Barton College, founded in 1902, is a four-year private liberal arts school. There are 25 buildings located on the 65-acre campus and approximately 1,200 students. It is nationally recognized for its education, deaf education, nursing and social work programs. Each year the college provides more than $9 million in aid to students. In 2010 Barton was ranked by "U.S. News & World Report" as one of the "Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the South." The average undergraduate programs cost about $17,500 per year as of 2011.
Wilson Community College provides GED programs and adult education courses. It also offers courses that will lead to an associate of arts or an associate of science degree. The Transfer Program helps to prepare students who want to transfer to a four-year private college or university to complete a bachelor's degree. Between 2009 and 2010 the college served approximately 3,400 students. The average cost for in-state students as of 2011 is $1,345 per year.
About 18 miles from Wilson in Rocky Mount is North Carolina Wesleyan College. It's a four-year co-educational liberal arts college that offers 22 undergraduate programs leading to a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. There are approximately 1,700 students. Located on 200 acres, the college has six residence halls, nine academic buildings and various athletic facilities. Full-time tuition averages $23,000 per year as of 2011.
Also located in Rocky Mount is Nash Community College. The school has an open-door admissions policy for anyone looking to further their education. The college offers 83 academic programs and has a two-year technical and college transfer program for those who plan to attend a four-year college or university. The average cost is $1,440 for in-state students as of 2011, and 99 percent of the students are in-state. Financial aid is available.