K-12 & Higher Education | More in the Core

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Learning in the Carolina Core is a vibrant experience filled with globally recognized institutions that instill character and knowledge into students — whether at the pre-K-12 or higher education levels. More than 30 colleges and universities educate tens of thousands every day, showcasing North Carolina higher education’s ability to serve a diverse and growing number of students in fields ranging from medicine to law to business and the arts.

Additionally, over a dozen highly rated public-school districts, charter schools, special needs institutions and some of the best private schools in North Carolina create hands-on learning for students, preparing them for tomorrow’s world, today.

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K-12 Education From Toddler to Teen
Affordability Explore Your Options
Higher Education Lean into the Latest
Technical College Expand Your Horizons

Two young boys play with wooden trains at Qubein Children's Museum.

K-12 Education

Top-Notch Learning

If you have children, schools in the Carolina Core provide excellent education that creates students that are well-prepared for their futures. Guilford and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school districts have a student-teacher ratio below the state average at 15:1, giving teachers more time to spend with each student. The Elkin City School District is ranked the No. 7 public school district in the state of North Carolina and private schools offer curricula based on creativity and innovation.

From elementary school enrollment to middle school class sizes to high school graduation rates, counties in the Carolina Core work to achieve results that show the strength of our school systems while keeping the individual students in mind and tailoring to them to keep their experiences positive.

Affordability

Taking the Next Step

Financing your education is a significant step, and the Carolina Core offers plenty of support to help you succeed. Many colleges and universities in the region, from larger institutions like UNC Greensboro to smaller schools like Fayetteville Technical Community College, provide a range of scholarships and financial aid options.

In-state residents in North Carolina also benefit from reduced tuition rates and additional financial aid programs, simplifying the pursuit of higher education. Notably, three of the ten most affordable colleges in North Carolina are situated in the Carolina Core, further helping in this pursuit. These resources enable Carolina Core students to focus on their education and secure a bright future without major financial barriers.

Student similing at High Point University graduation.

Higher Education

Universities at their Most Innovative

Whether you’re curious about medicine, communications, engineering or design, the 30+ higher education institutions in and around the Carolina Core can offer you a strong foundation for your chosen career path. Study at North Carolina A&T State University – the largest HBCU in the U.S.

Want to start down the path to becoming a Supreme Court Justice? Elon University’s Law School is ranked one of the most innovative in the nation. Learn to save lives and earn your nursing degree at Winston-Salem State University. And if your dreams include starting your own business, High Point University’s Earl N. Phillips School of Business offers majors in accounting, sales, international business and more. Each of these communities is unique in the experience they offer, creating a diverse workforce as students follow their career paths.

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Technical College

Upskilling Has Never Been This Easy

Looking to quickly earn a degree or certificate in your chosen career path? Or maybe you’re already working and would like to expand your knowledge and gain some personal enrichment. Winston-Salem schools like Forsyth Tech or Guilford Technical in Jamestown, provide real-world experience in everything from the culinary arts to ESL to business writing and cybercrime prevention.

Education

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Fast Facts

30+

U.S. News & World Report, 2025

#7

Niche, 2025

#1

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 2024

#3

U.S. News & World Report, 2025