Top 10 Universities in North Carolina

1. Duke University

Overview:

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is renowned for its rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1838, Duke offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines.

U.S. News Ranking:

Duke University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Duke University has an enrollment of over 16,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.

Degrees Offered:

Duke University offers a diverse array of degrees, including programs in engineering, business, law, medicine, humanities, and natural sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a highly competitive acceptance rate, typically admitting around 8% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Duke University is around 1500.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Some of the most popular extracurricular activities at Duke include student government, community service organizations, performing arts groups, and various sports teams.

Famous Alumni:

1. Tim Cook – CEO of Apple Inc.
2. Melinda Gates – Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
3. Richard Nixon – 37th President of the United States
4. Elizabeth Dole – Former U.S. Senator and Cabinet Secretary
5. Seth Meyers – Comedian and Television Host

Top Hiring Companies:

1. Apple Inc.
2. McKinsey & Company
3. Google
4. Microsoft Corporation
5. Goldman Sachs

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Overview:

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, often referred to as UNC, is a public research university with a rich history dating back to 1789. Located in Chapel Hill, it is the flagship institution of the University of North Carolina system.

U.S. News Ranking:

UNC Chapel Hill consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

UNC Chapel Hill has an enrollment of over 30,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields, including liberal arts, sciences, business, law, and medicine.

Acceptance Rate:

UNC Chapel Hill is selective in its admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 22%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at UNC Chapel Hill is approximately 1350.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

UNC Chapel Hill offers numerous extracurricular activities, including student publications, cultural organizations, performing arts groups, and intramural sports.

Famous Alumni:

1. Michael Jordan – Basketball legend
2. Andy Griffith – Actor and television personality
3. Lewis Black – Comedian and actor
4. Roy Williams – Hall of Fame basketball coach
5. James K. Polk – 11th President of the United States

Top Hiring Companies:

1. IBM
2. Cisco Systems
3. Bank of America
4. UNC Health
5. SAS Institute

3. North Carolina State University

Overview:

North Carolina State University, commonly referred to as NC State, is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Established in 1887, NC State is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, textiles, and design.

U.S. News Ranking:

NC State University is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

NC State has an enrollment of over 36,000 students, making it the largest university in North Carolina.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, education, and humanities.

Acceptance Rate:

NC State is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 46%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at NC State is approximately 1300.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Some of the most popular extracurricular activities at NC State include student government, engineering clubs, cultural organizations, and recreational sports.

Famous Alumni:

1. Philip Rivers – NFL Quarterback
2. John Edwards – Former U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential candidate
3. Russell Wilson – NFL Quarterback
4. James B. Hunt Jr. – Former Governor of North Carolina
5. William Friday – Former President of the University of North Carolina system

Top Hiring Companies:

1. IBM
2. Cisco Systems
3. SAS Institute
4. GlaxoSmithKline
5. Lenovo Group

4. Wake Forest University

Overview:

Wake Forest University is a private research university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1834, Wake Forest is known for its small class sizes, strong liberal arts curriculum, and emphasis on personal and intellectual growth.

U.S. News Ranking:

Wake Forest University consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Wake Forest has an enrollment of around 8,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields, including liberal arts, business, law, and medicine.

Acceptance Rate:

Wake Forest is selective in its admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 29%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Wake Forest is approximately 1400.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Wake Forest offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including student government, performing arts groups, community service organizations, and recreational sports.

Famous Alumni:

1. Arnold Palmer – Golf legend
2. Tim Duncan – NBA Hall of Famer
3. Chris Paul – NBA All-Star
4. Maya Angelou – Author and poet
5. Brian Piccolo – Former NFL player and inspiration for the film “Brian’s Song”

Top Hiring Companies:

1. Deloitte
2. Bank of America
3. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
4. Wells Fargo
5. Hanesbrands Inc.

5. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Overview:

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, commonly known as UNC Charlotte, is a public research university located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 1946, UNC Charlotte has grown rapidly and is now the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region.

U.S. News Ranking:

UNC Charlotte is recognized as one of the top up-and-coming universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

UNC Charlotte has an enrollment of over 30,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, education, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

UNC Charlotte has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 65% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at UNC Charlotte is approximately 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

UNC Charlotte offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, cultural clubs, intramural sports, and community service initiatives.

Famous Alumni:

1. Rory McIlroy – Professional golfer
2. Romare Bearden – Renowned artist
3. Clay Aiken – Singer and former American Idol contestant
4. Sue Myrick – Former U.S. Representative
5. Ronnie Bryant – Former CEO of the Charlotte Regional Partnership

Top Hiring Companies:

1. Bank of America
2. Wells Fargo
3. Duke Energy
4. Carolinas Healthcare System
5. IBM

6. East Carolina University

Overview:

East Carolina University (ECU) is a public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. Founded in 1907, ECU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

U.S. News Ranking:

East Carolina University is recognized for its strong programs in health sciences and education by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

ECU has an enrollment of over 29,000 students, making it the third-largest university in North Carolina.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields, including health sciences, education, business, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

ECU has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 79% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at ECU is approximately 1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

ECU offers numerous extracurricular activities, including student government, Greek life, performing arts groups, and recreational sports.

Famous Alumni:

1. Sandra Bullock – Academy Award-winning actress
2. Vince McMahon – Chairman and CEO of WWE
3. Chris Johnson – Former NFL running back
4. Emily Procter – Actress known for her role on CSI: Miami
5. Vince Coakley – Former news anchor and political candidate

Top Hiring Companies:

1. Vidant Health
2. East Carolina University
3. Pitt County Schools
4. Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
5. BB&T Corporation

7. Appalachian State University

Overview:

Appalachian State University, located in Boone, North Carolina, is a public university known for its strong programs in education, business, health sciences, and sustainability.

U.S. News Ranking:

Appalachian State University is recognized as one of the top public universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Appalachian State has an enrollment of over 19,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including education, business, health sciences, and environmental studies.

Acceptance Rate:

Appalachian State has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 77% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Appalachian State is approximately 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Appalachian State offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, outdoor recreation clubs, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events.

Famous Alumni:

1. Eric Church – Country music singer-songwriter
2. Luke Combs – Country music singer-songwriter
3. Shannon Bream – Journalist and Fox News anchor
4. Sarah Shahi – Actress known for her roles in “The L Word” and “Person of Interest”
5. Daniel Wilcox – Former NFL tight end

Top Hiring Companies:

1. Appalachian Regional Healthcare System
2. Appalachian State University
3. Watauga County Schools
4. Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
5. Wells Fargo

8. North Carolina Central University

Overview:

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a public historically black university located in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 1910, NCCU is known for its strong programs in law, education, business, and the arts.

U.S. News Ranking:

North Carolina Central University is recognized as one of the top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

NCCU has an enrollment of over 8,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including law, education, business, social sciences, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

NCCU has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 79% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at NCCU is approximately 980.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

NCCU offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, Greek life, cultural events, and community service initiatives.

Famous Alumni:

1. Andrea Harris – Co-founder of the Institute of Minority Economic Development
2. Melvin “Skip” Alston – Former North Carolina state legislator
3. Julius L. Chambers – Civil rights attorney and educator
4. Hattie Daniels – Former North Carolina state legislator
5. David L. Howard – Former mayor of Durham, North Carolina

Top Hiring Companies:

1. North Carolina Central University
2. Durham Public Schools
3. Duke University Health System
4. IBM
5. RTI International

9. Elon University

Overview:

Elon University is a private university located in Elon, North Carolina. Established in 1889, Elon is known for its strong programs in communications, business, health sciences, and the arts.

U.S. News Ranking:

Elon University consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Elon has an enrollment of around 7,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including communications, business, health sciences, education, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Elon has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 72% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Elon is approximately 1250.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Elon offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including student government, Greek life, performing arts groups, and community service initiatives.

Famous Alumni:

1. Chris Matthews – Political commentator and television host
2. Jim Cramer – Television personality and host of Mad Money
3. David Brancaccio – Journalist and host of Marketplace
4. Roy Cooper – Governor of North Carolina
5. Bob Young – Co-founder of Red Hat, Inc.

Top Hiring Companies:

1. Elon University
2. LabCorp
3. RTI International
4. Bank of America
5. Wells Fargo

10. Campbell University

Overview:

Campbell University is a private Christian university located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Founded in 1887, Campbell is known for its strong programs in law, pharmacy, health sciences, and divinity.

U.S. News Ranking:

Campbell University is recognized for its strong programs in health sciences and law by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Campbell University has an enrollment of around 7,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including law, pharmacy, health sciences, business, divinity, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Campbell University has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 84% of applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Campbell University is approximately 1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Campbell University offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, community service initiatives, religious groups, and intramural sports.

Famous Alumni:

1. Gaylord Perry – Hall of Fame baseball pitcher
2. Jim Perry – Former Major League Baseball pitcher and brother of Gaylord Perry
3. Sarah Stevens – Former North Carolina state legislator
4. Wes Durham – Sportscaster and voice of the Atlanta Falcons
5. Jerry M. Wallace – Former President of Campbell University

Top Hiring Companies:

1. Campbell University
2. Harnett Health System
3. Cape Fear Valley Health System
4. WakeMed Health & Hospitals
5. BB&T Corporation