Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2026

Badge for BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Interested in attending a STEM school in North Carolina? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

Key Takeaways

  • The best research universities in North Carolina prepare students to enter the workforce and make meaningful contributions to society.
  • Many of the research universities in this ranking are well known across the country and have well established alumni networks.
  • Many of the best research universities in North Carolina have affordable options for students on a budget.

10 Best Research Universities in North Carolina in 2026

  1. Duke University
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  3. North Carolina State University
  4. Wake Forest University
  5. East Carolina University
    +1
  6. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    +1
  7. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
    –2
  8. Campbell University
  9. Elon University
  10. North Carolina A&T State University

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

This guide identifies North Carolina institutions most notable for sustained research activity, doctoral programs, research funding capacity, lab and computing infrastructure, and partnerships with industry and government. Rather than a simple popularity ranking, the profile for each university emphasizes the program strengths and research environments that matter to prospective graduate students, faculty hires, and collaborators—fields of concentration, major research centers, doctoral output, and opportunities for funded work and commercialization.

Use the list to compare universities by research focus and capacity so you can match your academic goals—whether seeking a PhD program, a postdoctoral position, or institutional partners—to the campuses best equipped to support them.

Best Research Universities in North Carolina

  1. #1

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #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: $65,805
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $113,937
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Duke University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1460/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $81,094
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 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

    Compare school
  3. #3

    North Carolina State University

    Raleigh , NC
    #2 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026 #3 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    42%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    41K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

    Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,895
    Expenses: $17,709
    Starting Salary: $77,810
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 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

    North Carolina State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Leadership In The Public Sector
    • Required Credits: 12
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Wake Forest University

    Winston-Salem , NC
    #2 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools 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: $64,758
    Expenses: $22,798
    Starting Salary: $104,443
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wake Forest University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    East Carolina University

    Greenville , NC
    #12 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for degree at East Carolina University

    Cost of Degree: $7,361
    Expenses: $16,970
    Starting Salary: $60,387
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

    East Carolina University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interpersonal/Organizational
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Industrial Distribution And Logistics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management And General Business
    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Birth Through Kindergarten (B-K) Teacher Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Family And Consumer Sciences Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Middle Grades Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in University Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 125-133
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Industrial Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Bioprocess Manufacturing
    • Distribution And Logistics
    • Health Information Technologies
    • Industrial Engineering Technology
    • Industrial Management
    • Information And Computer Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Charlotte , NC
    #13 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #5 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Cost of Degree: $7,214
    Expenses: $17,458
    Starting Salary: $63,486
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

    University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Online Degrees

    BA in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: 7-12 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Engineering Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Electrical
    • Fire Safety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Greensboro , NC
    #10 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1252/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Cost of Degree: $7,593
    Expenses: $14,720
    Starting Salary: $53,402
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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’s Online Degrees

    BA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration (Business Studies)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-30 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Information Systems And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: 24-48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Peace And Conflict Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-36 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-30 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Integrated Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-60 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BLS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Public Health: Health Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-30 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Campbell University

    Buies Creek , NC
    #9 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Campbell University

    Cost of Degree: $40,410
    Expenses: $23,301
    Starting Salary: $59,026
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Campbell University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Campbell University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • 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
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Elon University

    Elon , NC
    #1 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #7 Best Private Colleges 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: $44,536
    Expenses: $17,978
    Starting Salary: $82,524
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Elon University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Elon University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management & Entrepreneurship
    • Marketing & Mis
    • Economics & Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • 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
    Compare school
  12. #10

    North Carolina A&T State University

    Greensboro , NC
    #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #4 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates) #9 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/20

    Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina A&T State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,748
    Expenses: $13,932
    Starting Salary: $50,279
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Economics
    • Required Credits: 179
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Electronics Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • African American Studies
    • Applied Cultural Thought
    • Applied Cultural Thought
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn Completion Option
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Agricultural Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Agricultural Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Environmental Health And Safety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Geomatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Wingate University

    Wingate , NC

    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: $41,731
    Expenses: $18,776
    Starting Salary: $57,646
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wingate University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of North Carolina Wilmington

    Wilmington , NC
    #6 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina #16 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina Wilmington

    Cost of Degree: $7,317
    Expenses: $19,713
    Starting Salary: $61,019
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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’s Online Degrees

    BA in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion Time: 24-42 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 24-48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Clinical Research
    • Required Credits: 83-84
    • Completion Time: 24-48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing (Rn To Bsn)
    • Required Credits: 29
    • Completion Time: 12 months
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Gardner–Webb University

    Boiling Springs , NC
    #17 Best Online Master's in English 2026 #17 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2026 #19 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2026 #20 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1086/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Gardner–Webb University

    Cost of Degree: $33,450
    Expenses: $14,170
    Starting Salary: $53,543
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

    Gardner–Webb University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Foundations
    • Required Credits: 9
    • Format: Fully online
    BSA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Birth-Kindergarten Education
    • Required Credits: 73
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Teacher Assistants To Teachers
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Rn To Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school

A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 13 research universities in North Carolina. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Find the Best Research Universities in North Carolina for Your Area of Interest

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2021 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. Wake Forest University
  4. North Carolina State University
  5. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  6. Elon University
  7. East Carolina University
  8. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  9. Campbell University
  10. University of North Carolina Wilmington
  11. Wingate University

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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