North Carolina Private Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide

Considering higher education in the Tar Heel State? North Carolina boasts a strong workforce, economy, and education system, making it a top state for business. Several North Carolina colleges rank among the best in the country, and the state is home to world-class institutions like Duke University. This guide provides information on private universities in North Carolina, including a list of schools and answers to frequently asked questions.

Popular Private Colleges in North Carolina

Here are some popular private universities in North Carolina to consider:

Davidson College

Davidson offers an intimate liberal arts education experience with a student body of under 2,000 students. The college boasts a 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 17 students, ensuring personalized support from professors. Davidson emphasizes experiential learning, and 78% of students participate in study abroad programs.

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $26,704
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 1,927

Elon University

Elon has a reputation for having strong educators who offer a top-notch experience for undergraduates. An 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio means students can expect plenty of attention from professors. Elon also emphasizes experiential learning and community service, with 87% of students completing internships and 81% participating in community service.

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $41,527
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 7,123

List of All Private Colleges in North Carolina

Below is a comprehensive list of four-year nonprofit private universities in North Carolina. Use this table to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.

Read also: North Carolina Basketball Greats

SchoolTotal Student EnrollmentAvg. Annual Net PriceAcceptance RateNumber of Applicants
Barton College1,265$23,44395%2,129
Belmont Abbey College1,501$23,52297%2,757
Brevard College759$24,22040%2,206
Campbell University5,272$24,28089%3,860
Catawba College1,172$19,70167%3,199
Chowan University886$17,33486%2,259
Davidson College1,927$26,70417%6,479
Duke University18,023$23,6946%50,016
Elon University7,123$41,52774%17,551
Gardner-Webb University3,144$22,33975%5,728
Greensboro College826$19,58184%1,349
Guilford College1,167$23,88284%3,397
High Point University5,981$40,22179%12,446
Johnson C. Smith University1,093$20,04525%2,306
Lees-McRae College855$24,10861%1,733
Lenoir-Rhyne University2,354$21,84383%5,452
Livingstone College839$15,91464%4,074
Mars Hill University1,032$17,72174%1,597
Meredith College1,587$23,25973%1,775
Methodist University1,811$28,12976%2,397
Montreat College972$25,48568%1,440
North Carolina Wesleyan University1,337$18,70168%2,379
Pfeiffer University1,076$21,57569%1,299
Queens University of Charlotte1,873$29,45971%3,154
Saint Augustine’s University1,108$20,08159%4,918
Shaw University1,067$14,20461%2,435
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary2,764$16,32480%60
St. Andrews University809$31,86465%1,767
University of Mount Olive2,239$17,87875%1,838
Wake Forest University8,963$26,19721%16,857
Warren Wilson College793$28,08684%905
William Peace University713$23,04163%1,434
Wingate University3,396$18,82386%20,292

Source: NCES

Benefits of Studying in North Carolina

  • Top Schools: North Carolina is home to several top private universities, some considered Hidden Ivies, offering academics on par with Ivy League schools.
  • Professional Opportunities: Major corporations such as Lowe’s, Honeywell, and Bank of America are headquartered in North Carolina, providing internship and professional experience opportunities.
  • Strong Job Market: North Carolina ranks among the top states for business, meaning ample job opportunities after graduation.
  • Nature and Recreation: Enjoy outdoor attractions like Cape Lookout and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Colleges in North Carolina

  • What is the hardest private college to get into in North Carolina?

    Duke University is the most selective private university in North Carolina, with a 6% acceptance rate. Davidson College is the second-most selective, with a 17% acceptance rate.

  • Is it expensive to go to a private college in North Carolina?

    North Carolina private colleges typically charge higher tuition rates than public colleges. The average cost of tuition and fees for private schools in 2020-21 was $36,772, higher than the national average. Private colleges may offer more financial aid, but public colleges are generally more affordable.

    Read also: NOCCCD: Your Guide

  • How many private universities are in North Carolina?

    There are over 60 private universities in North Carolina, including nonprofit and for-profit schools.

Read also: Academic Pathways at UNC

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