Several schools in North Carolina rank among the largest by total student enrollment. In first place is North Carolina State University, followed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, each of which enrolls tens of thousands of students.
These schools serve large undergraduate and graduate populations across many programs. Enrollment size reflects the number of students who attend in a given year, not the difficulty of admission or academic reputation.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina State University has the largest total enrollment in the state, followed by UNC Charlotte and UNC Chapel Hill.
- The term “biggest” usually means total enrollment, which counts undergraduate, graduate, and professional students together.
- Campus size differs from enrollment, and a larger campus does not necessarily mean more students.
- Large colleges often offer more majors and services, but they may also have larger classes, especially in early courses.
- Understanding how enrollment numbers work helps families compare colleges using facts rather than assumptions.
What Is the Largest College in North Carolina?
By total enrollment, North Carolina State University is the largest college in North Carolina, with a student body of over 37,000.
This ranking is based on student headcount, not academic quality, outcomes, or selectivity. Size alone does not reflect teaching quality or student success.
The largest universities in North Carolina are mostly public research institutions that rank among the top public colleges nationwide. They enroll many students because they offer lower in-state tuition and a wide range of programs.
Biggest Colleges in NC by Enrollment
Enrollment rankings show how many students attend a school at one time. Lists of the largest colleges in NC often place public campuses at the top because they serve broad populations. For the 2025 Fall semester, the biggest colleges in North Carolina after NC State University include:
- The University of North Carolina at Charlotte ≈ 32,207 students
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ≈ 34,099 students
Private colleges with large student bodies include:
- Duke University ≈ 17,000 students
- Wake Forest University ≈ 9,000 students
- High Point University ≈ 6,000 students
Community colleges often rank highest by headcount because they serve part-time students, adult learners, and short-term training programs in addition to degree students. Examples include Central Piedmont Community College, Wake Technical Community College, and Guilford Technical Community College.
North Carolina State University Enrollment Overview
North Carolina State University has one of the largest student bodies in the state, with various sources reporting a total of over 37,485 students for Fall 2025 (27,885 undergraduates and over 9,600 master’s and doctoral students).
This number stood at approximately 38,464 total students for the 2024–2025 academic year (approximately 28,422 undergraduates and 10,042 graduates).
NC State’s size reflects its role as a major public research institution with a wide range of fields from engineering to life sciences.
Largest University in NC by Area
North Carolina State University is often cited as the largest university in NC by area. Its main and research campuses together cover more than 2,000 acres, including academic buildings, engineering facilities, and agricultural research land.
East Carolina University also has a large physical footprint, spanning over 1,600 acres across teaching, medical, and research sites.
Some of the biggest universities in North Carolina cover large areas because they include farms, labs, or research land. A large campus does not always mean more students. Area size shows space use, not enrollment.
How College Size Affects Students
Large schools often offer more majors and student groups. Smaller schools such as Chapel Hill or Wake Forest may offer a different learning environment. Class size, advising, and campus life can vary with enrollment. Size is only one factor in the decision-making process, alongside program outcomes and the return on investment of college degrees.
Common Misunderstandings About College Size
Many people think bigger always means better. Enrollment size does not predict fit or outcomes. At CollegeCommit, we focus on helping families understand data in context instead of relying on size alone. We are present across the country, with educational consultants in Charlotte, NC, who help families understand data in context rather than relying on size alone.
Clear comparisons support informed choices.
