Ivy League Schools in North Carolina: Does NC Have Ivies?
What’s Covered:
- Are There Ivy League Schools in North Carolina?
- Top 10 Non-Ivy League Schools in North Carolina
- What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?
The schools in the Ivy League are known as some of the best universities in the world, and they are all located in the Northeastern U.S. With that said, you might have heard of terms like Little Ivies, Public Ivies, New Ivies, and others. But are there Ivy League schools in North Carolina? Keep reading to find out.
Are There Ivy League Schools in North Carolina?
In short: no. There are no Ivy League schools in the Southeast. However, North Carolina is home to some incredible schools, including one of the Public Ivies. The Public Ivies are public schools (as the name implies) that are just as prestigious, selective, and intellectually fulfilling as those of the Ivy League.
North Carolina’s Public Ivy is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, also known as UNC Chapel Hill! UNC Chapel Hill is part of a university system within the state that has schools in other cities such as UNC Pembroke, UNC Greensboro, UNC Charlotte, and UNC Wilmington. An interesting fun fact about the UNC system is that it also includes North Carolina State University!
Top 10 Non-Ivy League Schools in North Carolina
1. Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Acceptance Rate: 4.8%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1520-1570 SAT / 34-35 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,520
Easily North Carolina’s best-known private school, Duke offers a beautiful campus, surrounding city life, rigorous academics, and high-quality sports. Recently, Duke has adopted a policy providing full tuition grants for student residents of North Carolina and South Carolina with total household incomes below $150,000. If you stop by on a weekday at 5 p.m., you’ll hear the 50-bell carillon in the Duke Chapel ringing in a fifteen-minute recital.
Learn more about Duke University and what it takes to get accepted.
2. Davidson College
Location: Davidson, NC
Acceptance Rate: 12.6%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1400-1520 SAT / 32-34 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,000
With over 74 majors, minors, and programs, and a 95% retention rate, Davidson College is among the most selective colleges in the United States. It’s also the first liberal arts college to eliminate loans in financial aid packages, having done so in 2007. Davidson’s offerings include Prelaw and Premedicine, and the campus is located just 20 miles or so from the largest city in North Carolina—Charlotte.
Learn more about Davidson College and what it takes to get accepted.
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | UNC
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1400-1530 SAT / 28-34 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,890
Known affectionately as “Carolina” or simply “UNC,” UNC Chapel Hill is the best-known university of the UNC system. It is also the first public university in the United States, and one that many students aspire to attend. Located within the vibrant city of Chapel Hill, students have access to art, music, world-class hospitals, and a sporting rivalry with Duke for the ages. UNC is also the alma mater of Michael Jordan, along with other NBA greats.
Learn more about UNC Chapel Hill and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Wake Forest University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Acceptance Rate: 22%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1500 SAT / 32-34 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,490
Wake Forest is a town outside of Raleigh, but the university isn’t there. It used to be though! Wake Forest moved to Winston-Salem in 1956. Wake Forest is a private school whose former faculty and alumni include esteemed names like Maya Angelou and Tim Duncan. It is known for a culture of service, a love of study-abroad, and a notable business school.
Learn more about Wake Forest University and what it takes to get accepted.
5. North Carolina State University | NC State
Location: Raleigh, NC
Acceptance Rate: 39.5%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1290-1440 SAT / 25-32 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 28,330
Often called NC State, or simply “State,” North Carolina State University is one of the “Big Three” North Carolina schools—along with UNC Chapel Hill and Duke—that form the Research Triangle. NC State is known for a rigorous curriculum, and an even more rigorous devotion to its sports teams.
The university is home to one of the few veterinary schools in the United States, and the school uses fresh milk from the cows at their dairy farm to make Howling Cow, some of the best ice cream in the state. Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s capital city, NC State has history, charm, and athleticism to boot.
Learn more about NC State and what it takes to get accepted.
6. Elon University
Location: Elon, NC
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1130-1320 SAT / 24-30 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,190
About two hours from beaches to the east and mountains to the west, Elon is centrally situated in the state. A private school among the top 40 undergraduate business schools in the U.S., Elon also has a campus designated as a botanical garden. Beautiful plant life can be observed all around the school. Elon is a growing institution known for strong undergraduate arts and science programs.
Learn more about Elon University and what it takes to get accepted.
7. University of North Carolina at Wilmington | UNC Wilmington
Location: Wilmington, NC
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1240-1350 SAT / 24-29 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,130
Do you like boardwalks and port cities? If so, Wilmington is definitely for you. A part of the UNC university system, UNC Wilmington offers a wide range of majors and a quick jaunt down to the beach. The home of the Seahawks is consistently rated high in student satisfaction, and it offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. If you’d like a quality, affordable degree, “The Dub” may be for you.
Learn more about UNC Wilmington and what it takes to get accepted.
8. Appalachian State University | App State
Location: Boone, NC
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1140-1270 SAT / 21-27 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,730
Known colloquially as “App State,” this school is nestled in North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, known for scenic views and a wide array of activities. App State is ranked as one of the best colleges for athletics, helped in part by the many athletic activities available in the mountains. It’s also considered a great university for sports management. App State is known for its benefits for student veterans and programs to enhance the first-year experience.
Learn more about Appalachian State University and what it takes to get accepted.
9. Western Carolina University | WCU
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1075-1260 SAT / 19-25 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,110
With over 115 undergraduate majors and concentrations, Western Carolina is a must-apply school for those interested in adventure. Right between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, WCU is known as a top adventure college where students are able to explore the natural beauty and diversity of the region through experiential learning and recreational activities. WCU is also part of the UNC system, and is the westernmost institution within it.
Learn more about Western Carolina University and what it takes to get accepted.
10. University of North Carolina at Charlotte | UNC Charlotte
Location: Charlotte, NC
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1150-1320 SAT / 21-28 ACT
Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,210
Located in the largest city in North Carolina, UNC Charlotte is known for the research and creative opportunities available. UNC Charlotte offers internationally competitive programs, including business, health professions, and computer science.
The university is the third-largest and fastest-growing university in the state. Charlotte is a convenient drive to the mountains and a trip to the beach, and there are many towns around the city that can provide a slower, more laid-back feel on the weekends.
Learn more about UNC Charlotte and what it takes to get accepted.
What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?
Given the selectivity of these institutions, it is crucial to have a balanced college list. This means including “safety” schools where your chances of admission are higher, “target” schools where your chances are around the average admitted student, and “reach” schools where your chances may be lower but still possible. All the universities listed above can be considered “reach” schools for many students due to their competitive nature.
Want to discover your chances of admission at one of the top schools in Texas? With these schools in mind, you may have found a college that aligns with your future goals. At CollegeVine, we’re committed to making college guidance accessible to all who want it. That’s why, on our college applications guidance platform, you can use our free chancing engine, build a best-fit school list, and learn how to improve your profile—all for free.
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