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Best Colleges Near Raleigh
Are you looking for higher education opportunities in Raleigh, NC? Discover these top ten colleges in the Raleigh area.
Many people choose to live in Raleigh. As part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh offers a high quality of life, strong job growth, and a low cost of living that lures people here daily.
With many things to do, Raleigh is a great place to work, raise a family, and spend retirement, primarily since it provides easy access to top healthcare facilities. With plenty of homes for sale, it is no wonder that Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
Experiencing explosive growth over the past decade, Raleigh provides a modern economy, safe neighborhoods, and quiet suburbs. Home to large traditional universities and small college campuses, the Raleigh area is the perfect spot to continue your educational career.
Whether you're considering relocating for educational purposes or investing in a community with strong academic foundations, these ten institutions showcase why Raleigh creates a strong environment for higher learning, research, and innovation.
Here are the best colleges and universities in the Raleigh area
1. North Carolina State University (Raleigh)
North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh and is a hub for innovation and research. It is known for its strong engineering, textiles, and agriculture programs, among other things.
As one of the nation's leading technological research universities, NC State University is renowned for its College of Engineering, which consistently ranks among the top 30 in the country.
The university's unique strengths include its world-class veterinary school, top-ranked textile engineering program, and the prestigious Park Scholarships that cover full tuition, room, and board for exceptional students.
This college offers various extracurricular activities, including NCAA Division I athletics, and has a robust network of research partnerships with nearby industries. The culture is vibrant, mainly located in downtown Raleigh, and it combines a deep-rooted tradition with a commitment to technological advancement and environmental sustainability.
NC State's Centennial Campus is a living laboratory where students, faculty, and industry partners collaborate on cutting-edge research. The university's co-op program places students in real-world work experiences with over 1,400 employers, giving graduates a significant advantage in the job market.
Ranked number 58 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges. This is the state's largest four-year college, with more than 100 programs to major in and over 500 clubs and organizations to join.
This university also has a sizeable Greek community, about 13% of the student body. This excellent school has high rankings in opportunities, community, and programs.
Below are some numbers for in-state and out-of-state tuition, as well as other admission fees. Many housing options are available for students near campus.
| In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $8,986 | $33,034 | $16,563 |
2. Meredith College (Raleigh)
As one of the largest private women's colleges in the United States, Meredith College provides a unique educational environment that empowers women to become leaders. The college's strong alumnae network includes governors, senators, and business leaders throughout the Southeast.
Meredith's distinctive programs include its nationally recognized interior design program, innovative StrongPoints initiative that helps students identify and develop their natural talents and its graduate programs that now welcome students of all genders. The college's Teaching Fellows program produces some of North Carolina's most effective educators.
Ranked number 126 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, this four-year private institution offers over 90 different undergraduate majors and minors and 34 coeducational graduate and certificate programs.
This women's college aims to provide an academically challenging learning environment for students to develop critical thinking skills in all areas. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and communication, and the college seeks to inspire women to create and lead with integrity in the global economy.
| Tuition and Fees | Food and Housing | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $45,630 | $13,280 | $20,269 |
3. William Peace University (Raleigh)
William Peace University is a small, private university in Raleigh known for its innovative approach to liberal arts education. Founded in 1857, this campus is known for its historic buildings with modern facilities reflecting its blend of tradition and innovation.
Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, William Peace provides an exceptionally personalized learning environment with an average class size of only 15 students. Offering over 30 undergraduate degrees, popular majors include business and education, with specialized programs in elementary education.
Although it may be a small school, William Peace University was ranked 26th in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the South. With its diverse student body, this top-rated Raleigh college promises impressive career outcomes, with 96% of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of commencement.
| Tuition and Fees | Food and Housing | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $34,176 | $12,606 | $23,476 |
4. Campbell University (Buies Creek)
Campbell University is a private liberal arts and science school with four campuses and online programs that offer students a wide range of opportunities. Located in Buies Creek, Campbell is 30 miles from the prestigious Research Triangle area.
Campbell University offers a comprehensive educational experience with particular strength in professional programs. The university's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is highly regarded, while its law school provides extensive clinical opportunities and maintains strong bar passage rates.
| Tuition and Fees | Food and Housing | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $41,600 | $15,200 | $24,004 |
5. Elon University (Elon)
Elon University is located in Elon, North Carolina, just over an hour's drive from Raleigh. Nationally recognized for its engaged learning approach, every student participates in undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, or service learning.
The university's communications school is recognized and consistently ranked among the top programs nationally. The university's commitment to sustainability has earned it recognition as one of the greenest campuses in America, while its new medical school, launched in 2021, represents a significant expansion in health sciences education.
| Tuition and Fees | Food and Housing | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $46,958 | $14,985 | $38,001 |
6. Shaw University (Raleigh)
Shaw University is one of the oldest historically black universities (HBCU) in the South, offering over 24 degree programs. Located in Raleigh, this private institution was founded 1864 on about 30 acres of land.
Shaw University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, education, social sciences, and natural science. The university firmly commits to community service and social justice, focusing on poverty, homelessness, and environmental sustainability issues.
The university's unique contributions include establishing the first four-year medical school at an HBCU and maintaining strong programs in social work, criminal justice, and business administration. Shaw's Center for Alternative Programs of Education (CAPE) provides innovative degree completion opportunities for working adults.
This school offers a wide range of academic departments to cater to the diverse interests of its students. Each department provides a unique set of courses and programs to choose from and other additional support services to assist students.
Shaw University is a great college to attend, especially if you are looking for a school with a rich history that aims to offer quality educational programs and services to students from diverse backgrounds.
| Tuition and Fees | Food and Housing | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $26,948 | $9,210 | $15,017 |
7. Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh)
Wake Technical Community College is one of the largest community colleges in North Carolina. Offering over 200 degree, diploma, and certificate programs to meet regional employment needs, Wake Tech is a fantastic educational option for students looking for affordable tuition.
Wake Tech's unique strengths include its highly regarded nursing program with state-of-the-art simulation labs, innovative partnerships with local businesses for customized training programs, and affordable pathways to four-year degrees through comprehensive transfer agreements.
The college's multiple campuses throughout Wake County provide convenient access to quality education for students of all ages and backgrounds.
| In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Books and Supplies |
| $2,768 | $8,912 | $1,800 |
8. Duke University (Durham)
Just a short drive from Raleigh, Duke University is located in Durham and represents the best of private higher education. This prestigious institution is globally recognized for its medical school, consistently ranking in the top 10 nationally.
Offering over 63 majors, 61 minors, and 23 certificates, Duke University is one of the best colleges in North Carolina and the country. Its Fuqua School of Business ranked among the top 15 MBA programs worldwide.
Duke's unique house system creates tight-knit residential communities, while its generous financial aid program ensures that students from families earning less than $150,000 annually attend tuition-free.
The university's research expenditures exceed $1 billion annually, making it a powerhouse in fields ranging from biomedical engineering to public policy.
| In-State Tuition & Fees | Food and Housing | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $69,140 | $19,799 | $30,785 |
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill)
UNC-Chapel Hill, the nation's first public university, offers exceptional value and consistently ranks among the top 5 public universities nationwide. Located in Chapel Hill, this school is about an hour from Raleigh.
The university's Kenan-Flagler Business School and School of Medicine are particularly distinguished, while its journalism school has produced more Pulitzer Prize winners than any other program in the country.
The Carolina Covenant ensures that students from low-income families graduate debt-free, while the Honors Carolina program provides an elite liberal arts experience within a large research university setting.
UNC's $2.4 billion endowment enables extensive research opportunities and keeps tuition remarkably affordable for in-state students.
| In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $9,003 | $41,211 | $12,414 |
10. Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem)
Wake Forest University is a top-rated private, non-profit university that serves a community of almost 9,000 students. Despite its name, Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, about a two-hour drive from Raleigh.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of just 19 students, Wake Forest provides personalized attention rarely found at larger institutions.
Founded in 1834, Wake Forest offers over 49 majors and 60 minors. Wake Forest's medical school partnership with Atrium Health has created one of Southeast's most innovative medical education programs.
| Tuition and Fees | Food and Housing | Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients |
| $67,642 | $21,312 | $34,720 |
Methodology
Data was sourced from U.S. News and World Report to determine each university's best college rankings and tuition and fees.
FAQS
Is Raleigh a good college town?
Raleigh was ranked the 6th best college town for a large city. The Triangle area is known as the most prominent college town in the state. Raleigh is a great location to continue your education because of its offerings and robust economy.
What are the five most prominent universities in North Carolina?
The top five most prominent universities in North Carolina are NC State, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina Charlotte, East Carolina University, and Appalachian State University.
What is life like in Raleigh, NC?
Living in Raleigh, you will reside in one of the finest cities in the Southern region of the United States. Raleigh is known for its affordable cost of living, local culture, and excellent education options. It is an ideal place for young professionals and families to call home.
Why is Raleigh booming?
One of the main factors influencing the area's growth is the job market offered by schools and local corporations. Due to the high volume of job opportunities, many university students also choose to lay permanent roots in the area after graduating.
Best Colleges Near Raleigh - The Bottom Line
The Raleigh area is affluent in educational opportunities and offers many different opportunities for everyone. Families are drawn to the region for its community college programs and world-class research universities.
The presence of these institutions also drives innovation, attracts businesses, and creates a highly educated workforce that supports property values and economic growth within the city.
Whether you're looking for a home near campus for easy commuting or interested in the investment potential of buying a home near one of these top-rated schools, Raleigh is one of the most attractive educational destinations in the Southeast.
If you are considering a move to Raleigh, you can contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you find your dream home near some of the best higher educational institutions in the country.
