2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Duke University	98	5.71	1,520 – 1,560	23422	85792	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Duke University Durham, NC Methodists and Quakers founded Duke University in 1838. The school has produced 50 Rhodes Scholars, three Turing Award winners, and 15 Noble laureates. Known as the Blue Devils, the university’s colors are Duke blue and white....Read more First Year Retention Rate 98 % Acceptance Rate 5.7% SAT Score 1,520 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $23,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $85,792
2	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	96.6	15.34	1,350 – 1,520	11140	57057	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the flagship of the state’s school system. Enrolling students in 1795, it’s also one of the oldest public schools in the United States. UNC became coeducational in 1877 and began admitting African-American graduate students in 1951. First Year Retention Rate 97 % Acceptance Rate 15.3% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $11,140 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,057
3	Davidson College	94.6	13.37	1,400 – 1,520	26510	62866	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Davidson College Davidson, NC Davidson College was founded in 1837 and started trying to reduce the cost of higher education for students by the 1850’s. Today, the school meets students’ financial needs through grants, employment, and more. 65% of students receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 95 % Acceptance Rate 13.4% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $26,510 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,866
4	North Carolina State University	93	41.67	1,240 – 1,450	14860	57623	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC The North Carolina State University at Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle with Duke University and the University of North Carolina. The school has a 15 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 93% first year retention rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % Acceptance Rate 41.7% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $14,860 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,623
5	Wake Forest University	92.6	21.67	1,430 – 1,510	27790	67722	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC Based in Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University accepts 22% of applicants. They require $85 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 34% of students at Wake Forest University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % 2.2% Acceptance Rate 21.7% SAT Score 1,430 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $27,790 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,722
6	Bennett College	90	33.61	860 – 950	20928	23153	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Bennett College Greensboro, NC Located in Greensboro, Bennett College accepts 34% of applicants. They request $35 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 93% of students at Bennett College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % 69.8% Acceptance Rate 33.6% SAT Score 860 – 950 Avg. Net Price $20,928 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,153
7	University of North Carolina Wilmington	88.2	64.24	1,200 – 1,340	18606	46972	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC Located in Wilmington, the University of North Carolina Wilmington accepted 64% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $80 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 50% of students attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % Acceptance Rate 64.2% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $18,606 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,972
8	University of North Carolina School of the Arts	87.6	33.08	1,170 – 1,320	11163	24537	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina University of North Carolina School of the Arts Winston Salem, NC The University of North Carolina School of the Arts accepts only 33% of applicants. 47% of those accepted will go on to attend the following fall. It has a whopping 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and an 87% first year retention rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % Acceptance Rate 33.1% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $11,163 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,537
9	Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary	85	58.71	960 – 1,190	11395	63721	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NC Based in Wake Forest, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary accepted 59% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $40 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 42% of students at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary will receive grant aid from the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 58.7% SAT Score 960 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $11,395 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
10	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	85	79.6	1,110 – 1,320	13768	48812	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC Based in Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte accepts 80% of applicants. They request $75 for undergraduate applications. About 47% of students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is......Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 79.6% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $13,768 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,812
11	Appalachian State University	84	90.14	1,040 – 1,280	14712	43663	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Appalachian State University Boone, NC Found in Boone, Appalachian State University accepted 90% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $65 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 45% of students at Appalachian State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 90.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $14,712 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,663
12	High Point University	84	76.83	1,130 – 1,350	43578	50955	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina High Point University High Point, NC Located in High Point, High Point University’s acceptance rate is 77%. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 89% of students at High Point University will receive institutional grant aid. At High Point University, there is a 84% first year retention rate and 65% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 3.1% Acceptance Rate 76.8% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $43,578 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,955
13	East Carolina University	82.72	89.22	1,020 – 1,220	14470	46420	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina East Carolina University Greenville, NC Found in Greenville, East Carolina University accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $75 for undergraduate applications. About 47% of students attending East Carolina University currently receive institutional grant aid. At East Carolina University, there is a 82% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % Acceptance Rate 89.2% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $14,470 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,420
14	North Carolina A & T State University	80	46.17	930 – 1,150	10258	36638	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, or A&T for short, is the largest HBCU in the country. The campus is often called “Aggieland.” In 1960, four Aggies helped kick off the Civil Rights movement when they conducted a “sit-in” at a Woolworth’s....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 1.8% Acceptance Rate 46.2% SAT Score 930 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $10,258 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,638
15	Meredith College	79.4	74.18	1,130 – 1,350	23405	45293	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Meredith College Raleigh, NC Meredith College is a private women’s liberal arts school, but its graduate program does admit men. It offers 38 majors and programs, with many choosing to study Psychology, General. Athletes are known as the Avenging Angels, and they participate in the USA South Athletic Conference. First Year Retention Rate 79 % Acceptance Rate 74.2% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $23,405 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,293
16	Western Carolina University	79.11	81.8	1,030 – 1,230	12252	43085	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC Based in Cullowhee, Western Carolina University’s acceptance rate is 82%. They request $65 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 69% of students attending Western Carolina University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % Acceptance Rate 81.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $12,252 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,085
17	University of North Carolina at Greensboro	79	88.51	1,120 – 1,290	10592	39869	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC Based in Greensboro, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $65 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 81% of students attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro will receive institutional grant aid. At the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % Acceptance Rate 88.5% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $10,592 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,869
18	Livingstone College	78	74.09	780 – 930	15162	24024	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Livingstone College Salisbury, NC Located in Salisbury, Livingstone College accepted 74% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. About 93% of students at Livingstone College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Livingstone College, there is a 78%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 66.0% Acceptance Rate 74.1% SAT Score 780 – 930 Avg. Net Price $15,162 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,024
19	University of Mount Olive	77	77.75	930 – 1,110	17893	43026	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina University of Mount Olive Mount Olive, NC Found in Mount Olive, the University of Mount Olive accepts 78% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 96% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 32.8% Acceptance Rate 77.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $17,893 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,026
20	Elizabeth City State University	76.88	64.61	840 – 1,040	7363	33776	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, NC Elizabeth City State University is part of the University of North Carolina system. The school motto is “To Live is to Learn.” 92% of students receive grant aid – about $10,554 on average – to help them better afford the cost of college. Many undergraduates major in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. First Year Retention Rate 77 % Acceptance Rate 64.6% SAT Score 840 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $7,363 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,776
21	Campbell University	76	87.2	1,020 – 1,220	24517	45511	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Campbell University Buies Creek, NC Based in Buies Creek, Campbell University accepts 87% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 87.2% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $24,517 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,511
22	Fayetteville State University	75	79.89	810 – 1,020	7298	37831	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NC Found in Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 63% of students at Fayetteville State University currently receive institutional grant aid. 75% of students continued their studies at......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 3.8% Acceptance Rate 79.9% SAT Score 810 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $7,298 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,831
23	William Peace University	74	94.25	1,100 – 1,240	24503	39738	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina William Peace University Raleigh, NC Found in Raleigh, William Peace University accepts 94% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 94.3% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $24,503 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,738
24	Queens University of Charlotte	73.9	56.51	1,150 – 1,320	27178	48170	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, NC Found in Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte accepts 57% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 99% of students attending Queens University of Charlotte currently receive grant aid from the school. At Queens University of Charlotte, there is a 73% first year retention rate and a......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 56.5% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $27,178 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,170
25	North Carolina Central University	72.4	86.97	910 – 1,100	13884	35967	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina North Carolina Central University Durham, NC North Carolina Central University is non selective, accepting 87% of applicants. 90% receive grant aid, $12,449 on average. A NCAA Division I-FCS school, student athletes could receive athletic scholarships. Popular sports include Football, Basketball, and Tennis. First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 910 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $13,884 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,967
26	University of North Carolina Asheville	72.09	91.94	1,160 – 1,350	14175	36947	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina University of North Carolina Asheville Asheville, NC Found in Asheville, the University of North Carolina Asheville accepted 92% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $75 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 90% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 91.9% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $14,175 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,947
27	University of North Carolina at Pembroke	72	93.35	890 – 1,090	9687	37126	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, NC Located in Pembroke, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke accepted 93% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $55 for undergraduate applications and $55 for graduate applications. About 42% of students at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke currently receive grant aid from......Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 93.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $9,687 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,126
28	Johnson C Smith University	71	45.21	790 – 980	19326	31478	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Johnson C Smith University Charlotte, NC Based in Charlotte, Johnson C Smith University accepted 45% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. Approximately 68% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % Acceptance Rate 45.2% SAT Score 790 – 980 Avg. Net Price $19,326 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,478
29	Lenoir-Rhyne University	71	80.68	970 – 1,180	24042	44799	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory, NC Located in Hickory, Lenoir-Rhyne University’s acceptance rate is 81%. They request $35 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Lenoir-Rhyne University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % Acceptance Rate 80.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $24,042 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,799
30	Wingate University	70.48	91.13	990 – 1,210	21464	43992	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Wingate University Wingate, NC Based in Wingate, Wingate University accepted 91% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 97% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 91.1% SAT Score 990 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $21,464 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,992
31	Warren Wilson College	70	77.71	1,210 – 1,370	27913	27723	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Warren Wilson College Swannanoa, NC Located in Swannanoa, Warren Wilson College’s acceptance rate is 78%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students at Warren Wilson College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 77.7% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $27,913 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,723
32	Belmont Abbey College	69	90.38	940 – 1,200	23463	43816	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Belmont Abbey College Belmont, NC Found in Belmont, Belmont Abbey College’s acceptance rate is 90% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 99% of students attending Belmont Abbey College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 90.4% SAT Score 940 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $23,463 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,816
33	Gardner-Webb University	69	87.02	1,040 – 1,250	24035	43996	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs, NC Located in Boiling Springs, Gardner-Webb University accepts 87% of applicants and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of students at Gardner-Webb University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Gardner-Webb University, there is a 69% first year retention rate and a 36% four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $24,035 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,996
34	Lees-McRae College	69	76.85	1,040 – 1,240	26009	41599	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Lees-McRae College Banner Elk, NC Located in Banner Elk, Lees-McRae College’s acceptance rate is 77%. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % Acceptance Rate 76.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,009 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,599
35	Mars Hill University	69	68.22	1,000 – 1,200	19842	35680	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Mars Hill University Mars Hill, NC Found in Mars Hill, Mars Hill University accepted 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 97% of students attending Mars Hill University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % Acceptance Rate 68.2% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $19,842 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,680
36	Salem College	68	78.9	980 – 1,180	19000	38496	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Salem College Winston-Salem, NC Found in Winston-Salem, Salem College accepts 79% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 68% and 66% of students will graduate in......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 980 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $19,000 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,496
37	Pfeiffer University	67	91.26	800 – 1,080	21402	44621	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Pfeiffer University Misenheimer, NC Located in Misenheimer, Pfeiffer University’s acceptance rate is 91%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. 67% of students continued their studies at Pfeiffer University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % Acceptance Rate 91.3% SAT Score 800 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $21,402 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,621
38	Brevard College	66	39.46	890 – 1,240	26938	34401	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Brevard College Brevard, NC Found in Brevard, Brevard College accepts 39% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Brevard College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 11.9% Acceptance Rate 39.5% SAT Score 890 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,938 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,401
39	Greensboro College	66	70.14	900 – 1,110	19783	36462	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Greensboro College Greensboro, NC Found in Greensboro, Greensboro College accepts 70% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 98% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % Acceptance Rate 70.1% SAT Score 900 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $19,783 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,462
40	Guilford College	66	83.76	990 – 1,250	22620	40401	#40 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Guilford College Greensboro, NC Located in Greensboro, Guilford College accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Guilford College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 13.8% Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 990 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $22,620 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,401
41	Barton College	65	94.2	950 – 1,150	23804	40785	#41 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Barton College Wilson, NC Found in Wilson, Barton College’s acceptance rate is 94%. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The school’s first year retention rate is 65% and around 44% of students will graduate in four years or less. Three popular areas of study among......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 94.2% SAT Score 950 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $23,804 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,785
42	Methodist University	65	75.2	1,130 – 1,220	25786	40540	#42 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Methodist University Fayetteville, NC Located in Fayetteville, Methodist University accepted 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 99% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 65% of students decide to stay at......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 4.7% Acceptance Rate 75.2% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $25,786 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,540
43	North Carolina Wesleyan University	65	77.95	860 – 1,100	19111	38939	#43 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina North Carolina Wesleyan University Rocky Mount, NC Found in Rocky Mount, North Carolina Wesleyan University accepts 78% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students attending North Carolina Wesleyan University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 78.0% SAT Score 860 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $19,111 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,939
44	Montreat College	62	65.55	970 – 1,140	26294	39763	#44 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Montreat College Montreat, NC Located in Montreat, Montreat College accepted 66% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 99% of students attending Montreat College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 65.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $26,294 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,763
45	Manna University	60	100	--	16384	33431	#45 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Manna University Fayetteville, NC Found in Fayetteville, Manna University’s acceptance rate is 100%. They request $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 25% of students attending Manna University will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 60%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,384 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,431
46	Chowan University	57	72.37	880 – 1,150	15845	30096	#46 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Chowan University Murfreesboro, NC Located in Murfreesboro, Chowan University’s acceptance rate is 72%. They request $20 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 100% of students attending Chowan University currently receive grant aid from the school. 57% of students decide to stay at Chowan University after completing their first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % 10.9% Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 880 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $15,845 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,096
47	Carolina University	56	34	850 – 1,140	19111	30657	#47 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Carolina University Winston-Salem, NC Located in Winston-Salem, Carolina University accepted 34% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 99% of students at Carolina University currently receive grant aid from the school. 56% of students decide to stay at Carolina University after......Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % 3.4% Acceptance Rate 34.0% SAT Score 850 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $19,111 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,657
48	Shaw University	52	80.34	760 – 970	14111	26148	#48 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Shaw University Raleigh, NC Located in Raleigh, Shaw University accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be available. About 90% of students attending Shaw University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 52 % 22.4% Acceptance Rate 80.3% SAT Score 760 – 970 Avg. Net Price $14,111 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,148
49	Mid-Atlantic Christian University	48	76.21	890 – 1,010	26793	29887	#49 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Mid-Atlantic Christian University Elizabeth City, NC Found in Elizabeth City, Mid-Atlantic Christian University accepts 76% of applicants. They request $30 for undergraduate applications. About 93% of students at Mid-Atlantic Christian University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 48 % 9.4% Acceptance Rate 76.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $26,793 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,887
50	Cabarrus College of Health Sciences	0	49.21	920 – 1,100	14344	52960	#50 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Concord, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 49.2% SAT Score 920 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $14,344 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,960
51	Carolina College of Biblical Studies	0	100	--	18745	34156	#51 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Carolina College of Biblical Studies Fayetteville, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $18,745 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,156
52	Carolinas College of Health Sciences	0	81.48	920 – 1,110	0	59817	#52 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Carolinas College of Health Sciences Charlotte, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 81.5% SAT Score 920 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,817
53	Catawba College	0	75.21	960 – 1,240	18319	36912	#53 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Catawba College Salisbury, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 75.2% SAT Score 960 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $18,319 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,912
54	Chamberlain University-North Carolina	0	66.67	--	21664	84533	#54 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Chamberlain University-North Carolina Charlotte, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 66.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $21,664 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $84,533
55	Elon University	0	66.35	1,150 – 1,340	41849	58082	#55 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Elon University Elon, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 66.4% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $41,849 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,082
56	Galen Health Institutes-Asheville	0	0	--	75993	58951	#56 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Galen Health Institutes-Asheville Asheville, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $75,993 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,951
57	Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte	0	79.89	890 – 1,140	29481	35802	#57 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Charlotte, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 79.9% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $29,481 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,802
58	Miller-Motte College-Wilmington	0	75.2	--	22769	26349	#58 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Miller-Motte College-Wilmington Wilmington, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 75.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,769 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,349
59	Saint Augustine's University	0	34.65	760 – 920	18373	26999	#59 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Saint Augustine's University Raleigh, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 34.7% SAT Score 760 – 920 Avg. Net Price $18,373 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,999
60	Strayer University-North Carolina	0	0	--	0	36582	#60 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Strayer University-North Carolina Greensboro, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,582
61	Watts College of Nursing	0	100	840 – 1,100	0	63721	#61 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Watts College of Nursing Durham, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 840 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
62	Winston-Salem State University	0	78.26	850 – 1,040	12948	40557	#62 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, NC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score 850 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $12,948 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,557