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
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barton College | 1,265 | $23,443 | 95% | 2,129 |
| Belmont Abbey College | 1,501 | $23,522 | 97% | 2,757 |
| Brevard College | 759 | $24,220 | 40% | 2,206 |
| Campbell University | 5,272 | $24,280 | 89% | 3,860 |
| Catawba College | 1,172 | $19,701 | 67% | 3,199 |
| Chowan University | 886 | $17,334 | 86% | 2,259 |
| Davidson College | 1,927 | $26,704 | 17% | 6,479 |
| Duke University | 18,023 | $23,694 | 6% | 50,016 |
| Elon University | 7,123 | $41,527 | 74% | 17,551 |
| Gardner-Webb University | 3,144 | $22,339 | 75% | 5,728 |
| Greensboro College | 826 | $19,581 | 84% | 1,349 |
| Guilford College | 1,167 | $23,882 | 84% | 3,397 |
| High Point University | 5,981 | $40,221 | 79% | 12,446 |
| Johnson C. Smith University | 1,093 | $20,045 | 25% | 2,306 |
| Lees-McRae College | 855 | $24,108 | 61% | 1,733 |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | 2,354 | $21,843 | 83% | 5,452 |
| Livingstone College | 839 | $15,914 | 64% | 4,074 |
| Mars Hill University | 1,032 | $17,721 | 74% | 1,597 |
| Meredith College | 1,587 | $23,259 | 73% | 1,775 |
| Methodist University | 1,811 | $28,129 | 76% | 2,397 |
| Montreat College | 972 | $25,485 | 68% | 1,440 |
| North Carolina Wesleyan University | 1,337 | $18,701 | 68% | 2,379 |
| Pfeiffer University | 1,076 | $21,575 | 69% | 1,299 |
| Queens University of Charlotte | 1,873 | $29,459 | 71% | 3,154 |
| Saint Augustine’s University | 1,108 | $20,081 | 59% | 4,918 |
| Shaw University | 1,067 | $14,204 | 61% | 2,435 |
| Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary | 2,764 | $16,324 | 80% | 60 |
| St. Andrews University | 809 | $31,864 | 65% | 1,767 |
| University of Mount Olive | 2,239 | $17,878 | 75% | 1,838 |
| Wake Forest University | 8,963 | $26,197 | 21% | 16,857 |
| Warren Wilson College | 793 | $28,086 | 84% | 905 |
| William Peace University | 713 | $23,041 | 63% | 1,434 |
| Wingate University | 3,396 | $18,823 | 86% | 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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