Elizabeth City is home to Elizabeth City State University, a constituent school of the University of North Carolina. The local campus offers 37 undergraduate and four graduate degrees, including a doctor of pharmacy degree. Pharmacy and aviation are considered its "signature programs," according to the college. Founded as a normal school, Elizabeth City State University ranked 17th among 35 historically black colleges and universities by "U.S. News and World Report" in 2010. Elizabeth City is also home to College of the Albemarle, the first community college in the state, which offers associate's degrees and continuing education. Both universities have dual-enrollment agreements permitting students to take classes on each other's campus.
Mid Atlantic Christian University, formerly Roanoke Bible College, is a private Christian university in Elizabeth City. All staff and faculty are required to affirm their belief in the school's Christian doctrinal position. The university offers two-year and four-year programs, each of which require both general studies and a biblical studies. Degree programs include a bachelor of theology, bachelor of arts and bachelor of science as well as associate of arts in biblical studies and associate of applied science in early childhood education. Mid Atlantic Christian University also has a dual-enrollment agreement with both Elizabeth City State University and College of the Albemarle, permitting students from any of the three colleges to take courses at the others.
The Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County public school district includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and an alternative learning program for grades 6-12. The district provides an exceptional children's program for students in need of additional services, an academic/intellectually gifted program and an after-school care and summer camp program. Pasquotank County is known as the birthplace of public education in North Carolina because the state's first school was founded there in 1705.
Elizabeth City has four private schools. The Albemarle School is a coed, secular private school serving preschool through twelfth grade whose mission statement is "Inspiring Excellence and Character in a Nurturing Environment." Glad Tidings Christian Academy is a coed parochial school offering preschool through ninth grade education. School Works is a small coed private school serving grades three, five through six, and eight through nine. Victory Christian School is a Baptist school serving preschool through twelfth grade. It is a member of the American Association of Christian Schools.