Best
Public Colleges in North Carolina in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in North Carolina prepares students for organizations in finance, technology, healthcare, and tourism. Typical courses cover accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, statistics, and operations. Projects and internships can strengthen leadership, communication, and analytical skills. Popular colleges offering business programs include UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, UNC Charlotte, Wake Forest University, and East Carolina University. Graduates often work as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales representatives, or operations managers.

Psychology

Studying psychology in North Carolina offers coursework in cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology, alongside research methods, statistics, and labs. Students can explore mental health, human behavior, and local communities. Popular options include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina State University, and Wake Forest University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as research assistants, case managers, human resources coordinators, or behavioral health technicians; clinical practice generally requires further graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in North Carolina offers access to strong technology programs and growing tech hubs. Coursework typically includes programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular choices include North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, and network engineers. Internships and research can strengthen preparation.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in North Carolina can prepare students for supportive roles in schools, clinics, and community agencies. Typical courses include counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, and supervised practicum or internship experiences. Popular North Carolina options include the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, UNC Charlotte, East Carolina University, and North Carolina A&T State University. Graduates may pursue work as school counselors, licensed mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, or career advisors.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in North Carolina combines classroom learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child health, and mental health nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or public health agencies. Colleges include Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, and Appalachian State University. Programs vary by degree level and admissions requirements.

Best Colleges in North Carolina Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 19,065.0, compared with 26,771.8 at schools in the top 10%, indicating that the top-ranked group has a higher median cost.
• An average of 95.4% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 69.82% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 69.82%. Schools receive an average of 19,512.47 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 39,516.4 applicants. The median number of applicants is 5,460.0 for men and 11,892.0 for women.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,134.62 and 22.4, respectively.
• The average number of enrolled students is 15,050.29. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 936.12 and 1,347.59, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 63.18%, compared with 87.4% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 52.5% for men and 65.0% for women.
• Two institutions offer associate's degrees, 17 offer bachelor's degrees, 16 offer master's degrees, and 11 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 17 coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh cost and financial aid alongside admissions figures, enrollment, graduation outcomes, degree offerings, and the available school type. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and average graduation rates, while the overall group has a higher average share of students receiving financial aid.

How much does studying at a college in North Carolina cost?

For planning, the reported average total cost of studying in North Carolina is $17,963.82, best treated as a typical one-year estimate - not the full price of an entire degree. Your total degree bill will depend on how many years you attend, your college, and your living arrangements.

• Tuition and fees average $7,283.12, a useful starting point when comparing schools such as UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University.
• Room and board average $13,050.19, so living at home, sharing housing, or choosing a campus meal plan can make a meaningful difference.
• Books and supplies average $988.60; buying used books or checking library resources may help keep this cost manageable.

These categories are reported averages and do not add up to the stated total, so use $17,963.82 as the overall benchmark rather than combining the figures. Costs at Duke University and other North Carolina colleges can differ from statewide averages. Before enrolling, check each school's current cost estimate and financial aid options. Scholarships, grants, and in-state tuition eligibility may make earning a degree more affordable, helping you plan confidently for your education and future.

How long does it take to finish college in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at a community college often takes about two. Your timeline can vary with major requirements, course availability, work, and family commitments. UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, and Duke have distinct degree plans. Finishing on time is achievable, and planning early can make the experience more manageable for you.

Students may shorten the timeline by:

• Using AP, dual-enrollment, or accepted transfer credits to meet requirements sooner.
• Taking summer classes or an additional course load, if available.

North Carolina's average graduation rate is 63.18%; among the top 10% of schools, it is 87.4%. Rates are 55.56% for men and 66.18% for women. These figures show that many students graduate, while persistence and support matter. Ask an adviser about credit transfer, course sequencing, and tutoring so you can build a realistic plan and celebrate progress toward your goal.

Salary

After graduating from college in North Carolina, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $45,297. Graduates of schools ranked in the top 10% by alumni salary have a higher median of about $52,316. These figures offer a useful benchmark as you compare programs at popular universities such as UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, Duke, and Appalachian State.

Your own earnings may be higher or lower depending on your field, degree level, experience, and location. For example, career opportunities can differ between the Research Triangle, Charlotte, and smaller communities across the state. Looking at outcomes for your intended major can help you feel more confident about how a degree may fit your goals.

People also ask

What is the most prestigious college in North Carolina?

Duke University is often considered North Carolina's most prestigious college, thanks to its strong national reputation, selective admissions, and renowned programs in fields such as medicine, law, and engineering. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is also exceptionally prestigious, particularly as a leading public university. Which is the better fit depends on your goals, budget, and preferred campus experience.

Which city in North Carolina has the best public schools?

Chapel Hill is frequently recognized for its public schools, which are part of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School district. Families may value the district's academic reputation and the community's college-town atmosphere. Still, "best" depends on the measures you care about, and school quality can vary by campus and student needs. Check current school assignments and performance data before deciding where to live.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in North Carolina Ranking in 2026-2027

Located in Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers North Carolina students a large, established university experience in a lively college town. It enrolls 34,099 students, reports a 91% graduation rate, and admits 15% of applicants, making admission highly selective. The listed total study cost is $39,228, while median alumni salary is $50,569. For in-state applicants comparing outcomes and selectivity, UNC combines strong completion figures with broad campus resources and a prominent public-university setting, locally too.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro gives students a historically Black public university experience within the state's higher-education landscape. Its 14,311 students benefit from a campus community smaller than UNC Chapel Hill's, while the reported 57% graduation rate and 50% acceptance rate offer context when weighing fit and admissions chances. The listed total cost is $17,400, the lowest among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $45,297. For North Carolina students seeking affordability and a distinctive campus tradition, it merits consideration.

Appalachian State University, based in Boone, offers a mountain-town setting that can appeal to North Carolina students who want an outdoors-oriented campus atmosphere. Its enrollment is 21,798, with a 75% graduation rate and a 90% acceptance rate. The listed total study cost is $21,875, and median alumni salary is $42,100. These figures give applicants a basis for comparing affordability, access, and outcomes with other public universities in the state. Consider whether Boone's location and campus environment suit your academic priorities.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh places students in the state capital and is known for a science, technology, engineering, and agriculture presence. It has 39,259 enrolled students, the largest enrollment among these five schools, alongside an 85% graduation rate and 42% acceptance rate. Its listed total cost is $30,583, and median alumni salary is $54,937, the highest figure in this group. For North Carolina residents seeking a research-focused campus and career connections, Raleigh offers a setting to study.

East Carolina University in Greenville provides North Carolina students with a public university option in the eastern part of the state. It enrolls 27,153 students and reports a 63% graduation rate and an 89% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of studying is $20,729, and median alumni salary is $47,827. Its student body and regional location may suit applicants seeking a campus community beyond the state's metro areas. Compare these figures with your budget, intended program, and setting before applying.