Which NC colleges have the best campuses in the state? Here’s what a new report says

North Carolina is home to dozens of colleges and universities, but a new report is shedding light on which ones have the best campuses.

Niche released its annual college rankings of the top schools across the country based on student and alumni reviews, along with data from the U.S. Department of Education. The report lists the top campuses with “outstanding campus resources across classrooms, labs, performance venues, housing, food and recreational facilities” for students.

Of the colleges and universities in North Carolina, UNC Chapel Hill ranked as the best overall with the top-rated campus, followed by UNC Charlotte and UNC Greensboro .

Also in the top 10, North Carolina State ranked No. 6, and Duke University followed at No. 7.

Best college campus in NC? UNC-Chapel Hill

• Overall Niche grade: A+

• Academics: A+

• Diversity: A

• Athletics: A+

• Professors: A+

• Dorms: B+

• Student life: A+

• Value: A

• Campus: A

• Party scene: A

• Location: A-

• Campus food: A-

• Safety: B

Located in the heart of the Triangle, UNC opened its doors in 1795 as the first public university in the nation. Now, it’s home to over 20,000 undergraduate students and 11,000 graduate students with a “small town feel and big-city resources,” according to the university website.

Nestled less than a half hour from Raleigh and Durham, UNC’s widespread campus is made up of multiple areas featuring several athletic facilities, a student union with a game zone, dance studio, meditation room and more.

UNC was also highly-rated among several other national Niche college rankings too:

• No. 3: Best colleges for education

• No. 4: Best colleges for student athletes

• No. 5: Top public universities

2025 best college campuses in NC

Here’s a look at how each college’s campus was graded, according to the report:

• UNC Chapel Hill: A
• UNC Charlotte: A-
• UNC Greensboro: A-
• UNC Wilmington: A-
• William Peace University: A-
• North Carolina State University: A-
• Duke University: B+
• Western Carolina University: B+
• Davidson College: B+
• East Carolina University: B+
• Meredith College: B+
• Appalachian State University: B+
• Winston-Salem State University: B+
• North Carolina A&T State University: B+
• Wake Forest University: B

You can find the full report of the 2025 best college campuses in North Carolina online at niche.com .

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