Private Universities in North Carolina: A Complete List
A 2023 CNBC ranking lists North Carolina as the country’s top state for business, largely due to its strong workforce, economy, and education system. Several North Carolina colleges rank among the best in the country, and the state is home to world-class institutions like Duke University.
Check out our guide to private universities in North Carolina to learn more about higher education in the Tar Heel State, including top schools and answers to common questions.
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4 Popular Private Colleges in North Carolina
Here are four popular private universities in North Carolina to consider applying to. These schools were chosen based on factors such as academic quality and rigor, number of applicants, and student outcomes.
1. Duke University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $23,694
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Total Student Enrollment: 18,023
One of the country’s top research universities, Duke also ranks among the most selective private colleges in NC. Students from around the country choose Duke for its top programs in fields like computer science, economics, and public policy.
Duke offers several online graduate degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels, including programs in nursing, engineering, and business.
2. Davidson College
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $26,704
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Total Student Enrollment: 1,927
With a student body of under 2,000 students, Davidson offers an intimate liberal arts education experience. The college boasts a 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 17 students, ensuring you receive personalized support from professors.
Davidson also emphasizes experiential learning, and 78% of students participate in study abroad programs.
3. Wake Forest University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $26,197
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Total Student Enrollment: 8,963
Based in Winston-Salem, Wake Forest ranks among the top North Carolina private colleges. Serving fewer than 9,000 students, the school maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, with small class sizes that offer the feel of a liberal arts school.
Wake Forest offers several fully online graduate degrees and certificates in areas including communication, digital marketing, and educational leadership.
4. Elon University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $41,527
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Total Student Enrollment: 7,123
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 you 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.
List of All Private Colleges in North Carolina
We’ve created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit private universities in North Carolina. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this table.
| 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 |
4 Benefits of Studying in North Carolina
- Top Schools: North Carolina is home to several top private universities, several of which are considered to be
Hidden Ivies
— colleges with academics on par to that offered by Ivy League schools. - Professional Opportunities: Major corporations such as Lowe’s, Honeywell, and Bank of America are headquartered in North Carolina, offering you opportunities for internships and other professional experiences.
- Strong Job Market: North Carolina ranks among the top states for business, meaning you’ll have plenty of job opportunities after graduation.
- Nature and Recreation: When you need a break from studying, you can 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 ranks as the most selective of all private universities in North Carolina, with a 6% acceptance rate in fall 2022, according to NCES. Davidson College ranks as the second-most selective school, 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. And in NC, the average cost of tuition and fees for private schools in 2020-21 — $36,772 — was higher than the average across all states, according to NCES.
That said, private colleges may be able to offer you more financial aid, reducing your overall tuition expenses. But in general, public colleges are usually more affordable than private colleges.
How many private universities are in North Carolina?
There are over 60 private universities in North Carolina, according to NCES. This number includes nonprofit and for-profit schools. Some of the state’s most popular private schools include Duke University, Davidson College, and Wake Forest University.
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