North Carolina Lands 11 Schools in Forbes Top 500 Colleges

Forbes' 2025 list of top 500 U.S. colleges now includes eleven North Carolina schools. Duke sits at number 22 nationwide, leading the state's pack. The new rankings weigh 14 key points, with a strong focus on post-graduation success and return on investment.

At third in the South and 18th among U.S. private schools, Duke stands tall. UNC Chapel Hill claims spot 35 overall, marking a strong performance from the state's public flagship campus.

Davidson shot up to number 59 in the U.S. rankings. NC State secured position 66, while Wake Forest rounds out the state's elite group at 98. These schools show North Carolina's academic strength at both public and private institutions.

More state schools made the cut: Elon (147), UNC Charlotte (236), App State (273), UNC Wilmington (440), ECU (471), and High Point (491). The mix splits nearly down the middle: six public universities match five private schools.

The state shines with five institutions in the nation's top 100. This puts North Carolina among the strongest performers in higher education nationwide.

The ranking method tracks real results. Schools score points when students return for year two, finish degrees on schedule, secure well-paid work, and avoid crushing debt loads.

Rankings have shifted since 2022. Duke moved back from ninth place. UNC Chapel Hill slid from 28th. Wake Forest, once third-highest in NC at spot 50, now sits fifth among state schools.

Not all changes pointed down. Davidson jumped ahead by 10 spots. NC State climbed up from its previous position at 70, showing steady gains.

High Point's first-time appearance marks a significant shift. It takes the spot from UNC Greensboro, which dropped from the top 500.

These shifts point to big changes in college education. Schools must now prove their worth through student outcomes and smart financial choices. The ranking system's 14 factors zero in on what matters most - turning tuition dollars into career success.