Find a Job You Really Want In
As incoming college freshmen weigh their options for higher education, one of the most critical factors they consider is how a school can enhance their job prospects. In today’s competitive job market, securing employment after graduation is more important than ever.
North Carolina, with its unique blend of affordable living, prestigious research universities, and a booming tech industry—particularly evident in the Research Triangle—offers a compelling environment for students. This combination of resources and affordability positions NC colleges as strong contenders for those looking to advance their careers.
Curious about which institutions in North Carolina stand out in helping graduates land jobs? We analyzed data from IPEDS and College Scorecard to compile a list of colleges that not only offer quality education but also boast impressive job placement rates. Here, we’ve highlighted the top ten colleges that are most likely to enhance their graduates’ employability.
- Wake Forest University
- Elon University
- Duke University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- East Carolina University
- Wingate University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Winston-Salem State University
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
How We Determined This List
Utilizing data from IPEDS, we identified the colleges in North Carolina with the highest job placement rates for graduates, specifically focusing on employment levels ten years post-graduation. We ranked these institutions based on their placement ratings, rounding each rating to three decimal places for clarity. Each college’s location is also included for your reference.
Is your college among the top ten? Read on to explore the full list and learn more about these institutions.
1. Wake Forest University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 93.78%
College Description: Established in 1833, Wake Forest is a private university celebrated for its commitment to service. With over 50% of undergraduates participating in volunteer work, this culture of engagement enhances the resume appeal of its graduates, securing its position at the top of our list.
2. Elon University
Location: Elon, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 93.58%
College Description: As the third-largest private university in North Carolina, Elon offers 54 majors and employs over 300 full-time faculty members, equipping students with a strong academic foundation and practical skills for the workforce.
3. Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 91.70%
College Description: Renowned for its prestigious programs in law and medicine, Duke University graduates have excellent job prospects thanks to the institution’s stellar reputation and extensive alumni network.
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 91.60%
College Description: Home of the Tar Heels, this public university is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Its commitment to academic excellence and a supportive community enhances the employability of its graduates.
5. East Carolina University
Location: Greenville, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 91.56%
College Description: Recognized for its strong academic programs, ECU is the third-largest public university in the state. Its business school is particularly noted for excellence and has been featured in prestigious rankings.
6. Wingate University
Location: Wingate, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 91.55%
College Description: With a focus on academic excellence, Wingate has received recognition from various ranking organizations. Its commitment to quality education secures its place on this list.
7. North Carolina A&T State University
Location: Greensboro, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 91.09%
College Description: A&T State University emphasizes a strong educational foundation across various disciplines, and its historical significance in the Civil Rights movement adds to its legacy.
8. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Location: Raleigh, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 91.04%
College Description: Located in the state capital, NC State is well-known for its engineering and design programs, which play a crucial role in the employability of its graduates.
9. Winston-Salem State University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 90.72%
College Description: As the first historically black institution in the U.S. to grant degrees to elementary school teachers, Winston-Salem State continues to uphold its commitment to education and diversity.
10. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Location: Wilmington, NC
Percentage of Working Alumni, 10 Years Out: 90.32%
College Description: Situated in picturesque Wilmington, UNC-W is the only coastal university within the UNC system, and its focus on community engagement and diversity contributes to its high job placement rate.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right college can significantly impact your career trajectory. The institutions highlighted here not only provide quality education but also facilitate successful job placement for graduates. For further insights and resources, visit Zippia.
Are you a recent graduate seeking employment? Discover how to effectively conclude your cover letter to make a lasting impression.
Looking for more informative articles? Explore topics such as the happiest states in America.
| Rank | Institute Name | City | Working 10 Years Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, NC | 93.78% |
| 2 | Elon University | Elon, NC | 93.58% |
| 3 | Duke University | Durham, NC | 91.70% |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | 91.60% |
| 5 | East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 91.56% |
| 6 | Wingate University | Wingate, NC | 91.55% |
| 7 | North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro, NC | 91.09% |
| 8 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | 91.04% |
| 9 | Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem, NC | 90.72% |
| 10 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | 90.32% |
| 11 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | 90.17% |
| 12 | Davidson College | Davidson, NC | 90.10% |
| 13 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | 89.91% |
| 14 | Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, NC | 89.82% |
| 15 | Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | 89.80% |
| 16 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | 89.79% |
| 17 | High Point University | High Point, NC | 89.76% |
| 18 | Mount Olive College | Mount Olive, NC | 89.74% |
| 19 | Catawba College | Salisbury, NC | 89.67% |
| 20 | Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC | 89.64% |
| 21 | Montreat College | Montreat, NC | 89.59% |
| 22 | Guilford College | Greensboro, NC | 89.55% |
| 23 | Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory, NC | 89.52% |
| 24 | Barton College | Wilson, NC | 89.45% |
| 25 | Mars Hill University | Mars Hill, NC | 89.17% |
| 26 | Campbell University | Buies Creek, NC | 89.08% |
| 27 | Methodist University | Fayetteville, NC | 89.05% |
| 28 | Johnson C Smith University | Charlotte, NC | 88.99% |
| 29 | North Carolina Wesleyan College | Rocky Mount, NC | 88.82% |
| 30 | North Carolina Central University | Durham, NC | 88.28% |
| 31 | Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, NC | 88.21% |
| 32 | Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | 86.62% |
| 33 | Saint Augustine’s University | Raleigh, NC | 86.33% |
| 34 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, NC | 86.17% |
| 35 | University of North Carolina at Asheville | Asheville, NC | 85.86% |
| 36 | Meredith College | Raleigh, NC | 85.50% |
| 37 | Shaw University | Raleigh, NC | 82.04% |
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
