North Carolina is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, and for its growing economy. The state is also home to some of the country’s top private colleges and universities. These institutions provide a range of academic programs, from liberal arts and sciences to professional and technical fields.
1. Duke University
History and Overview
Founded in 1838 and located in Durham, Duke University is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the United States. Originally known as Trinity College, it was renamed Duke University in 1924 after the Duke Endowment was established. Duke is known for its rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and beautiful Gothic architecture.
Academic Offerings
Duke offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its schools, including:
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences: Majors in English, History, Economics, Biology, and Environmental Science.
- Pratt School of Engineering: Specializations in Biomedical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Fuqua School of Business: MBA programs and degrees in Finance, Marketing, and Strategy.
- School of Medicine and Law: Professional degrees in Medicine (MD) and Law (JD).
- Nicholas School of the Environment: Degrees in Environmental Policy, Forestry, and Marine Sciences.
Key Features
- World-Class Research: Duke is a research powerhouse, with strong programs in medicine, environmental sciences, and engineering. The university is home to the Duke University Medical Center, a leading research hospital.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Duke encourages interdisciplinary studies, blending traditional fields to create innovative programs, such as its Global Health Institute.
- Diversity and Global Reach: Duke has a large international student population and offers extensive study abroad opportunities, reflecting its global outlook.
2. Wake Forest University
History and Overview
Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, was founded in 1834. Originally a small Baptist college, it has grown into a nationally recognized research university. Despite its growth, Wake Forest maintains a strong focus on liberal arts education and a commitment to personal attention through small class sizes.
Academic Offerings
Wake Forest offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its various schools:
- College of Arts and Sciences: Majors in Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Biology.
- School of Business: Programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Business Analytics.
- School of Law: Offering a Juris Doctor (JD) program and dual degrees with the MBA program.
- School of Divinity: A distinctive program integrating theological education with social justice and community leadership.
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: Offers master’s and doctoral degrees in various disciplines.
Key Features
- Personalized Education: Wake Forest has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
- Pro Humanitate: The university motto, meaning “for humanity,” reflects Wake Forest’s strong commitment to community service and ethical leadership.
- Innovative Programs: The university offers unique programs like the Center for Bioethics, Health & Society and the Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Program, fostering cross-disciplinary learning.
3. Davidson College
History and Overview
Founded in 1837 and located in Davidson, North Carolina, Davidson College is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Known for its rigorous academics and honor code, Davidson provides a close-knit, collaborative environment where students are encouraged to excel academically and develop leadership skills.
Academic Offerings
Davidson offers a broad liberal arts curriculum with majors in various disciplines, including:
- Humanities: English, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Classics.
- Social Sciences: Political Science, Economics, Psychology, and Sociology.
- Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Studies.
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Self-designed majors that allow students to combine multiple disciplines.
Key Features
- The Davidson Honor Code: A defining feature of the college, the honor code promotes academic integrity, with students trusted to take exams without proctors and to govern themselves responsibly.
- Commitment to Access and Inclusion: Davidson is need-blind in admissions and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can afford to attend.
- Strong Athletic Tradition: Davidson is a member of the NCAA Division I, with strong programs in basketball, football, and soccer.
4. Elon University
History and Overview
Elon University, founded in 1889 and located in Elon, North Carolina, has grown significantly in the past few decades and is now known for its strong focus on experiential learning, global engagement, and a liberal arts foundation. Elon is often ranked highly for student engagement and quality of life.
Academic Offerings
Elon offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, with key areas of study including:
- School of Communications: Programs in Journalism, Strategic Communications, Cinema and Television Arts, and Communication Design.
- Martha and Spencer Love School of Business: Majors in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, and Marketing.
- Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences: Majors in History, Political Science, Biology, and Mathematics.
- School of Law and School of Health Sciences: Offering JD, Physician Assistant, and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degrees.
Key Features
- Experiential Learning: Elon emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, study abroad programs, and research opportunities. The Elon Experiences program encourages students to engage in global learning, internships, leadership, service, and undergraduate research.
- Engaged Learning: The Elon Commitment ensures students are involved in their learning, with opportunities for mentoring, collaborative research, and community service.
- Global Education: Elon has a strong emphasis on global engagement, with a high percentage of students participating in study abroad programs.
5. High Point University
History and Overview
Founded in 1924, High Point University is a private university located in High Point, North Carolina. High Point has gained national attention for its rapid expansion and focus on providing a well-rounded, holistic education that prepares students for success in the professional world.
Academic Offerings
High Point offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its eight schools, including:
- David R. Hayworth College of Arts and Sciences: Programs in English, History, Psychology, and Political Science.
- Phillips School of Business: Majors in Business Administration, Accounting, and International Business.
- School of Education: Degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Educational Leadership.
- Congdon School of Health Sciences: Programs in Exercise Science, Physician Assistant Studies, and Physical Therapy.
- Nido R. Qubein School of Communication: Majors in Media Production, Journalism, and Strategic Communication.
Key Features
- Focus on Life Skills: High Point emphasizes teaching life skills, offering unique programs like President’s Seminar on Life Skills, where students learn leadership, financial literacy, and communication skills.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: The university encourages internships, undergraduate research, and international study, with state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance practical learning.
- Comprehensive Career Preparation: High Point integrates career services into the student experience, offering mentorship programs, career fairs, and professional development workshops.
6. Queens University of Charlotte
History and Overview
Queens University of Charlotte, founded in 1857 and located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a private liberal arts university with a focus on personalized education and strong connections to the business and healthcare communities of Charlotte. Queens offers a balance of liberal arts and professional programs.
Academic Offerings
Queens offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its various schools, including:
- Blair College of Health: Programs in Nursing, Health Sciences, and Health Administration.
- McColl School of Business: Majors in Finance, Marketing, and Business Administration.
- College of Arts and Sciences: Programs in English, Communication, Psychology, and Environmental Science.
- Knight School of Communication: Programs in Digital Media, Journalism, and Communication Studies.
Key Features
- Internship and Networking Opportunities: Queens University takes advantage of its location in Charlotte, one of the nation’s major banking and healthcare hubs, offering students ample internship opportunities and professional connections.
- Global Education: Queens emphasizes global engagement, offering programs like the John Belk International Program, which provides students with financial support for study abroad experiences.
- Personalized Learning Environment: With small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, Queens provides a personalized educational experience where students receive close mentorship and support.
7. Meredith College
History and Overview
Founded in 1891, Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a private women’s college known for its focus on empowering women through strong liberal arts and professional education. Meredith provides a supportive environment where women are encouraged to lead and excel academically.
Academic Offerings
Meredith offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in liberal arts, business, and health sciences. Key areas of study include:
- Arts and Humanities: Majors in English, Religious and Ethical Studies, History, and Foreign Languages.
- Business and Economics: Programs in Business Administration, Accounting, and Economics.
- Health and Human Sciences: Degrees in Psychology, Nutrition, and Exercise Science.
- Education: Meredith offers strong programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, as well as graduate degrees in Educational Leadership.
Key Features
- Focus on Women’s Leadership: Meredith’s StrongPoints® Program helps students identify and build on their strengths, providing career coaching, leadership development, and financial planning.
- Engagement with the Raleigh Community: The college’s location in the capital city provides students with opportunities for internships and career placements in business, government, and healthcare.
- Supportive Environment: Meredith prides itself on fostering a tight-knit, supportive community where women can thrive academically and socially.
8. Guilford College
History and Overview
Founded in 1837 and located in Greensboro, Guilford College is a private liberal arts college with a rich Quaker heritage. Guilford emphasizes social responsibility, community service, and peaceful conflict resolution, providing students with an education rooted in ethical decision-making.
Academic Offerings
Guilford offers a variety of undergraduate programs that integrate liberal arts with practical skills. Key areas of study include:
- Humanities: Majors in English, History, Religious Studies, and Philosophy.
- Social Sciences: Programs in Political Science, Sociology, and Psychology.
- Natural Sciences: Degrees in Biology, Environmental Science, and Chemistry.
- Interdisciplinary Programs: Unique offerings such as Peace and Conflict Studies, African American Studies, and Environmental Justice.
Key Features
- Quaker Heritage: Guilford’s Quaker roots emphasize community, equality, and integrity, with a strong focus on service learning and social justice.
- Campus and Environmental Commitment: The college is dedicated to sustainability, with programs and initiatives aimed at reducing the school’s carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship.
- Innovative Curriculum: Guilford’s Collaborative Quest Program combines traditional learning with internships, study abroad, and community projects, giving students a holistic and practical education.