Colleges and universities in North Carolina facts for kids
North Carolina is home to many amazing colleges and universities! These are places where students go to learn more after high school. They can study all sorts of subjects, from science and history to art and business. Going to college helps people prepare for their future jobs and learn new skills.
In North Carolina, you'll find two main types of schools: public and private. They both offer great education, but they are funded and run in different ways.
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Public Colleges and Universities
Public colleges and universities are often supported by the state government. This means they usually have lower tuition fees for students who live in North Carolina. They are open to everyone who meets their admission requirements.
North Carolina Community College System
The North Carolina Community College System is a network of schools all across the state. These colleges are great for students who want to learn a specific trade or skill, like nursing, welding, or computer repair. They also offer classes that you can transfer to a four-year university. There are many community colleges, like:
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
- Cape Fear Community College
- Durham Technical Community College
- Wake Technical Community College
University of North Carolina System
The University of North Carolina (UNC) System is a group of 16 public universities. These are larger schools where students can earn a bachelor's degree (usually after four years) and even advanced degrees. Some of the well-known universities in this system include:
- Appalachian State University
- East Carolina University
- Elizabeth City State University
- Fayetteville State University
- University of North Carolina at Asheville
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts
- North Carolina A&T State University
- North Carolina Central University
- North Carolina State University
- Western Carolina University
- Winston-Salem State University
The UNC System also includes the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. This is a special two-year high school for talented North Carolina students. It focuses on science, math, and technology.
Private Colleges and Universities
Private colleges and universities are not funded by the state government. Instead, they often rely on tuition fees, donations, and other private sources. This means their tuition can sometimes be higher than public schools. Private schools often have a specific focus, like a religious background or a unique teaching style.
North Carolina has many excellent private colleges and universities. Some of these include:
- Barton College
- Campbell University
- Catawba College
- Davidson College
- Duke University
- Elon University
- Gardner-Webb University
- High Point University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Meredith College
- Methodist University
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Salem College
- Shaw University
- Wake Forest University
- Wingate University
These schools offer a wide range of programs and experiences for students. Choosing a college is a big decision, and North Carolina has many great options for students to explore!
