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	1,500 – 1,560	21981	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 % 2.1% Acceptance Rate 5.7% SAT Score 1,500 – 1,560 Avg. Net Price $21,981 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $85,792
2	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	97	15.34	1,350 – 1,520	10154	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 $10,154 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,057
3	Davidson College	95	13.37	1,400 – 1,520	27720	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 $27,720 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,866
4	North Carolina State University	94	41.74	1,310 – 1,450	15522	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 94% first year retention rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 94 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 41.7% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $15,522 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,623
5	University of North Carolina School of the Arts	93	29.97	1,130 – 1,360	13140	24537	#5 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 30% of applicants. 55% of those accepted will go on to attend the following fall. It has a whopping 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and an 93% first year retention rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % 5.7% Acceptance Rate 30.0% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $13,140 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,537
6	Wake Forest University	93	21.67	1,430 – 1,510	24401	67722	#6 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 % 2.1% Acceptance Rate 21.7% SAT Score 1,430 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $24,401 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,722
7	Elon University	90	66.35	1,140 – 1,290	44440	58082	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Elon University Elon, NC Found in Elon, Elon University’s acceptance rate is 66% and requires $60 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. About 77% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % Acceptance Rate 66.4% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $44,440 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,082
8	University of North Carolina Wilmington	88	64.24	1,200 – 1,340	18976	46972	#8 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 54% of students attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % 3.5% Acceptance Rate 64.2% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $18,976 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,972
9	Bennett College	86	50.66	820 – 1,060	26990	23153	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Bennett College Greensboro, NC Located in Greensboro, Bennett College accepts 51% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 67% of students at Bennett College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 4.4% Acceptance Rate 50.7% SAT Score 820 – 1,060 Avg. Net Price $26,990 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,153
10	High Point University	85	75.31	1,150 – 1,390	43086	50955	#10 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 75%. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 95% of students at High Point University will receive institutional grant aid. At High Point University, there is a 85% first year retention rate and 64% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 75.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $43,086 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,955
11	Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary	85	74.63	1,040 – 1,220	16031	63721	#11 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 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $40 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 44% of students at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary will receive grant aid from the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 74.6% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $16,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
12	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	85	79.6	1,110 – 1,320	15045	48812	#12 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 $15,045 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,812
13	Appalachian State University	84	90.14	1,100 – 1,280	14978	43663	#13 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 44% of students at Appalachian State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 90.1% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $14,978 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,663
14	East Carolina University	83	89.21	1,080 – 1,240	13755	46420	#14 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 52% of students attending East Carolina University currently receive institutional grant aid. At East Carolina University, there is a 83% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 89.2% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $13,755 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,420
15	Meredith College	79	74.18	1,130 – 1,350	24323	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 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 74.2% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $24,323 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,293
16	University of North Carolina at Greensboro	79	88.51	1,120 – 1,300	11404	39869	#16 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 83% of students attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro will receive institutional grant aid. At the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 3.9% Acceptance Rate 88.5% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $11,404 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,869
17	Western Carolina University	79	81.83	1,030 – 1,230	13767	43085	#17 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 78% of students attending Western Carolina University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 3.9% Acceptance Rate 81.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $13,767 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,085
18	North Carolina A & T State University	78	49.9	980 – 1,170	10097	36638	#18 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 78 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 49.9% SAT Score 980 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $10,097 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,638
19	Catawba College	77	75.21	960 – 1,240	18447	36912	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Catawba College Salisbury, NC Located in Salisbury, Catawba College accepted 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of students attending Catawba College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 5.5% Acceptance Rate 75.2% SAT Score 960 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $18,447 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,912
20	Elizabeth City State University	77	64.22	900 – 1,110	6483	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.” 89% of students receive grant aid – about $10,732 on average – to help them better afford the cost of college. Many undergraduates major in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. First Year Retention Rate 77 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 64.2% SAT Score 900 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $6,483 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,776
21	Winston-Salem State University	77	78.26	850 – 1,040	12989	40557	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, NC Located in Winston-Salem, Winston-Salem State University accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 62% of students attending Winston-Salem State University will receive institutional grant aid. 77% of students decide to stay......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score 850 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $12,989 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,557
22	Campbell University	76	87.18	1,020 – 1,220	25736	45511	#22 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 99% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 87.2% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $25,736 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,511
23	Lenoir-Rhyne University	76	84.59	970 – 1,180	21546	44799	#23 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 85%. They request unknown 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 76 % 7.0% Acceptance Rate 84.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $21,546 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,799
24	Fayetteville State University	75	82.15	860 – 1,030	7811	37831	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NC Found in Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University accepted 82% 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 82.2% SAT Score 860 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $7,811 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,831
25	Queens University of Charlotte	74	62.08	1,100 – 1,320	31839	48170	#25 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 62% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Queens University of Charlotte currently receive grant aid from the school. At Queens University of Charlotte, there is a 74% first year retention rate and a......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 62.1% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $31,839 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,170
26	William Peace University	74	94.25	1,100 – 1,260	24216	39738	#26 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 $50 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 % 21.3% Acceptance Rate 94.3% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $24,216 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,738
27	North Carolina Central University	73	86.96	1,010 – 1,110	14475	35967	#27 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. 87% receive grant aid, $11,999 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 73 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $14,475 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,967
28	Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte	72	79.88	890 – 1,140	28084	35802	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Charlotte, NC Based in Charlotte, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte’s acceptance rate is 80%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 100% of students at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 12.5% Acceptance Rate 79.9% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $28,084 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,802
29	Pfeiffer University	72	96.03	800 – 1,080	19660	44621	#29 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 96%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. 72% of students continued their studies at Pfeiffer University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 5.9% Acceptance Rate 96.0% SAT Score 800 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $19,660 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,621
30	University of Mount Olive	72	75.75	970 – 1,180	18853	43026	#30 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 76% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 97% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 6.5% Acceptance Rate 75.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $18,853 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,026
31	University of North Carolina Asheville	72	91.92	1,150 – 1,350	13798	36947	#31 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 83% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 91.9% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $13,798 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,947
32	University of North Carolina at Pembroke	72	93.26	970 – 1,150	9723	37126	#32 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 59% of students at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke currently receive grant aid from......Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 93.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $9,723 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,126
33	Chowan University	71	68.79	880 – 1,150	15206	30096	#33 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 69%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 100% of students attending Chowan University currently receive grant aid from the school. 71% of students decide to stay at Chowan University after completing their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 24.6% Acceptance Rate 68.8% SAT Score 880 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $15,206 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,096
34	Johnson C Smith University	71	45.21	790 – 980	19705	31478	#34 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 66% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 12.7% Acceptance Rate 45.2% SAT Score 790 – 980 Avg. Net Price $19,705 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,478
35	Livingstone College	71	59.25	800 – 980	12826	24024	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Livingstone College Salisbury, NC Located in Salisbury, Livingstone College accepted 59% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. About 77% of students at Livingstone College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Livingstone College, there is a 71%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 9.0% Acceptance Rate 59.3% SAT Score 800 – 980 Avg. Net Price $12,826 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,024
36	Warren Wilson College	71	71.34	1,210 – 1,340	26084	27723	#36 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 71%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Warren Wilson College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $26,084 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,723
37	Belmont Abbey College	70	74.65	970 – 1,220	24726	43816	#37 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 75% 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 70 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 74.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $24,726 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,816
38	Wingate University	70	91.13	990 – 1,210	21282	43992	#38 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 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 91.1% SAT Score 990 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $21,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,992
39	Lees-McRae College	69	76.78	1,040 – 1,240	29833	41599	#39 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 97% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 11.3% Acceptance Rate 76.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $29,833 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,599
40	Mars Hill University	69	67.9	960 – 1,140	18925	35680	#40 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 99% of students attending Mars Hill University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 13.1% Acceptance Rate 67.9% SAT Score 960 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $18,925 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,680
41	Salem College	68	76.67	980 – 1,180	18668	38496	#41 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Salem College Winston-Salem, NC Found in Winston-Salem, Salem College accepts 77% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 68% and 60% of students will graduate in......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 76.7% SAT Score 980 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $18,668 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,496
42	Greensboro College	66	70.14	900 – 1,110	18730	36462	#42 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 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 4.8% Acceptance Rate 70.1% SAT Score 900 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $18,730 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,462
43	Barton College	65	94.2	950 – 1,150	23962	40785	#43 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 38% 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 $23,962 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,785
44	Guilford College	65	80	1,000 – 1,200	22270	40401	#44 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Guilford College Greensboro, NC Located in Greensboro, Guilford College accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 99% of students at Guilford College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 80.0% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $22,270 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,401
45	Methodist University	65	75.14	1,100 – 1,270	26334	40540	#45 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 100% 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 % Acceptance Rate 75.1% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $26,334 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,540
46	Brevard College	62	42.16	890 – 1,240	26930	34401	#46 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Brevard College Brevard, NC Found in Brevard, Brevard College accepts 42% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 98% of students attending Brevard College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 6.1% Acceptance Rate 42.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,930 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,401
47	Montreat College	59	69.2	1,060 – 1,270	28112	39763	#47 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Montreat College Montreat, NC Located in Montreat, Montreat College accepted 69% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 89% of students attending Montreat College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 4.8% Acceptance Rate 69.2% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $28,112 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,763
48	North Carolina Wesleyan University	59	80.23	860 – 1,100	18472	38939	#48 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 80% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 54% of students attending North Carolina Wesleyan University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 9.2% Acceptance Rate 80.2% SAT Score 860 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $18,472 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,939
49	Carolina University	56	39.54	870 – 1,080	20412	30657	#49 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina Carolina University Winston-Salem, NC Located in Winston-Salem, Carolina University accepted 40% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 97% 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 % Acceptance Rate 39.5% SAT Score 870 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $20,412 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,657
50	Gardner-Webb University	55	77.21	1,010 – 1,210	20016	43996	#50 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 77% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Gardner-Webb University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Gardner-Webb University, there is a 55% first year retention rate and a 41% four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 55 % 20.3% Acceptance Rate 77.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,016 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,996
51	Shaw University	52	80.16	660 – 870	16445	26148	#51 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 75% of students attending Shaw University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 52 % 7.1% Acceptance Rate 80.2% SAT Score 660 – 870 Avg. Net Price $16,445 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,148
52	St. Andrews University	48	64.8	810 – 1,170	29474	37691	#52 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in North Carolina St. Andrews University Laurinburg, NC Located in Laurinburg, St- Andrews University’s acceptance rate is 65%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 79% of students attending St- Andrews University will receive institutional grant aid. On average, these students receive $15,542 each. The first year retention rate is 48%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 48 % 5.9% Acceptance Rate 64.8% SAT Score 810 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $29,474 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,691
53	Mid-Atlantic Christian University	32	62.16	830 – 1,210	20581	29887	#53 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 62% of applicants. They request $30 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students at Mid-Atlantic Christian University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 32 % Acceptance Rate 62.2% SAT Score 830 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,581 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,887