Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024

Badge for BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA GRADUATE SCHOOLS

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.

10 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina

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  1. Duke University
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  3. North Carolina State University
  4. Wake Forest University
  5. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  6. East Carolina University
  7. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  8. North Carolina Central University
  9. Appalachian State University
  10. High Point University
  1. Duke University
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  3. North Carolina State University
  4. Wake Forest University
  5. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  6. East Carolina University
  7. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  8. North Carolina Central University
  9. Appalachian State University
  10. Western Carolina University
  1. East Carolina University 92%
  2. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 92%
  3. Wingate University 86%
  4. Western Carolina University 85%
  5. North Carolina Central University 84%
  6. Appalachian State University 83%
  7. Fayetteville State University 81%
  8. University of North Carolina at Charlotte 80%
  9. High Point University 79%
  10. Gardner–Webb University 75%
  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte 20 to 1
  2. North Carolina A&T State University 19 to 1
  3. East Carolina University 18 to 1
  4. Fayetteville State University 18 to 1
  5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17 to 1
  6. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 17 to 1
  7. High Point University 17 to 1
  8. University of North Carolina Wilmington 17 to 1
  9. Western Carolina University 16 to 1
  10. Appalachian State University 16 to 1
  1. Duke University $62,688
  2. Wake Forest University $62,128
  3. High Point University $41,916
  4. Wingate University $40,806
  5. Gardner–Webb University $32,200
  6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
  7. North Carolina State University $6,535
  8. East Carolina University $4,452
  9. University of North Carolina Wilmington $4,443
  10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro $4,422
  1. Duke University $60,220
  2. Wake Forest University $38,650
  3. High Point University $29,500
  4. Wingate University $12,330
  5. Gardner–Webb University $11,000
  6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
  7. North Carolina State University $9,095
  8. University of North Carolina at Greensboro $5,219
  9. Appalachian State University $4,839
  10. East Carolina University $4,749
  1. Gardner–Webb University
  2. Wingate University
  3. Fayetteville State University
  4. University of North Carolina Wilmington
  5. Western Carolina University
  6. North Carolina A&T State University
  7. High Point University
  8. Appalachian State University
  9. North Carolina Central University
  10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  1. Fayetteville State University
  2. University of North Carolina Wilmington
  3. Gardner–Webb University
  4. Wingate University
  5. North Carolina A&T State University
  6. High Point University
  7. Western Carolina University
  8. Appalachian State University
  9. North Carolina Central University
  10. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  1. Duke University 6%
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17%
  3. Wake Forest University 21%
  4. North Carolina State University 47%
  5. North Carolina A&T State University 56%
  6. University of North Carolina Wilmington 69%
  7. Gardner–Webb University 75%
  8. High Point University 79%
  9. University of North Carolina at Charlotte 80%
  10. Fayetteville State University 81%
  1. Duke University 6 to 1
  2. Wake Forest University 10 to 1
  3. Gardner–Webb University 11 to 1
  4. North Carolina Central University 14 to 1
  5. Wingate University 15 to 1
  6. Western Carolina University 16 to 1
  7. Appalachian State University 16 to 1
  8. North Carolina State University 16 to 1
  9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17 to 1
  10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 17 to 1
  1. Western Carolina University $1,000
  2. Fayetteville State University $1,000
  3. North Carolina A&T State University $3,540
  4. North Carolina Central University $3,728
  5. University of North Carolina at Charlotte $3,812
  6. Appalachian State University $4,242
  7. University of North Carolina at Greensboro $4,422
  8. University of North Carolina Wilmington $4,443
  9. East Carolina University $4,452
  10. North Carolina State University $6,535
  1. Fayetteville State University $3,438
  2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte $4,337
  3. Western Carolina University $4,435
  4. University of North Carolina Wilmington $4,719
  5. North Carolina Central University $4,740
  6. North Carolina A&T State University $4,745
  7. East Carolina University $4,749
  8. Appalachian State University $4,839
  9. University of North Carolina at Greensboro $5,219
  10. North Carolina State University $9,095

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 Grad Schools Badge
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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 2023

  1. #1

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    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
  2. 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

  3. 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
  4. #6

    East Carolina University

    Greenville , NC
    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. #10

    High Point University

    High Point , NC

    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
  8. 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

  9. #15

    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

  10. #16

    Gardner–Webb University

    Boiling Springs , NC

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

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.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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