The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) is one of North Carolina's most prestigious public universities and is consistently rated a top public college in the nation. It is located in Chapel Hill, just outside of Raleigh-Durham, and its mascot is the Tarheel, an old nickname for North Carolinians. According to its website, just under 18,000 undergraduate students were enrolled at UNC-CH for the 2009-2010 school year, and 80 percent of those enrolled graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school classes. Students at UNC-CH enjoy donning the famous "Carolina" blue and cheering on NCAA Division I sports, as well as taking in the night life of Chapel Hill's Franklin Street.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919-962-2211
unc.edu
North Carolina State is another well-known and nationally ranked university in North Carolina, located in Raleigh. The website indicates a student population of approximately 23,000 undergraduates, making it the largest public university in the state. The college is known for having a diverse student body in a variety of majors. Students claim membership in the "Wolfpack," enjoying NCAA Division I sports played in red and black gear, as well as campus-wide competitions such as the Krispy Kreme challenge.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695
919-515-2011
ncsu.edu
East Carolina University, located in Greenville, likes to keep it in the state, with 81 percent of its first-year students coming from North Carolina. Total undergraduate enrollment is just under 19,000, according to the school's website. The "Pirates" sport purple and gold at NCAA Division I sporting events and enjoy a more coastal atmosphere.
East Carolina University
East Fifth Street
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252-328-6131
ecu.edu
Appalachian State University (ASU) is a public institution in the western region of the state, located in the mountains of Boone. The school's website states that "App," as it is affectionately called by the 15,000 undergraduates who attend, is consistently ranked as a top southern regional university by many national polling experts. ASU fans enjoy wearing black and gold and cheering on their Mountaineers in the NCAA Division I FCS. The Mountaineers were FCS National Champions in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2000
appstate.edu
Western Carolina University (WCU) is home to 9,000 students, according to its website. Among many other achievements, WCU is known for its Emergency Medical Care major, the first of its kind in the country. WCU's mascot is the Catamount, a mountainous wildcat, and they join ASU in the FCS Conference.
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-7317
wcu.edu