The top 10 colleges and universities in North Carolina

North Carolina has some of the best public and private colleges in the country. The state also offers everything from large universities to small colleges, which make finding the right fit easy for you.

Below is a ranking of the top 10 schools in North Carolina by College Factual. This ranking is out of 51 total North Carolina colleges.

Don’t live in North Carolina? You can find the best college in your state by visiting this page.

Editor’s Note: College Factual’s ranking methodology is highly focused on data related to outcomes, such as loan default rates, graduation rates and average starting salaries of graduates. You can read more about their methodology here.

1. Duke University: Durham

Duke University is a private research school that ranks among the top five schools in the country. The university boasts ten schools and colleges and is particularly known for its strong medical programs. Cross registration among these schools and colleges allows students to take classes in a variety of disciplines and gain a comprehensive education.

Along with excellent academic programs, students at the university have access to one of the top private research library systems through four branches located across the campus. The school is also home to many competitive sports teams. The university boasts low student to faculty ratio, high freshmen retention and graduation rates, all while being a reasonable cost for most students.

Among other things, Duke is famous for it’s rabid student basketball fans, who camp out for tickets in an area of the campus known as “Krzyzewskiville.” (USA TODAY file photo)

2. Wake Forest University: Winston Salem

Wake Forest University is a research university that is dedicated to offering students the personal attention of a small liberal arts school. The university offers small class sizes due and has a low student to faculty ratio which means students have the opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with professors, especially on research projects. Wake Forest also has an excellent freshman retention rate.

Overall, the university is considered a fair value for your money. The high annual net price provides students access to cutting edge research facilities along with an excellent education that prepares them for successful careers.

3. Davidson College: Davidson

Davidson College is a highly selective liberal arts institution. The school is focused on developing global leaders through classes in the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences. Students work with faculty members to develop original research and help advance their chosen field. To supplement students’ education, Davidson offers the Dean Rusk International Studies Program, which gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in over 200 study abroad programs. Students at Davidson follow the Honor Code that dates back to 1837. This code is a Davidson tradition and ensures that students are awarded freedoms that help create a relaxed and innovative learning environment.

Due to a strong education and affordable price, Davidson is considered a good value for your money.

4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Chapel Hill

Chartered in 1789, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a long tradition of providing students with rigorous academic programs. The school offers 78 undergraduate programs along with master’s and doctorate programs.

UNC is considered one of the top schools in North Carolina because it challenges students and ensures they enter their career equipped with the required skills and knowledge to be successful. Small classes offer students the opportunity to collaborate with full-time faculty members on a variety of research projects. Thanks to a low price and top quality education, UNC Chapel Hill is the best value for your money.

5. Elon University: Elon

Elon University is a private school known for its engaged learning techniques. The university incorporates a traditional liberal arts education into a hands-on learning environment. Students are given an interdisciplinary education that helps them gain a holistic understanding of their given field. In addition to classroom learning, many students participate in internships and international study to round out their education at Elon. High freshman retention and graduation rates along with an earnings boost for graduates gives Elon a best value score from College Factual.

6. North Carolina State University at Raleigh: Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a research university that blends internships, co-ops and hands-on opportunities with classroom learning to provide students with an experiential education that prepares them for successful careers. Students are awarded the chance to get involved with research opportunities as part of their academic programs. NC State has 12 colleges that offer programs up to the Ph.D. level in all major academic disciplines.

The university has an impressive freshman retention rate and affordable annual price, making it the best value for your money.

7. University of North Carolina School of the Arts: Winston-Salem

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a public arts conservatory that prepares students for a life dedicated to the arts. The school has a very high standard of excellence when it comes to performers, making admission highly selective. Those who are accepted are awarded the opportunity to train with master teachers in their specific discipline. To supplement training, students at the university also take classes in humanities, math, literature and philosophy to ensure they are well rounded as an artist.

Graduates of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts go on to join prestigious groups, such as the American Ballet Theatre, perform on Broadway or in act in award winning shows.

8. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences: Concord

The Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a specialized school located on the campus of Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. The College offers bachelor’s degrees in interdisciplinary health studies, medical imaging and nursing. Students have the opportunity to learn through traditional on-campus classes or in distance learning programs.

Cabarrus is well respected in the healthcare field and is highly selective when it comes to freshmen admissions. The college has a low student to faculty ratio, which gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty members as they gain hands-on experience while training for a career in the medical field.

9. Meredith College: Raleigh

Meredith College is a liberal arts college that is dedicated to educating women since North Carolina Baptists chartered it in 1891. Today, the school offers more than 80 academic programs that are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education. To further help students succeed, Meredith helps students identify their strengths and reach their goals using a research-based assessment tool called StrongPoints.

With its low annual net cost and strong academic programs, Meredith College is the best value for your money.

10. Appalachian State University: Boone

As one of 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian State University rounds out the top ten colleges in North Carolina. This liberal arts research university is a highly selective school known for blending affordability with challenging academic programs. Students work with faculty members to perform research and take classes across multiple disciplines to prepare for a profession following graduation.

Appalachian’s mission is to develop global citizens who understand the importance of a sustainable future. The school is considered one of the most environmentally responsible schools in the country and consistently works towards maintaining that standing. Appalachian is also considered one of College Factual’s best value schools. The college boasts a high freshman retention rate and a low student to faculty ratio.