See what programs are offered. Some colleges offer courses that interest you and are in your field of study. There are different types of colleges, including liberal arts colleges, universities and community or junior colleges. Liberal arts colleges, like the University of North Carolina at Asheville, are more likely to have small class settings and typically offer courses in humanities, social sciences and sciences. Universities -- like Duke University -- are usually bigger than a college and offer a wider range of classes. You should expect a large class size at a university and some may be taught by graduate students. Students who attend a community or junior college full time receive an associate's degree after two years, which is transferable to a four-year institution.
Consider a public education versus a private one. Public colleges in North Carolina are funded by the state and local government and tend to be less expensive than private colleges, especially if you are an in-state resident. Private colleges, on the other hand, usually have a smaller student population and can offer more individualized attention to students. Both public and private colleges, including Wake Forest University and Peace College in Raleigh, offer financial aid and scholarships to students.
Decide if you want to go to a school that has a lot of students. The number of students attending a particular college or university affects how much personal attention you'll receive, the types of courses and majors offered and extracurricular activities available.
Look for a location that suits you. If you want to go home often, choose a college that is nearby. If you want to be able to visit museums or see professional sporting events, then an urban setting would be the way to go. If you're looking to explore and easy access of the outdoors, consider a school in a small town like High Point University in High Point or Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs.
Consider what type of college life you want on campus. Look for a school not only where you are going to be comfortable in the classroom, but where you can also balance extracurricular activities and a social life. Some colleges, like Winston-Salem State University, have a Greek system where you can join either a sorority and fraternity. If you are interested in playing sports for fun, check to see if the college offers intramural sports.