What Makes North Carolina Great?

Overview

While there are other research-focused universities in the state of North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte bills itself as the only “urban research” university among the 17 institutions within the UNC system of higher learning. Established in 1946 as a school for WWII veterans, UNC Charlotte now enrolls about 28,700 students. This public, co-educational school offers a 19:1 student/faculty ratio.

Features

As the largest public university in the Charlotte region, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is well-known for its collaboration with business and industry. UNC Charlotte presents its students with a wide variety of options across 77 undergraduate, 63 graduate, and 23 doctoral programs. Some of the most popular majors are:

• Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Social Sciences

Notables

In 2016, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte received over $40 million in research grants. With that money, students and faculty concentrate their research on improving the lives of the people in and around the Charlotte metropolitan area. Also important to note is UNC Charlotte’s stellar reputation for its part-time MBA program. The program is ranked #20 by Bloomberg Businessweek, #42 by U.S. News & World Report, and within Tier 1 by CEO Magazine.

Overview

The small town of Cullowhee, NC is where you’ll find Western Carolina University. With only 10,800 students and a 16:1 student/faculty ratio, WCU offers you the opportunity to be more than just a number. This public, co-educational institution was founded in 1889 as a teachers’ college but has since grown to a full-service university that serves the needs of its regional population. WCU is one of 17 schools that belong to the UNC system of higher learning.

Features

Western Carolina University has a strong focus on growing the economics and community of western North Carolina. To that end, the most popular degrees of their over 155 degrees are:

• Nursing
• Business Administration & Management
• Education for Jr. High/Middle School
• Emergency Medical Technology

WCU’s academic programs are centered on academic discovery and hands-on learning. Teaching, service, and community engagement are part of WCU’s core philosophy.

Notables

Western Carolina University is one of the only universities to have its own base camp for students. Base Camp Cullowhee provides a variety of outdoor adventure programs which has earned WCU the title of “Top Adventure College” from Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine. Overall, WCU is continually ranked in the top 15 for best public schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

Elon University is centered on student-faculty engagement, and this mid-size, private university boasts an impressive 12:1 student/faculty ratio to prove they are serious. Located in Elon, NC, there are almost 6,800 students in attendance. Elon University was established in 1889 with a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, and the curriculum continues in that tradition today.

Features

Experiential learning is at the heart of Elon University’s educational methodology. In fact, 74% of students will experience international study abroad by the time they graduate. With a 78% graduation rate, Elon earned a spot in the top 10% of private universities in the U.S. for graduates of a four-year degree program.

Elon offers over 60 majors to students and the most popular majors include:

• Business
• Psychology
• Education – Health & Physical
• Biology

Notables

Elon University’s commitment to student success has been featured in U.S News & World Report for its innovative academics that foster student achievement. Specifically, Elon is #1 for best regional university in the South, also according to U.S. News & World Report. And, Princeton Review named Elon as best college for study abroad. If you’re looking to spend wisely, Elon is considered a “best value” for a private university by Kiplinger’s.

Overview

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University makes its home in Greensboro, NC with more than 10,000 students and a 19:1 student/faculty ratio. Originally founded in 1890 as a land-grant university, NC A&T has developed into a globally minded and innovative doctoral research university. This historically black university is a public, co-educational institution that belongs to the UNC system of higher learning.

Features

Visionary learning and a spirit of discovery are hallmarks of North Carolina A&T State University’s academic programs. Environmental technology, human-machine studies, and a brand new Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering are a few examples of NC A&T’s groundbreaking areas of study. NC A&T has more than 175 undergraduate and graduate majors. The most popular are:

• Engineering
• Business
• Psychology
• Management
• Liberal Arts and Sciences

Notables

North Carolina A&T State University confers the highest number of Engineering degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral) for African American graduates in the U.S. The same is true for African American undergraduates in Psychology. NC A&T is also among universities that graduate the most African American accountants. U.S. News & World Report named NC A&T as #10 among historically black colleges and universities.

Overview

North Carolina Central University has a proud history that includes being the first public liberal arts college in the U.S. for African Americans. Initially established in 1909 as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua, NCCU now enrolls almost 8,100 students. NCCU is a public, co-educational institution located in Durham, NC with a student/faculty ratio of 15:1. This historically black university is part of the UNC system of higher learning.

Features

North Carolina Central University trains its students to be problem solvers who can make an impact on their local communities as well as communities across the globe. With that goal in mind, NCCU created its Community Services Program which sets a target of 15 hours of community service for each student per semester. NCCU offers 78 degree programs, with around half for undergraduates and half for graduates. Most popular majors are:

• Criminal Justice
• Family and Consumer Science
• Business Administration
• Psychology

Notables

U.S. News & World Report ranked North Carolina Central University as #13 among historically black colleges and universities and as #24 of the best public schools in the South. The NCCU School of Law placed #3 in the country as most affordable law school, also by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

If you are searching for the quintessential, small, private liberal arts college experience, then you’ll find it at Pfeiffer University. With only 1624 students and a 12:1 student/faculty ratio, Pfeiffer provides a personalized approach to student-centered learning. There is almost a 50/50 split of undergraduates and graduates. Pfeiffer University, located in the town of Misenheimer, NC, was founded in 1885 as a home school that was later managed by the United Methodist Church.

Features

Pfeiffer still maintains its association with the Methodist Church to this day while fulfilling its mission to educate students as servant leaders. Pfeiffer University guides its graduates to live a life of scholarship, spirituality, and service. With that goal in mind, students can pursue one of more than 40 majors.

Popular majors include:

• Health Care Administration
• Business Administration & Management
• Counseling – Marriage & Family Therapy
• Organizational Leadership

Notables

U.S. News & World Report ranks Pfeiffer University ranks in the top 100 of best regional universities in the South. Of the many traditions at Pfeiffer, the university holds its Village Church in high regard. This United Methodist congregation is student-run and welcomes people of all faiths to join in meaningful activities of service.

Overview

The University of North Carolina at Asheville is the designated liberal arts university among the 17 schools that belong to the UNC system of higher learning. That means that UNC Asheville delivers a top notch liberal arts education with an emphasis on critical thinking. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, UNC Asheville was founded in 1927. Almost 3,900 students are enrolled at this public, co-educational institution and the student/faculty ratio is 14:1.

Features

There are more than 30 undergraduate majors offered by the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Popular majors include:

• Environmental Studies
• Psychology
• Biology
• Health and Wellness Promotion
• Management

At least 60% of students participate in UNC Asheville’s Undergraduate Research Program which has earned national respect. This undergraduate research goes hand in hand with the interdisciplinary learning that is fundamental to UNC Asheville’s liberal arts curriculum.

Notables

As far as public liberal arts colleges, the University of North Carolina at Asheville is ranked #8 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. With such strong advocacy for the liberal arts, it makes sense that UNC Asheville is also the headquarters for the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). In addition, UNC Asheville is considered a good value for the cost, according to the Princeton Review, Kiplinger’s, and Fiske.

Overview

Celebrating 150 years since its founding in 1867, Johnson C. Smith University describes itself as a “premier, independent, urban university”. This private, liberal arts school is located in Charlotte, NC and is fully immersed in the city’s urban core, providing students with a diverse, multi-cultural educational experience. Fewer than 1500 students attend JCSU and the low 11:1 student/faculty ratio promotes individualized attention and support.

Features

Johnson C. Smith University is a historically black university that encourages students to think about social responsibility while they are earning their degrees. There are 23 undergraduate majors and 1 graduate program for a Master’s of Social Work. The most popular undergraduate majors are:

• Business Administration & Management
• Criminology
• Biology
• Information Technology

Taken as a whole, JCSU drives students to lean forward, take risks, and be entrepreneurs – all within a socially conscious context.

Notables

U.S. News & World Report named Johnson C. Smith University as #15 among historically black colleges and universities. Because JCSU believes in embracing a global perspective through its curriculum, every student receives a free passport. In addition, JCSU focuses on incorporating its liberal arts foundation with business, science, and technology which earned the school an award for “Best STEM Program” from Historically Black Colleges & Universities Digest.

Overview

Fayetteville State University was established in 1867, making this school the second-oldest public institution for advanced instruction in the state of North Carolina. Located in Fayetteville, FSU was originally founded as the Howard School for the education of African-Americans and today has become one of the most diverse campuses in the country. This public, co-educational university has a student/faculty ratio of 19:1 with more than 6,300 students in attendance. FSU is one of 17 schools that belong to the UNC system of higher learning.

Features

The underlying principle of Fayetteville State University’s educational charter is student-centered learning. As such, FSU has created a supportive student environment through its Center for Personal Development, Freshman Seminar Program, and Student Academic Services Center. These resources foster student success across 66 degree programs. The most popular majors are:

• Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Psychology
• Business Administration & Management
• Sociology

Notables

With a focus on student safety, Fayetteville State University boasts the lowest crime rate of all schools in the UNC system. And, FSU is considered one of the more affordable public colleges nationwide, according to the Lumina Foundation. U.S. News & World Report gave FSU a respectable ranking of #26 in the category of Historically Black Colleges & Universities.

Overview

East Carolina University was founded in 1907 to be a teacher training institution. Since then, the institution has adapted to local needs by becoming a community college and then a 4-year college. In 1972, East Carolina University joined the University of North Carolina higher education system. East Carolina University is in Greenville, North Carolina, 85 miles east of Raleigh and 87 miles due west of the Atlantic Ocean. It has 5 campuses with over 1600 acres.

Features

Today, East Carolina University is the third largest university in North Carolina with over 29,000 students studying one of 88 bachelors, 72 masters, or 19 doctoral programs. They also have 79 certificates available as well. Student-faculty ratio is 18 to 1 and the average class size is over 20 students. Top majors include:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Biology

Notables

Over 43% of the student population is enrolled in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or Health-care program. They have the #1 nursing program in North Carolina and graduate the most nurses in North Carolina. However, these programs are not all that East Carolina University is known for. One of their most notable alumni is Sandra Bullock, a lead actress in The Blind Side, Two Weeks Notice, and Miss Congeniality. They are also known for their NCAA Division I athletics.

Overview

Barton College was founded in 1902 by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It was originally called Atlantic Christian College. However, in 1990, they changed the name to Baron College after Barton Warren Stone. Today it is a private, Christian liberal Arts institution located in Wilson, North Carolina.

Features

Barton College has wide variety of programs that include education of the d/Deaf and hard of hearing, nursing, gerontology, and mass communications. It has over 21 intercollegiate NCAA Division II athletic programs. There are 1051 students that study here. The average class size is 16 and the student faculty ratio is 11 to 1. Top Majors include:

• Nursing
• Business
• Social Work
• Sport and Fitness Management
• Criminal Justice

Notables

Wilson, North Carolina is located 45 miles east of Raleigh. It is easy to get to since it is 7 miles east of the I-95 and US 264 interchange. If students want to travel to the North Carolina Beaches it is about a 2-hour drive east. If you would rather go hiking in the woods, it would be a 4-hour trip west. But this rural area and small town do everything they can to great students every fall to show them that just because they are a small town, there is plenty to do locally.

Overview

Winston-Salem State University was originally founded by Dr. Simon Green Atkins to train teachers in what is now known as Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Atkins was a former slave who was well known in the higher education schools in the area. He worked at several other schools prior to working on getting Winston-Salem State University started.

Features

Today, Winston-Salem State University is a Historically Black research university. Over 5100 students study at this 117-acre institution. Over 50% are first generation college students. Students can join scores of student organization groups, attend athletic events or volunteer in the local community. Inside the classes room, classes average less than 20 students per class with a student-faculty ratio 14 to 1. Top majors include:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Business
• Health Care Management
• Medical Technician

Notables

The university’s motto is Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve. Students can find plenty to learn about on campus going to the Digg Gallery or using the local library. The Diggs Gallery is one of the top 10 African-American galleries that portray early and contemporary African-American art. But outside of the school property, students have access to the history and culture of the Winston-Salem area.

Overview

William Peace University was founded by the Presbyterian Church, Reverend. Joseph M Atkinson and William Peace in Raleigh, North Carolina. William Peace was a Raleigh Businessman, church elder and a 10,000 donor towards the cause. But the heavy lifting was done by Reverend Atkinson. It was originally founded as a primary and high school for women. Over time, the female-only college transitioned to becoming a university in 2011. In fall 2012, they welcomed their first male students.

Features

Today, over 1000 students study at this location. There are 30+ student organizations to get involved in. Inside the classroom, students have access to faculty – especially with a 15 to 1 ratio. Additional learning and cultural resources are available to students through the Raleigh College Consortium. Top majors include:

• Business
• Psychology
• Education
• Biology
• English & Communication

Notables

William Peace University is a historic landmark in downtown Raleigh. Students have the best of both worlds – small school with a big city access. Raleigh, North Carolina, are in the top 10 places to live as a young professional. It is also known as the #1 best city for school performance, green space and cultural amenities according to Businessweek.

Overview

Founded in 1905 by the Kings Mountain Baptist and Sandy Run Baptist associations in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. In 1942, Governor O. Max Gardener and his wife Fay Webb Gardner began focusing their efforts to strengthen the institution and the institution became co-ed. In 1993, the college’s name changed to Gardner-Web University to expand their programs and honor the Gardner’s legacy. Today, it is known as the youngest North Carolina Baptist University.

Features

Over 4,500 undergraduates and graduates study at this location. There are about 80 undergraduate and graduate courses available. The average class size is under 20 students with a student-faculty ratio of 13 to 1. Students can join over 40 different student organizations. Top majors include:

• Business
• Social Sciences
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Criminal Justice

Notables

Boiling Springs is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just 50 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina. The town is named after a natural spring that feeds the local lake. The town itself is very small less than 5,000 people. Don’t let the small town, rural area stop you from considering this institution. The community enjoys getting involved with the main campus and their students.

Overview

Elizabeth City State University was founded in 1891 by Hugh Cale, an African-American representative who sponsored House Bill 383 in the North Carolina General Assembly. This confirmed bill created a school to teach black teachers for local black schools. By 1937, the teacher college had evolved to a 4-year institution. By 1969, it became known as Elizabeth City State University and in 1971, joined the University of North Carolina System with 15 other schools.

Features

Today, over 1,600 undergraduates and graduates study at Elizabeth City State University’s 22 undergraduate and 4 graduate programs. Elizabeth City State University prides itself for their small classes, challenging workloads and being the most affordable program in North Carolina with a faculty ratio of 14 to 1. Students have a great opportunity to experience scores of greek life, student organizations, volunteering and the greater Albemarle areas – rich in culture and history. Top majors include:

• Business
• Education
• Homeland Security
• Social Sciences
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Notables

Elizabeth City State University includes 114 acres at the main campus, 68 acres at a former farm, 639-acre wetland preserve, and 35 additional residential lands. It is in the historic Albemarle area near the Pasquotank River mouth. Students can visit great places in Albemarle and other areas such as Williamsburg, Jamestown, York Town, plantations, etc. These are all accessible thanks to the US highway 17 and 158.