In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 45 four-year North Carolina colleges is $27,970, reflecting a -6.44% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 45 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 32 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Duke University ranks as the most expensive North Carolina colleges, with tuition and fees reaching $68,758. Known for its prestigious academic programs and strong reputation, Duke University remains a top choice for students seeking a premium education experience.
Close behind are Wake Forest University at$67,642 and Davidson College at$64,430 both consistently recognized among the North Carolina Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.
For these well-regarded North Carolina Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, the average acceptance rate is 57.30% and the average SAT score is 1,294, indicating a moderately selective admissions process.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate, 4-year | $68,758 $2,953 | $66,523 $2,538 | 5.71% | 17,499 | 1,540 | 97.00% | 5 to 1 |
| 2 - | Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NCPrivate, 4-year | $67,642 $2,884 | $39,141 $209 | 21.67% | 9,322 | 1,470 | 89.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 3 - | Davidson College Davidson, NCPrivate, 4-year | $64,430 $4,380 | - | 13.37% | 1,869 | 1,460 | 91.00% | 8 to 1 |
| 4 - | Elon University Elon, NCPrivate, 4-year | $46,958 $2,422 | $22,086 $1,512 | 66.35% | 7,239 | 1,200 | 84.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 5 1 | Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, NCPrivate, 4-year | $45,846 $3,056 | $15,526 $256 | 62.08% | 1,599 | 1,220 | 61.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 6 1 | Meredith College Raleigh, NCPrivate, 4-year | $45,630 $1,694 | $14,020 $401 | 74.18% | 1,465 | 1,185 | 70.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 7 - | Wingate University Wingate, NCPrivate, 4-year | $42,576 $845 | $11,864 $736 | 91.13% | 3,458 | 1,100 | 46.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 8 1 | Campbell University Buies Creek, NCPrivate, 4-year | $41,600 $1,190 | $16,347 $189 | 87.18% | 4,963 | - | 61.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 9 1 | Warren Wilson College Swannanoa, NCPrivate, 4-year | $41,500 $1,210 | $21,200 $650 | 71.34% | 791 | - | 42.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 10 2 | Guilford College Greensboro, NCPrivate, 4-year | $41,362 $222 | $14,880 - | 80.00% | 1,180 | 1,180 | 46.00% | 12 to 1 |
| Average | $50,630 | $24,621 | 57.30% | 4,939 | 1,294 | 68.70% | 11 to 1 |