The Colleges and Universities of North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)

• Location: Chapel Hill, NC

• Established: 1789

• Type: Public Research University

• Student Population: Approximately 30,000

UNC-Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the United States and is considered one of the most prestigious public institutions in the country. Known as a “Public Ivy,” UNC-Chapel Hill offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It is particularly renowned for its programs in law, medicine, business, and public health. The campus is home to the Kenan-Flagler Business School, the UNC School of Law, and the UNC School of Medicine. UNC-Chapel Hill is also known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball, where the Tar Heels have won multiple national championships.

North Carolina State University (NC State)

• Location: Raleigh, NC

• Established: 1887

• Type: Public Research University

• Student Population: Approximately 36,000

  NC State is a leading public research university with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is part of the University of North Carolina system and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. NC State is known for its College of Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Poole College of Management. The university is also involved in significant research initiatives, including partnerships with industry and government agencies. NC State’s athletic teams, the Wolfpack, compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)

• Location: Charlotte, NC

• Established: 1946

• Type: Public Research University

• Student Population: Approximately 30,000

  UNC Charlotte is a growing public research university and is the largest institution in the Charlotte region. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across its seven colleges, including the Belk College of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Health and Human Services. UNC Charlotte is known for its strong connections to the business community in Charlotte, particularly in finance and technology. The university’s athletic teams, the Charlotte 49ers, compete in Conference USA.

East Carolina University (ECU)

• Location: Greenville, NC

• Established: 1907

• Type: Public Research University

• Student Population: Approximately 29,000

  ECU is the third-largest university in North Carolina and is known for its strong programs in health sciences, particularly through the Brody School of Medicine, the College of Nursing, and the School of Dental Medicine. The university also has a strong business program and is known for its commitment to public service. ECU’s athletic teams, the Pirates, compete in the American Athletic Conference.

Elon University

• Location: Elon, NC

• Established: 1889

• Type: Private University

• Student Population: Approximately 7,000

  Elon University is a private liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, study abroad programs, and undergraduate research. Elon offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and is also known for its School of Law and School of Communications. The university’s small class sizes and close-knit community are hallmarks of the Elon experience. Elon’s athletic teams, the Phoenix, compete in the Colonial Athletic Association.

North Carolina Central University (NCCU)

• Location: Durham, NC

• Established: 1910

• Type: Public Historically Black University (HBCU)

• Student Population: Approximately 8,000

  NCCU is a historically black university that is part of the University of North Carolina system. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with notable strengths in law, business, and health sciences. NCCU is also known for its strong commitment to public service and social justice. The university’s athletic teams, the Eagles, compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

Meredith College

• Location: Raleigh, NC

• Established: 1891

• Type: Private Women’s College

• Student Population: Approximately 2,000

  Meredith College is one of the largest private women’s colleges in the Southeast, offering a wide range of undergraduate programs and coeducational graduate programs. Meredith is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, commitment to women’s leadership, and supportive campus community. The college’s athletic teams, the Avenging Angels, compete in NCAA Division III.

Campbell University

• Location: Buies Creek, NC

• Established: 1887

• Type: Private University

• Student Population: Approximately 6,000

  Campbell University is a private university located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its eight schools and colleges. Campbell is particularly known for its programs in law, pharmacy, health sciences, and business. The Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, located in downtown Raleigh, is highly regarded in the state. The university also has a strong focus on faith-based education, leadership development, and community service. Campbell’s athletic teams, the Fighting Camels, compete in the Big South Conference.

Duke University

• Location: Durham, NC

• Established: 1838 (as Brown School; became Duke in 1924)

• Type: Private Research University

• Student Population: Approximately 16,000

Duke University is one of the top private universities in the United States, known for its rigorous academic programs and strong research focus. Duke offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees through its various schools, including the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, the Pratt School of Engineering, the Fuqua School of Business, and the Duke School of Medicine. The university is also known for its competitive athletic programs, particularly in basketball, where the Duke Blue Devils have won several national championships. Duke’s campus is noted for its Gothic architecture, including the iconic Duke Chapel.

Wake Forest University

• Location: Winston-Salem, NC

• Established: 1834

• Type: Private Research University

• Student Population: Approximately 8,000

  Wake Forest University is a private university known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on small class sizes and personal attention. Wake Forest offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including its well-regarded School of Law, School of Medicine, and School of Business. The university is also known for its commitment to public service and ethical leadership. Wake Forest’s athletic teams, the Demon Deacons, compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Appalachian State University

• Location: Boone, NC

• Established: 1899

• Type: Public University

• Student Population: Approximately 20,000

  Appalachian State University, often referred to as App State, is located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The university is known for its strong emphasis on sustainability, outdoor education, and community engagement. App State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in education, business, and environmental science. The university’s athletic teams, the Mountaineers, compete in the Sun Belt Conference and are particularly known for their football program.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro)

• Location: Greensboro, NC

• Established: 1891

• Type: Public Research University

• Student Population: Approximately 20,000

  UNC Greensboro, often referred to as UNCG, is known for its strong liberal arts and research programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with notable strengths in the arts, education, and business. UNCG is also recognized for its commitment to diversity and community engagement. The university’s athletic teams, the Spartans, compete in the Southern Conference.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNC Wilmington)

• Location: Wilmington, NC

• Established: 1947

• Type: Public University

• Student Population: Approximately 18,000

  UNC Wilmington, often referred to as UNCW, is known for its strong programs in marine biology, environmental science, and business. Located near the Atlantic coast, UNCW offers students unique opportunities for hands-on learning in coastal and marine environments. The university also has a strong commitment to undergraduate research and global education. UNCW’s athletic teams, the Seahawks, compete in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Western Carolina University (WCU)

• Location: Cullowhee, NC

• Established: 1889

• Type: Public University

• Student Population: Approximately 12,000

  Located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, WCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on community engagement and regional development. The university is known for its programs in education, business, and health sciences. WCU’s athletic teams, the Catamounts, compete in the Southern Conference.

High Point University

• Location: High Point, NC

• Established: 1924

• Type: Private University

• Student Population: Approximately 5,000

  High Point University is a private liberal arts university known for its focus on experiential learning, personal development, and student success. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its state-of-the-art campus facilities. High Point’s athletic teams, the Panthers, compete in the Big South Conference.