Here are the 17 most popular colleges and universities for students from the Charlotte area — plus admission data
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Note: Michael Trivette is a co-founder of College Transitions, a Charlotte-based team of college planning experts committed to guiding families through the college admissions process.
He’s coming out with a college guide, Colleges Worth Your Money: A Guide to What America’s Top Schools Can Do for You, in which some of the schools listed below are mentioned. Michael has previously written about college and admissions for the Agenda, including How hard is it to earn admission into each UNC system school?, A Charlotte parent’s role in the college admissions process, and Is there a Charlotte private school advantage in the college admissions process?.
Here’s a look at the 17 most popular public and private colleges among Charlotte-area applicants.
The statistics below were gathered from each school’s most recent Common Data Set, an annual, optional survey sent to schools to help institutions like College Board, Peterson’s, and U.S. News report out accurate, consistent data (think: average GPA, total number of students, graduation rate).
Schools are listed in alphabetical order.
Appalachian State University
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 16,421
• Freshman class size: 3,440
• 4-year grad rate: 52%
• 5-year grad rate: 70%
• 6-year grad rate: 72%
• Freshman retention rate: 87%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 16,154
• Acceptance rate: 69%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 560
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 640
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 540
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 630
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 23
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 28
• High school class rank top tenth: 19%
• High school class rank top quarter: 59%
• High school class rank top half: 93%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Class rank
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• Volunteer work
• Work experience
• Level of applicant’s interest
Clemson University
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 18,971
• Freshman class size: 3,785
• 4-year grad rate: 59%
• 5-year grad rate: 79%
• 6-year grad rate: 82%
• Freshman retention rate: 93%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 28,845
• Acceptance rate: 47%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 610
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 690
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 610
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 710
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 27
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 32
• High school class rank top tenth: 56%
• High school class rank top quarter: 87%
• High school class rank top half: 98%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Recommendations
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
College of Charleston
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 9,103
• Freshman class size: 2,197
• 4-year grad rate: 56%
• 5-year grad rate: 67%
• 6-year grad rate: 69%
• Freshman retention rate: 79%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 11,675
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 550
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 640
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 520
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 610
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 22
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 28
• High school class rank top tenth: 20%
• High school class rank top quarter: 51%
• High school class rank top half: 87%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Class rank
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• First generation
• State residency
• Racial/ethnic status
Davidson College
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 1,843
• Freshman class size: 515
• 4-year grad rate: 90%
• 5-year grad rate: 90%
• 6-year grad rate: 90%
• Freshman retention rate: 95%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 9:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 5,724
• Acceptance rate: 19%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 640
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 720
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 650
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 730
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 29
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 33
• High school class rank top tenth: 73%
• High school class rank top quarter: 97%
• High school class rank top half: 100%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Recommendations
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• Volunteer work
Duke University
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 6,659
• Freshman class size: 1,745
• 4-year grad rate: 87%
• 5-year grad rate: 94%
• 6-year grad rate: 96%
• Freshman retention rate: 98%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 35,767
• Acceptance rate: 8.9%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 710
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 770
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 740
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 800
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 33
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 35
• High school class rank top tenth: 95%
• High school class rank top quarter: 98%
• High school class rank top half: 100%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Recommendations
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
East Carolina University
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 19,958
• Freshman class size: 4,312
• 4-year grad rate: 36%
• 5-year grad rate: 58%
• 6-year grad rate: 61%
• Freshman retention rate: 83%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 16,007
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 520
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 590
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 510
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 590
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 20
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 24
• High school class rank top tenth: 13%
• High school class rank top quarter: 39%
• High school class rank top half: 78%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Class rank
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• State residency
Elon University
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 6,029
• Freshman class size: 1,698
• 4-year grad rate: 78%
• 5-year grad rate: 82%
• 6-year grad rate: 83%
• Freshman retention rate: 89%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 10,729
• Acceptance rate: 72%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 580
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 670
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 570
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 660
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 25
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 30
• High school class rank top tenth: 25%
• High school class rank top quarter: 57%
• High school class rank top half: 87%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Recommendations
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Alumni/ae relation
• Volunteer work
• Work experience
Furman University
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 2,677
• Freshman class size: 711
• 4-year grad rate: 74%
• 5-year grad rate: 80%
• 6-year grad rate: 80%
• Freshman retention rate: 91%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 5,469
• Acceptance rate: 61%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 630
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 710
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 600
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 700
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 28
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 32
• High school class rank top tenth: 41%
• High school class rank top quarter: 71%
• High school class rank top half: 92%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Class rank
• Academic GPA
• Application essay
• Extracurricular activities
• Character/personal qualities
Georgia Tech
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 14,318
• Freshman class size: 3,115
• 4-year grad rate: 40%
• 5-year grad rate: 82%
• 6-year grad rate: 87%
• Freshman retention rate: 97%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 23:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 35,612
• Acceptance rate: 23%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 680
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 750
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 710
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 790
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 31
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 34
• High school class rank top tenth: 89%
• High school class rank top quarter: 97%
• High school class rank top half: 99%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• Geographical residence
• State residency
• Volunteer work
• Work experience
North Carolina State University
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 22,317
• Freshman class size: 4,939
• 4-year grad rate: 54%
• 5-year grad rate: 78%
• 6-year grad rate: 81%
• Freshman retention rate: 94%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 30,193
• Acceptance rate: 47%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 620
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 680
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 630
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 710
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 27
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 31
• High school class rank top tenth: 48%
• High school class rank top quarter: 85%
• High school class rank top half: 99%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Class rank
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
University of Georgia
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 27,947
• Freshman class size: 5,703
• 4-year grad rate: 66%
• 5-year grad rate: 84%
• 6-year grad rate: 86%
• Freshman retention rate: 95%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 26,027
• Acceptance rate: 49%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 630
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 700
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 610
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 710
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 27
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 32
• High school class rank top tenth: 60%
• High school class rank top quarter: 92%
• High school class rank top half: 99%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 21,025
• Freshman class size: 3,678
• 4-year grad rate: 32%
• 5-year grad rate: 54%
• 6-year grad rate: 59%
• Freshman retention rate: 82%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 17,119
• Acceptance rate: 67%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 560
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 630
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 560
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 640
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 21
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 26
• High school class rank top tenth: 17%
• High school class rank top quarter: 47%
• High school class rank top half: 86%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 18,526
• Freshman class size: 4,317
• 4-year grad rate: 82%
• 5-year grad rate: 88%
• 6-year grad rate: 90%
• Freshman retention rate: 97%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 43,473
• Acceptance rate: 22%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 640
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 720
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 630
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 750
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 27
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 33
• High school class rank top tenth: 78%
• High school class rank top quarter: 96%
• High school class rank top half: 99%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Class rank
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Recommendations
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• State residency
• Volunteer work
• Work experience
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 12,157
• Freshman class size: 2,143
• 4-year grad rate: 53%
• 5-year grad rate: 70%
• 6-year grad rate: 73%
• Freshman retention rate: 83%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 13,117
• Acceptance rate: 61%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 590
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 660
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 600
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 660
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 23
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 27
• High school class rank top tenth: 24%
• High school class rank top quarter: 60%
• High school class rank top half: 92%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Class rank
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Recommendations
University of South Carolina
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 25,633
• Freshman class size: 5,849
• 4-year grad rate: 62%
• 5-year grad rate: 74%
• 6-year grad rate: 77%
• Freshman retention rate: 88%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 30,889
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 600
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 670
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 590
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 690
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 25
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 30
• High school class rank top tenth: 29%
• High school class rank top quarter: 62%
• High school class rank top half: 91%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
Virginia Tech
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 26,584
• Freshman class size: 6,832
• 4-year grad rate: 63%
• 5-year grad rate: 82%
• 6-year grad rate: 84%
• Freshman retention rate: 93%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 27,423
• Acceptance rate: 70%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 590
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 670
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 590
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 690
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 25
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 30
• High school class rank top tenth: 38%
• High school class rank top quarter: 77%
• High school class rank top half: 98%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores
Wake Forest University
Quick facts:
• Total full-time undergrads: 5,171
• Freshman class size: 1,420
• 4-year grad rate: 85%
• 5-year grad rate: 88%
• 6-year grad rate: 89%
• Freshman retention rate: 95%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1
Applying:
• Admissions website
• Total applicants: 12,937
• Acceptance rate: 29%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 650
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 710
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 660
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 760
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 29
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 33
• High school class rank top tenth: 76%
• High school class rank top quarter: 92%
• High school class rank top half: 97%
Important factors in the admissions process:
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Class rank
• Academic GPA
• Application essay
• Recommendations
• Interview
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities