In your search for the perfect college, location is a key factor. If you’re considering colleges near Raleigh, NC, you’ll find plenty of options in and around the capital city. Whether you’re looking for a large public university or a small private college, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant area of North Carolina.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top colleges and universities near Raleigh, NC. We’ll cover everything from campus culture to academic programs to help you make an informed decision about where to pursue your higher education.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University (NCSU) is one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the state. With over 34,000 students enrolled across its campuses, NCSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
The College of Engineering at NCSU is particularly renowned and has been ranked as one of the best engineering schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Other standout programs include agriculture and life sciences, business management, and textiles.
NCSU also boasts an active student life with over 700 student organizations on campus. Whether you’re interested in Greek life or community service projects, there’s something for everyone at NCSU.
Duke University
Located just over 20 miles away from Raleigh in Durham, Duke University is another top-ranked institution in North Carolina. Consistently ranked among the top 10 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, Duke offers rigorous academic programs across its undergraduate and graduate schools.
Duke is known for its strong research focus and has invested heavily in cutting-edge facilities like the Duke Cancer Institute and Duke Clinical Research Institute. Popular undergraduate majors include economics, computer science, psychology, and biology.
Aside from academics, Duke offers plenty of opportunities for extracurricular involvement including clubs focused on everything from dance to entrepreneurship.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a public research university located just 30 minutes away from Raleigh. As one of the oldest public universities in the nation, UNC has a rich history and top-notch academic programs across its undergraduate and graduate schools.
UNC is particularly renowned for its healthcare programs including the UNC School of Medicine and Gillings School of Global Public Health. Other standout programs at UNC include business, journalism, and music.
UNC is also known for its vibrant campus life with over 700 student organizations on campus. Whether you’re interested in joining a sports team or participating in community service projects, there’s something for everyone at UNC.
Meredith College
If you’re looking for a small liberal arts college, Meredith College might be the right fit for you. Located just minutes away from downtown Raleigh, Meredith offers a personalized education experience with small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty members.
Meredith offers over 80 majors and minors across three schools including arts, humanities, and social sciences; business; and education, health sciences, and human performance. Popular programs include psychology, interior design, political science, and biology.
Aside from academics, Meredith offers plenty of opportunities for extracurricular involvement including clubs focused on everything from Greek life to community service projects.
Saint Augustine’s University
Saint Augustine’s University is a private historically black university located just minutes away from downtown Raleigh. Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Church as a school for freed slaves, Saint Augustine’s has become a top institution for African American students seeking higher education.
Popular undergraduate majors at Saint Augustine’s include criminal justice, sociology, communications studies, and business administration. Aside from academics, Saint Augustine’s offers plenty of opportunities for extracurricular involvement including clubs focused on everything from gospel singing to Greek life.
Shaw University
Shaw University is another historically black university located just minutes away from downtown Raleigh. Founded in 1865, Shaw has a rich history and is known for its commitment to social justice and community service.
Popular undergraduate majors at Shaw include psychology, business administration, communications studies, and criminal justice. Aside from academics, Shaw offers plenty of opportunities for extracurricular involvement including clubs focused on everything from drama to gospel singing.
William Peace University
William Peace University is a small private liberal arts college located in downtown Raleigh. With a student body of around 1,000 students, William Peace offers a personalized education experience with small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty members.
William Peace offers over 30 majors across four schools including business, communication and media studies, humanities and social sciences, and sciences. Popular programs include nursing, theatre arts, education studies, and psychology.
Aside from academics, William Peace offers plenty of opportunities for extracurricular involvement including clubs focused on everything from Greek life to community service projects.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of excellent colleges near Raleigh, NC to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a large public university or a small private college, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant area of North Carolina.
When considering your options for higher education near Raleigh be sure to take time thinking about what academic areas are you interested in exploring further as well as any non-academic interests such as clubs or organizations that will make your college experience memorable. Then carefully research each school so that you find the best match for your needs – making the most out of your college years will be worth it!
FAQs
What are the top colleges near Raleigh NC?
Some of the top colleges near Raleigh NC include Duke University, North Carolina State University, and UNC Chapel Hill.
What is the tuition fee for these colleges near Raleigh NC?
The tuition fee varies depending on the college you choose. On average, in-state tuition ranges from $7,000- $10,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition averages around $25,000 per year.
Can you name some community colleges near Raleigh NC?
Wake Technical Community College and Durham Technical Community College are two of the most popular community colleges in close proximity to Raleigh NC.
Are there any online-only colleges near Raleigh NC?
Yes, Strayer University and Capella University are both online-only institutions near Raleigh NC that offer various degree programs.
How big are the campuses of these colleges near Raleigh NC?
The size of these college campuses varies greatly. However, NCSU has one of the largest campuses with over 2000 acres while other schools have smaller campuses ranging from 50-500 acres.
Do these colleges offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes, all the colleges in this area offer scholarships as well as financial aid to deserving students who need it. Students can check with their preferred institution’s financial aid office or visit their website for more information.
What kind of programs do these colleges offer?
These schools have a wide range of academic programs including business management, engineering, arts and humanities, health sciences and education among others. Students can choose from undergraduate to graduate level programs.
Are there any historically black universities (HBCUs) nearby?
Yes! Saint Augustine’s University is a private HBCU located in downtown Raleigh and is focused on providing the best education to its students.
What kind of sports programs do these colleges have?
These schools have several sports programs, including basketball, football, soccer, swimming, and tennis among other sports. You can check each college’s athletics website for more information about their programs.
Can I take a campus tour of these colleges near Raleigh NC?
Yes, you can take a campus tour of any of these colleges by contacting their admissions office and scheduling a visit. Campus tours are an excellent way to get acquainted with the campus facilities and environment before applying.