Most
Popular Colleges in North Carolina in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in North Carolina offers preparation for leadership and work across industries. Programs typically cover accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and data analysis, often with internships or team projects. Popular options include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, East Carolina University, and Appalachian State University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations supervisors, or sales managers, depending on experience.

Psychology

Studying psychology in North Carolina offers opportunities at universities such as UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, North Carolina State University, and Wake Forest University. Courses typically include introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students build skills in understanding behavior, evaluating evidence, and communicating effectively. Graduates with a bachelor's degree may pursue roles as research assistants, case managers, behavioral technicians, human resources specialists, or market researchers.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in North Carolina offers access to strong technology employers and varied academic options. Programs typically cover programming, data structures, algorithms, computer systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students often build projects and gain internship experience. Popular choices include North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Appalachian State University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or IT consultant.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in North Carolina can prepare students to support individuals and communities through evidence-based care. Typical courses cover counseling theories, ethics, assessment, lifespan development, group counseling, multicultural practice, and research methods. Depending on the degree and licensure path, graduates may work as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance use counselors, or career counselors. North Carolina options include the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, East Carolina University, and Wake Forest University, all well-known choices.

Nursing

Studying nursing in North Carolina offers associate and bachelor's degree pathways, with classroom instruction and clinical experience in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and medical-surgical nursing. Graduates become registered nurses, working in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or public health. Popular colleges include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, East Carolina University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Best Colleges in North Carolina Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 25,223.5, compared with 42,539.2 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% schools more expensive by this measure.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 67.09% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 67.09%. Schools receive an average of 9,834.97 applicants, while top 10% schools average 25,140.5 applicants. The median number of applicants is 1,749.0 for men and 2,268.5 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,116.68 on the SAT and 22.29 on the ACT.
• Schools average 5,944.17 enrolled students, including averages of 424.18 men and 540.45 women.
• The average graduation rate is 53.89%, compared with 84.4% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 43.0% for men and 55.0% for women.
• There are 16 institutions offering associate's degrees, 57 offering bachelor's degrees, 50 offering master's degrees, and 18 offering doctor's degrees.
• The ranking includes 54 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, test-score expectations, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes. The differences between overall averages and top 10% schools can help you decide which factors best fit your academic goals and budget.

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

The average total cost of studying at a college in North Carolina is about $27,629 for an academic year. This gives you a useful planning benchmark, but it is not the price of an entire degree: a bachelor's program commonly takes several years, and your actual total depends on the school, program, residency status, and how long you attend. For a rough four-year comparison, multiplying the annual average by four comes to about $110,515, before changes in costs or financial aid.

Popular choices include UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University, both public, and private Duke University. Compare each institution's current cost of attendance: tuition, housing, meals, books, and transportation can differ substantially. North Carolina residents may qualify for lower in-state tuition, and grants, scholarships, or federal aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Request personalized estimates from college financial-aid offices; planning ahead helps you find a program and budget that feel manageable.

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; an associate degree at a community college usually takes two. At UNC-Chapel Hill or NC State, changing majors, working while enrolled, or taking lighter course loads can extend that timeline, so your own pace may differ. The average graduation rate is 53.89%, meaning just over half graduate according to this measure. Among the top 10% of schools, the average is 84.4%. Rates average 46.57% for men and 58.49% for women. These figures show outcomes vary, but graduating is achievable with planning and support.

• Use AP, dual-enrollment, or prior-learning credits accepted by your college.
• Take summer classes or a manageable heavier course load, checking prerequisites and financial aid; plan these options when possible.
• Begin at a North Carolina community college, earn an associate degree, then often transfer through an eligible pathway to UNC-Chapel Hill or NC State; confirm credits fit your major.

Salary

College graduates in North Carolina have a median alumni salary of about $42,354. At schools in the top 10% for alumni salaries, the median is about $54,434. These figures offer a helpful benchmark, though your own earnings can vary based on your field, experience, and employer.

Whether you're considering NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, or another North Carolina college, your degree can open up exciting career possibilities. Use these statewide figures as a starting point while comparing programs and the careers they prepare you for.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in North Carolina?

It depends on how attendance is counted. Among four-year universities, North Carolina State University is generally the largest by total enrollment, with roughly 40,000 students in recent fall counts. Wake Tech serves more students over the course of a year, so it may lead when community-college annual participation is included.

What is the most popular school in North Carolina?

There is no official measure of "most popular," but UNC-Chapel Hill is a strong answer if popularity means how many prospective students apply. Its large applicant pool reflects its academic reputation, spirited campus life, and appeal to students across the state. For an in-state applicant, it is a compelling public-university option.

What is the most famous university in North Carolina?

Duke University is arguably North Carolina's best-known university nationally and internationally, thanks to its prominent research, medical center, and highly visible athletics. Its Durham campus has a distinctive Gothic look and a strong global profile. UNC-Chapel Hill is also exceptionally well known, especially for its historic public mission and college basketball.

What is the hardest university to get into in North Carolina?

Duke is typically the hardest North Carolina university to enter, with recent first-year admission rates around 5%, though rates change each year and vary by program. That selectivity makes admission a reach even for excellent students. If Duke is your goal, thoughtful essays, strong coursework, and a balanced college list can help you plan confidently.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in North Carolina Ranking in 2026-2027

Duke University, in Durham, combines a major research environment with a close connection to North Carolina's Research Triangle. Its 17,325 enrolled students can pursue broad academic options, while the 6% acceptance rate signals highly selective admission. The graduation rate is 97%, and median alumni salary is $84,014. The reported total study cost is $66,325. For North Carolina students, Duke offers access to regional employers, cultural life, and internships, alongside demanding coursework and extensive campus resources in a vibrant university setting.

Davidson College, in the town of Davidson near Charlotte, is a liberal arts college known for its undergraduate focus and residential campus. Its 1,860 enrolled students may find faculty interaction and a campus community. Admission is selective at 13%, while the graduation rate is 91%. The total study cost is $63,850, and median alumni salary is $49,550. For North Carolina-based students, Davidson offers a campus experience within reach of Charlotte's internships, arts, and opportunities, while retaining a college town atmosphere.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, often called Carolina, is a public research university in Chapel Hill, anchoring the state's Research Triangle region. Its 34,099 enrolled students have access to a broad range of academic programs and a lively college town. The acceptance rate is 15%, and graduation rate is 91%. Total study cost is $39,228, while median alumni salary is $50,569. For North Carolina students, in-state attendance and nearby state institutions offer valuable connections for careers and service.

Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, is a private university with a strong academic community and a campus rooted in North Carolina. Its 9,633 enrolled students study in a relatively smaller setting than the state's largest universities. The acceptance rate is 22%, and 89% of students graduate. Reported total study cost is $66,470, while median alumni salary is $53,930. For North Carolina residents, Winston-Salem offers access to regional healthcare, business, and arts communities beyond campus, and promising local career connections.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, in Winston-Salem, is a public conservatory focused on professional training in the performing, visual, and moving image arts. Its 1,118 students study in a specialized creative environment rather than a broad traditional university setting. The acceptance rate is 30%, and graduation rate is 78%. Reported total study cost is $24,231, with median alumni salary of $27,135. For North Carolina students, it offers arts education and access to the state's creative communities.