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 The first institution of higher learning south of Virginia was established in Charlotte in 1771. The school, Queens College, began the city’s strong commitment to education. Today, higher education is as important in the affairs of the Charlotte Metro Region as business and government. This is especially apparent in the partnership between the city’s colleges and universities and the rest of the community.
The emphasis of education is evident in the number of Charlotte students who pursue a college degree. Today, 88.1 percent of the students finishing public schools continue their education. Charlotte, itself, offers a diverse range of public and private institutions, many of which have achieved national recognition for their excellence.
More than 150,000 students are enrolled in degree or college-transfer programs at the 35 colleges, universities, community colleges and technical institutes located within the 13 county Charlotte Metro Region. Almost as many students are enrolled in business, industrial or continuing education programs in the region.
National and International Distinction
Many of the colleges and universities in the Carolinas and the region have been recognized for their excellence both nationally and internationally. U.S. News & World Report’s “Survey of America’s Best Colleges” continually cites Duke University in Durham, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem as among the top 28 best national universities.
The 2002 survey ranked the region’s Davidson College ninth among the nation’s best liberal arts colleges. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as well as Queens University of Charlotte, were both ranked by U.S. News among the top regional universities in the south; and Winthrop University, located within 30 minutes of Charlotte, has been named one of the top Southern Regional Universities for several years.
Another honored institution in the region is Central Piedmont Community College, which has been selected as Community College of the year by the National alliance of Business.
Unmatched Diversity and Excellence
Within the region, nineteen public and private senior institutions offer a wide range of baccalaureate degrees, and ten of them offer graduate opportunities - master and doctoral programs - in a variety of disciplines.
Ten junior colleges, community colleges and technical institutes confer two-year associate degrees. In the North Carolina portion of the Charlotte Metro Region, there are eight community colleges that are part of the state system of community colleges. South Carolina offers business, industry and continuing training through a state system of technical institutes.
Excellence abounds among the institutions offering students a variety of learning environments from large, diverse campuses to small, denominational settings. Tuition for four-year degree programs range from $2,810 annually for a North Carolina resident living off campus at a public school to $32,024 for a private college student living on campus.
Beneficial Regional Partnerships
The Charlotte Area Educational Consortium fosters sharing of exemplary faculty, excellent facilities and advanced equipment among the Charlotte region’s institutions of higher education. Formed in 1971, the Consortium provides a means for students to pursue courses at any of the member institutions for full credit. It lists 24 regular member colleges and universities and one associate partner. The Consortium offers conferences and programs available to faculty and students of members.
College Scholarship Links
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