Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025

Badge for BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: Mar 25, 2021
Updated: Nov 5, 2024

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in North Carolina provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Key Takeaways

The best public colleges in North Carolina are consistently ranked among the top public universities nationwide, reflecting a strong commitment to academic rigor and quality education.
The universities in our ranking provide a high return on investment, offering quality education at a lower cost compared to private institutions. For instance, UNC-Chapel Hill is recognized as one of the top 10 public universities for value by The Princeton Review.
Students at the best public colleges in North Carolina have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, research opportunities, and vibrant campus communities, enhancing their overall college experience. For example, UNC-Chapel Hill offers numerous student organizations and activities that contribute to a dynamic campus environment.

Table of Contents

10 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina in 2025

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Winston-Salem State University
+10
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
+1
East Carolina University
–1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
–3
North Carolina Central University
–1
Appalachian State University
–1
Western Carolina University
University of North Carolina at Asheville

2025 Ranking Update

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

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in North Carolina saw a substantial amount of shuffling. Winston-Salem State University gained the most ranking positions as the university is implementing several enhancements to enrich the student experience. The university has secured significant funding in the North Carolina state budget, enabling infrastructure improvements such as the renovation of Eller Hall and Pegram Hall, and ongoing upgrades to K.R. Williams Auditorium.

Additionally, WSSU has achieved a notable rise in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, advancing 40 spots to No. 220 in the national universities category, marking its highest position to date. These developments reflect WSSU’s commitment to providing a superior educational environment and enhancing its academic reputation.

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 15 public universities in North Carolina. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in North Carolina, schools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.