Best Colleges Near Raleigh

Are you looking for higher educational options in the Raleigh area? Keep reading to learn more about the best colleges near Raleigh. 

Moving to Raleigh is a popular decision many people are making. This city is the largest city in the Research Triangle and has a high quality of life, strong job growth, and a low cost of living that lures people here every day. With many things to do, Raleigh is a perfect place to retire and live for everyone and anyone, especially since it has easy access to top healthcare facilities.

Raleigh has experienced explosive growth during the last decade and will only keep growing. Known as the "City of Oaks," Raleigh offers a nice blend of Southern charm with a modern economy and is home to many beautiful neighborhoods, including Historic Oakwood. New residents looking to buy a home in Raleigh have a huge variety of neighborhoods and suburbs nearby to choose from. 

As home to about ten traditional universities and colleges and numerous little campuses and for-profit institutions for higher education, the Raleigh area is unusually rich in educational opportunities and offers many different things for everyone. Raleigh is the place for any large and smaller colleges, if you are looking for a place to continue your educational career. 

Here are the seven best colleges near Raleigh.  

1. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University is located in the heart of the Research Triangle and is a hub for innovation and research. This university is known for its strong engineering, textiles, agriculture programs, and many other things. 

This college provides a diverse range of other extracurricular activities, including NCAA Division I athletics, and has a robust network of research partnerships with industries nearby. The culture here is vibrant, mainly being located in downtown Raleigh, combining a deep-rooted tradition with a commitment to technological advancement as well as environmental sustainability. 

This public institution was founded in 1887. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 26,000 students and a campus size of approximately 2,140 acres. NCSU was ranked number 60 in the 2024 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 large Greek community, about 13% of the student body. With high rankings in opportunities, community, and programs, this is a great school to go to. Below are some numbers for in-state and out-of-state tuition, as well as other fees for admission. 

If you are looking for one of the biggest and most popular colleges in Raleigh, attending North Carolina State University may be perfect for you. With so much nearby as well as high rankings throughout, NC State is a great college to attend. 

In-State Tuition & Fees	Out-of-State Tuition & Fees	Average Net Price
$6,535	$28,276	$14,328

Above are costs found by the college board; keep in mind these are averages and change every year. 

2. Meredith College

Meredith College is a private college in Raleigh that offers a unique environment focused on women's leadership and empowerment. Known for its strong programs in art, education, and health science, this college fosters an environment of personal growth and many academic programs. This campus also offers a range of student organizations, providing a supportive community that extends beyond graduation. 

Meredith College was founded in 1891 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 1,322 students on a campus size of 225 acres. This college was ranked number 130 in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. Meredith College offers over 30 different undergraduate majors and four different graduate degrees. 

This women's college aims to provide an academically challenging learning environment for students to develop critical thinking schools in all areas. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and communication, and they seek to inspire women to create and lead with integrity in the global economy. If these core values match with what you are searching for in a college, attending Meredith College may be for you. 

Tuition and Fees	Undergraduate Enrollment	Acceptance Rate
$43,936	1,322	73%

These numbers are from the US News of Best Colleges. 

3. William Peace University

William Peace University is a small, private university in Raleigh known for its innovative approach to liberal arts education. The campus is known for its historic buildings with modern facilities reflecting its blend of tradition and innovation. 

This private institute was founded in 1857 and has a campus size of only 22 acres. It is ranked as 24th in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges in the South. William Peace has a diverse student body, and the mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. The majors offered here encompass a diverse range of subjects, such as Business Administration, Communication, and Political Science, among others. 

Located in the heart of downtown, this college has a vibrant and dynamic community and distinguishes itself by actively involving students in their learning experiences. This may be a smaller school, but it has so much to offer its students. 

Tuition and Fees	Undergraduate Enrollment	Acceptance Rate
$33,050	713	63%

4. Campbell University

Campbell University is a liberal arts and science school with four campuses and online programs offering students a wide range of opportunities. Located in the southern region, Buies Creek, this insulation has a screen enshrinement for the students and is only 30 miles away from the prestigious Research Triangle area. 

Campbell is recognized for its inclusive and selective admission process. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs with an emphasis on health sciences. This private institution is on about 850 acres of land that is primarily a residential campus. If you are searching for a small but beautiful school that offers many higher education options, check out Campbell Univeristy.  

Tuition and Fees	Undergraduate Enrollment	Acceptance Rate
$40,410	2,965	89%

5. Saint Augustine's University

Saint Augustine's University is a small, private, not-for-profit Raleigh institution offering 24 programs. Established with a rich heritage, this college focuses on community involvement and social justice. Founded in 1867, this campus is in an urban setting on about 122 acres. 

This four-year liberal arts university mission is to sustain a learning community to provide students with high academics, socially and spiritually, for leadership in and a diverse and rapidly changing world. This smaller university is older but does offer many things for students and is ranked highly among the Southern Colleges.

St. Augustine College features smaller classes, flexible schedules, and one-on-one advice to help you succeed. So, if you are searching for a smaller school with a more intimate environment, then attending St. Augustine College may be for you. 

Tuition and Fees	Undergraduate Enrollment	Acceptance Rate
$16,896	937	72%

6. Shaw University

Shaw University is one of the oldest historically black universities in the South and offers over 24 degree programs. Located in Raleigh, this private institution was founded in 1864 and is 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 has a strong commitment to community service and social justice, focusing on issues such as poverty, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. 

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, as well as other additional support services to assist students. 

Shaw University is a great college to attend, especially if you are searching for a school that has a rich history and aims to offer quality educational programs and services to students from diverse backgrounds. 

Tuition and Fees	Undergraduate Enrollment	Acceptance Rate
$16,480	924	61%

7. Methodist University

Methodist University was founded in 1956 and is a senior coeducation institution of liberal arts and sciences located in Fayetteville. The athletics is a defining feature of Methodist, with the winning 32 national champions, including nine for men and 23 for women. This university has also made significant investments in its academic program and facilities, ensuring success in education. 

Methodist offers a diverse range of faculties and departments, ranging from health sciences to business and communication. There is also a School of Nursing here, which is a highly sought-after school. With many arrays to choose from, this school values the idea of exploring and affirming diverse interests and intellectual values. 

Located in Fayetteville, this school is in a city that offers a friendly atmosphere as well as being closely located to many things to do. Methodist University may be for you if you are looking for a diverse college with significant athletics. 

Tuition and Fees	Undergraduate Enrollment	Acceptance Rate
$39,664	1,448	76%

Methodology

We used information and data from different sources and our own data to create this guide about the best colleges in and around Raleigh. There were various data sources to use, so we put them together to help you find some of the best colleges in the area. 

• Visit Raleigh
• College Board
• News Observer
• Official College websites

Above are a few sources that we used to gather most of our information about the best colleges in and around Raleigh. 

FAQS

Is Raleigh a good college town?

Raleigh was ranked as the 5th 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 what the city offers and the robust economy there. 

What are the five largest universities in North Carolina?

The top five largest universities in North Carolina are NC State, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 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 living costs, local culture, and excellent education options. It is an ideal place for young professionals as well as families. The city is growing rapidly in many ways and shows no signs of slowing down.

Why is Raleigh booming?

One of the main reasons that influenced the area's growth was the job market offered by schools and local corporations. The search also showed that university students are choosing to lay permanent roots in the area after graduating due to the high volume of opportunities. 

Best Colleges Near Raleigh - The Bottom Line

As home to about ten traditional universities and colleges and numerous little campuses and for-profit institutions for higher education, the Raleigh area is unusually rich in educational opportunities and offers many different things for everyone. Raleigh is the place for any large and smaller colleges, if you are looking for a place to continue your educational career. 

Raleigh was ranked as the 5-th best college town for a large city. With various colleges throughout the area, this city is a great place for educational options as well as future career opportunities. With this being the research hub with a thriving market and endless possibilities, 

If you are thinking about moving to Raleigh, check out our moving to Raleigh guide for everything you need to know about the area. There is so much to do here with so much to offer its residents, and it is one of the best places to live, so do not miss out on what this metropolitan city has to offer. 

If you are considering moving, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.