Animal Science to Textile Engineering, North Carolina State University offers graduate programs that spark innovation and critical thinking.

    What we love about North Carolina State University:

    The Wellness Program comes with various activities that encourage stress relief and recreation.

    North Carolina State University is ideal for students who:

    Are interested in competing for research awards.

    North Carolina State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t enthusiastic about community projects.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Wake Forest University

    Winston-Salem , NC
    #2 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024 #4 Best Colleges 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: $62,128
    Expenses: $20,860
    Starting Salary: $79,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    With an emphasis on collaboration, Wake Forest University makes sure that graduate students are exposed to interdisciplinary research.

    What we love about Wake Forest University:

    Graduate students can rely on career coaches for assistance in resume improvements, interview preparations, and networking.

    Wake Forest University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for on-campus housing options and amenities.

    Wake Forest University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to take up a Master’s in Cybersecurity.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Greensboro , NC
    #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 Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $7,498
    Expenses: $13,052
    Starting Salary: $40,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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 promotes community involvement through graduate service-learning projects and local partnerships.

    What we love about the University of North Carolina at Greensboro:

    Exceptional students may be nominated for various Graduate School Fellowships, which provide financial aid.

    The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is ideal for students who:

    Seek comprehensive coursework in an Economics Ph.D.

    The University of North Carolina at Greensboro might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t comfortable showcasing their thesis work.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    East Carolina University

    Greenville , NC
    #4 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Career Outlook for degree at East Carolina University

    Cost of Degree: $7,325
    Expenses: $16,488
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is East Carolina University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    As an advocate of change, East Carolina University continues to innovate by offering unique graduate programs and training approaches.

    What we love about East Carolina University:

    With nearby military bases, the university provides the needed assistance for service members seeking graduate training.

    East Carolina University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for dependable disability services.

    East Carolina University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Don’t openly communicate with colleagues.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Charlotte , NC
    #3 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $7,214
    Expenses: $16,446
    Starting Salary: $50,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Charlotte known for?

    University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of North Carolina at Charlotte fosters a balanced learning environment for its graduate students, offering both research and extracurricular activities.

    What we love about the University of North Carolina at Charlotte:

    The university offers custom graduate courses tailored to the needs of the business community.

    The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is ideal for students who:

    Prefer conducting research studies.

    The University of North Carolina at Charlotte might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not sure what graduate field to pursue.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    North Carolina Central University

    Durham , NC
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $6,599
    Expenses: $19,403
    Starting Salary: $35,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is North Carolina Central University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Graduate students at North Carolina Central University are given the right mix of support services and engagement opportunities to produce well-rounded professionals.

    What we love about North Carolina Central University:

    With an extensive curriculum, the Master of Library Science comes with concentrations in areas such as digital libraries and records management.

    North Carolina Central University is ideal for students who:

    Want to save on tuition through graduate assistantships.

    North Carolina Central University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not interested in strengthening their faith.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Appalachian State University

    Boone , NC
    #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 #10 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $7,450
    Expenses: $15,252
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Appalachian State University known for?

    Appalachian State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Appalachian State University’s graduate training focuses on preparing its students to step into leadership roles in diverse fields.

    What we love about Appalachian State University:

    Interested graduate students have the opportunity to become ambassadors, representing the school at meetings and proposing service initiatives.

    Appalachian State University is ideal for students who:

    Are in need of childcare services.

    Appalachian State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are hesitant to join professional workshops.

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Western Carolina University

    Cullowhee , NC
    #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: $4,453
    Expenses: $14,888
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western Carolina University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Western Carolina University empowers its graduate students through skills development and access to experiential research projects.

    What we love about Western Carolina University:

    Aspiring professors may take advantage of the Invest in Teachers Award, which provides tuition support for graduate degrees in Education.

    Western Carolina University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer no fuss graduate application.

    Western Carolina University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for graduate fellowship options.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    High Point University

    High Point , NC
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 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: $41,916
    Expenses: $20,274
    Starting Salary: $42,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 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

    At High Point University, graduate students are guided by mentors and given flexible learning options to make its programs more accessible.

    What we love about High Point University:

    Aside from learning life skills, graduate students are also trained to write effective applications and ace job interviews.

    High Point University is ideal for students who:

    Plan on practicing as a Registered Pharmacist.

    High Point University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are cigarette smokers, as the university imposes a strict ban on smoking.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    North Carolina A&T State University

    Greensboro , NC
    #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: $6,733
    Expenses: $12,639
    Starting Salary: $39,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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 offers comprehensive classroom discussions and hands-on research work with capable instructors.

    What we love about North Carolina A&T State University:

    Aside from its doctoral and master’s programs, the university offers graduate certificate add-ons in areas such as Marriage Counseling and Waste Management.

    North Carolina A&T State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to enroll in a strong MBA program.

    North Carolina A&T State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer having more graduate fields of study to choose from.

    Compare school
  15. #13

    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: $40,806
    Expenses: $18,214
    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

    With a high enrollment rate, Wingate University’s popularity rose due to its flexible graduate programs and collaborative environment.

    What we love about Wingate University:

    The university is one of the leading institutions in healthcare education, offering graduate studies in fields like pharmacy and physical therapy.

    Wingate University is ideal for students who:

    Aspire to become a Physician Assistant.

    Wingate University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are interested in Dental Medicine.

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Gardner–Webb University

    Boiling Springs , NC
    #10 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #17 Best Online Master's in English #20 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #25 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Gardner–Webb University

    Cost of Degree: $32,200
    Expenses: $14,570
    Starting Salary: $41,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gardner–Webb University known for?

    Gardner–Webb University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    With a balanced educational approach, Gardner-Webb University integrates curiosity, values, and leadership into its graduate curriculums.

    What we love about Gardner-Webb University:

    Licensed professionals in fields such as Education and Nursing may seamlessly enroll in a graduate program, benefiting from waived application fees.

    Gardner-Webb University is ideal for students who:

    Want to fast-track their graduate degrees through accelerated graduate programs.

    Gardner-Webb University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to take up a Master’s in Sport Management in a hybrid setup.

    Compare school
  17. #15

    University of North Carolina Wilmington

    Wilmington , NC
    #6 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #11 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina Wilmington

    Cost of Degree: $7,238
    Expenses: $19,228
    Starting Salary: $46,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina Wilmington known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of North Carolina Wilmington offers nationally-ranked programs in areas like education and veterinary medicine, that are taught by expert faculty and industry partners.

    What we love about the University of North Carolina Wilmington:

    Graduate students may choose to take up additional licensure coursework in programs like teaching ESL and elementary mathematics.

    University of North Carolina Wilmington is ideal for students who:

    Plan on becoming a School Administrator.

    University of North Carolina Wilmington might not be the best fit for students who:

    Seek doctoral programs outside the field of Education.

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Fayetteville State University

    Fayetteville , NC
    #22 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024 #8 HBCU MBA Programs Online #8 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/16

    Career Outlook for degree at Fayetteville State University

    Cost of Degree: $3,906
    Expenses: $13,330
    Starting Salary: $34,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fayetteville State University known for?

    Fayetteville State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    With a proven track record, Fayetteville State University’s Graduate School delivers quality programs that open a lot of career opportunities.

    What we love about Fayetteville State University:

    The university’s MBA program comes with various specializations, including entrepreneurship, international business, and health informatics.

    Fayetteville State University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking to enroll in special visiting graduate courses.

    Fayetteville State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Avoid attending conferences.

    Compare school
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North Carolina’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Duke University
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  3. North Carolina State University
  4. Wake Forest University
  5. Appalachian State University
  6. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  7. East Carolina University
  8. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  9. University of North Carolina Wilmington
  10. Western Carolina University
  11. High Point University
  12. Wingate University
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