Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024

Badge for BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA SMALL COLLEGES

Small colleges in North Carolina are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

10 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024

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  1. Davidson College
  2. Campbell University
  3. Meredith College
  4. Shaw University
  5. Queens University of Charlotte
  6. Catawba College
  7. University of North Carolina at Asheville
  8. Guilford College
  9. Warren Wilson College
  10. Salem College
  1. Davidson College
  2. Winston-Salem State University
  3. Shaw University
  4. Campbell University
  5. Meredith College
  6. Guilford College
  7. Johnson C. Smith University
  8. Warren Wilson College
  9. University of North Carolina at Asheville
  10. Bennett College
  1. Belmont Abbey College 97%
  2. Barton College 95%
  3. Campbell University 89%
  4. Salem College 87%
  5. Wingate University 86%
  6. Greensboro College 84%
  7. Guilford College 84%
  8. Warren Wilson College 84%
  9. University of Mount Olive 75%
  10. University of North Carolina at Asheville 74%
  1. Elizabeth City State University 16 to 1
  2. University of Mount Olive 16 to 1
  3. Salem College 16 to 1
  4. Winston-Salem State University 15 to 1
  5. Wingate University 15 to 1
  6. Pfeiffer University 14 to 1
  7. Barton College 13 to 1
  8. Montreat College 13 to 1
  9. Livingstone College 13 to 1
  10. Campbell University 13 to 1
  1. Davidson College $57,340
  2. Meredith College $42,540
  3. Guilford College $41,140
  4. Queens University of Charlotte $40,830
  5. Wingate University $40,806
  6. Campbell University $39,230
  7. Warren Wilson College $38,450
  8. Mars Hill University $36,557
  9. Barton College $34,400
  10. North Carolina Wesleyan University $34,352
  1. Warren Wilson College $20,950
  2. Guilford College $19,200
  3. Johnson C. Smith University $18,308
  4. University of Mount Olive $18,300
  5. Belmont Abbey College $16,680
  6. Campbell University $14,417
  7. Meredith College $13,357
  8. Queens University of Charlotte $12,914
  9. Mars Hill University $12,684
  10. North Carolina Wesleyan University $12,600
  1. Pfeiffer University
  2. Brevard College
  3. Barton College
  4. North Carolina Wesleyan University
  5. Montreat College
  6. Livingstone College
  7. University of Mount Olive
  8. Mars Hill University
  9. Elizabeth City State University
  10. Johnson C. Smith University
  1. North Carolina Wesleyan University
  2. Pfeiffer University
  3. Brevard College
  4. Barton College
  5. University of Mount Olive
  6. Montreat College
  7. Belmont Abbey College
  8. Livingstone College
  9. Elizabeth City State University
  10. Greensboro College
  1. Davidson College 17%
  2. Johnson C. Smith University 25%
  3. Brevard College 40%
  4. Bennett College 45%
  5. Shaw University 61%
  6. Livingstone College 64%
  7. Catawba College 67%
  8. North Carolina Wesleyan University 68%
  9. Montreat College 68%
  10. Pfeiffer University 69%
  1. Bennett College 6 to 1
  2. Warren Wilson College 8 to 1
  3. Queens University of Charlotte 9 to 1
  4. Davidson College 9 to 1
  5. Meredith College 10 to 1
  6. Brevard College 10 to 1
  7. Greensboro College 10 to 1
  8. Catawba College 11 to 1
  9. Johnson C. Smith University 11 to 1
  10. Mars Hill University 11 to 1
  1. Elizabeth City State University $1,000
  2. Winston-Salem State University $3,401
  3. University of North Carolina at Asheville $4,122
  4. Shaw University $16,480
  5. Livingstone College $18,296
  6. Belmont Abbey College $18,500
  7. Bennett College $18,550
  8. Johnson C. Smith University $19,504
  9. Greensboro College $19,620
  10. University of Mount Olive $23,591
  1. Elizabeth City State University $3,375
  2. Catawba College $3,594
  3. Winston-Salem State University $3,872
  4. Greensboro College $4,308
  5. University of North Carolina at Asheville $4,914
  6. Salem College $8,100
  7. Montreat College $9,963
  8. Barton College $10,296
  9. Shaw University $10,404
  10. Brevard College $10,800

Key Takeaways

  • North Carolina has more than 60 public colleges and universities, including more than 30 fully accredited small colleges with less than 5,000 students.
  • North Carolina is a hub for innovation and technology. As such, colleges in North Carolina award more than 25,000 STEM degrees each year.
  • North Carolina has a relatively low cost of living compared to other states, which is a great benefit to students. Even better, the state has a large number of scholarships and grants available to qualifying students, which makes attending a small college in North Carolina even more affordable.

Small Colleges, Big Outcomes

North Carolina is a perfect home for education excellence. The state has 53 liberal arts colleges and universities, and is home to the third biggest community college system in the US. North Carolina also has three Tier 1 research universities. Its education institution always awards more than 25,000 STEM degrees annually.

What makes North Carolina conducive to learning is the fact that students have so much to do outside the classrooms. Whether they relax on the beach, root for their favorite college or professional football team, drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, see a musical play, visit museums, or dine on exquisite cuisine, North Carolina is indeed very diverse and has so much to offer.

Paying for College in North Carolina

Like any college and university, there are several grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and other forms of financial aid for qualified students. Whether attending a liberal arts college, a small college, or a private institution, so many students have taken advantage of favorable NC tuition rates.

Federal Grants Programs

Federal Pell Grants: These are for undergraduate students who have not yet earned a degree (bachelor’s, graduate, or professional), and are in financial need.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): These are awarded to undergraduate students who are in dire need of financial assistance. The grants are administered by the participating school’s financial aid offices. These grants are not available in all colleges, so it’s best to check first with the financial aid office of your school.

TEACH or Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education Grants: These are open for qualified undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate students who want to become teachers in a high-need field or low-income areas. Students should meet certain academic requirements to be eligible.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants: This grant type is for the children of guardians or parents who perished in the military in Afghanistan or Iraq after 9/11. To qualify, a student should be under 24 and is enrolled in college at the time of the guardian/parent’s death.

North Carolina School State Grants

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship: This grant is open to North Carolina residents who are in financial need. The student must be enrolled in an NC Community College or any of the 16 UNC system campuses.

UNC Need-Based Grant: This is open to NC students with financial needs, and must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at any of the 16 UNC system campuses.

Scholarships

There are so many scholarships that North Carolina offers to its students. Here are just a few:

Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship:This is a $12,000 scholarship open to graduating high school seniors from any of the 14 county areas in North Carolina. This scholarship is renewable, as long as the scholar has continued financial needs and remains a full-time student at an eligible institution.

Lenoir-Rhyne University Lutheran Scholarship: The LR Scholars Program grants eligible Lutheran students two awards: the Martin Luther Fellows and the Friends in Faith Program. These scholarships are available exclusively for undergraduate NC students who have contributions to church and community.

NACME Scholars (Block Grant) Program: This is the biggest college scholarship provider for underrepresented minority students who are pursuing degrees at schools of engineering. With a $16,000 grant for every qualified student, the NACME program sponsors 1,000 underrepresented minority engineering and computer students every year.

NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarship: The National Association of Independent Automobile Dealers offers many scholarship opportunities for exceptional high school graduating students interested to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

North Carolina Student Incentive Grant: This is a $700 incentive grant program offered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority through College Foundation Inc.

Riding Forward Scholarship: If you have an interesting story about an African-American who has immensely inspired you, then you could earn a $3500-$5,000 college scholarship.

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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?

North Carolina’s Best Overall

North Carolina's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in North Carolina is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 33 small colleges in North Carolina. The list below of the 25 best small colleges in North Carolina. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

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Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2023

  1. #1

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    Other Rankings

    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: $57,090
    Expenses: $18,525
    Starting Salary: $71,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Campbell University

    Buies Creek , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Campbell University

    Cost of Degree: $39,230
    Expenses: $21,310
    Starting Salary: $58,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
    • 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
  3. #3

    Meredith College

    Raleigh , NC

    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: $42,660
    Expenses: $15,234
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. 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: $40,830
    Expenses: $17,266
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Queens University of Charlotte known for?

    Queens University of Charlotte’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #6

    Catawba College

    Salisbury , NC

    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: $32,868
    Expenses: $16,410
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  6. 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: $7,380
    Expenses: $14,220
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Asheville known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  7. #8

    Guilford College

    Greensboro , NC

    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: $41,140
    Expenses: $15,670
    Starting Salary: $39,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Warren Wilson College

    Swannanoa , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Warren Wilson College

    Cost of Degree: $38,450
    Expenses: $15,150
    Starting Salary: $29,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #10

    Salem College

    Winston-Salem , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Salem College

    Cost of Degree: $31,016
    Expenses: $18,274
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Salem College known for?

    Salem College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  10. #11

    Bennett College

    Greensboro , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bennett College

    Cost of Degree: $18,400
    Expenses: $21,350
    Starting Salary: $32,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bennett College known for?

    Bennett College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #12

    Belmont Abbey College

    Belmont , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Belmont Abbey College

    Cost of Degree: $18,500
    Expenses: $15,858
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Belmont Abbey College known for?

    Belmont Abbey College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #13

    Winston-Salem State University

    Winston-Salem , NC
    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: $6,276
    Expenses: $16,136
    Starting Salary: $37,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  13. #14

    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

  14. #15

    Greensboro College

    Greensboro , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Greensboro College

    Cost of Degree: $19,620
    Expenses: $15,880
    Starting Salary: $41,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Greensboro College known for?

    Greensboro College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Greensboro College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Leadership And Management
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Johnson C. Smith University

    Cost of Degree: $19,504
    Expenses: $14,750
    Starting Salary: $31,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #17

    Elizabeth City State University

    Elizabeth City , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Elizabeth City State University

    Cost of Degree: $3,356
    Expenses: $11,317
    Starting Salary: $32,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Elizabeth City State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Elizabeth City State 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
  17. #18

    Mars Hill University

    Mars Hill , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mars Hill University

    Cost of Degree: $36,557
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    What is Mars Hill University known for?

    Mars Hill University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #19

    University of Mount Olive

    Mount Olive , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mount Olive

    Cost of Degree: $23,591
    Expenses: $13,333
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mount Olive known for?

    University of Mount Olive’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of Mount Olive’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Agribusiness
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Agricultural Communication And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education (B-K)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Religion
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 126-141
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #20

    Livingstone College

    Salisbury , NC

    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: $18,296
    Expenses: $10,094
    Starting Salary: $26,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Livingstone College known for?

    Livingstone College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #21

    Montreat College

    Montreat , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Montreat College

    Cost of Degree: $30,525
    Expenses: $15,370
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Montreat College known for?

    Montreat College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Montreat College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Bachelor Of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Bachelor Of Science In Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $34,352
    Expenses: $14,764
    Starting Salary: $41,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is North Carolina Wesleyan University known for?

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

  22. #23

    Barton College

    Wilson , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Barton College

    Cost of Degree: $34,400
    Expenses: $14,450
    Starting Salary: $39,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Barton College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. #24

    Brevard College

    Brevard , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Brevard College

    Cost of Degree: $30,250
    Expenses: $15,400
    Starting Salary: $35,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brevard College known for?

    Brevard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  24. #25

    Pfeiffer University

    Misenheimer , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pfeiffer University

    Cost of Degree: $33,290
    Expenses: $15,020
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pfeiffer University known for?

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

    Pfeiffer University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management And Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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North Carolina’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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. Davidson College
  2. Guilford College
  3. Warren Wilson College
  4. Queens University of Charlotte
  5. Catawba College
  6. Johnson C. Smith University
  7. Campbell University
  8. Salem College
  9. University of North Carolina at Asheville
  10. Meredith College
  11. Barton College
  12. Wingate University
  13. University of Mount Olive
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