6 Best Universities In Raleigh For International Students 2025

Raleigh is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 6 universities in Raleigh, North Carolina State University and Meredith College are the top-performing schools in Raleigh.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Raleigh, North Carolina. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Raleigh, North Carolina.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Raleigh?

Applying to the universities in Raleigh involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Raleigh to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Raleigh?

Tuition fees at Raleigh’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 11,000 USD to 42,600 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 8,625 USD to 31,000 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Raleigh!

As we cover the best universities in Raleigh for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Raleigh for International Students

The North Carolina State University or NC State University is a top-performing institution in the country and houses more than 37,000 local and international students. They have a consistent position in national and global rankings for various study programs such as engineering, business, and medicine. Moreover, they are acknowledged as a “best value for money” university for the past years.

Nationally ranked, Meredith College’s student body has grown throughout the years. It is respected as a vibrant learning environment where students enhance their strengths and broaden their perspectives. It educates and inspires students to live with integrity and provide leadership for society’s needs, opportunities and challenges.

Known as the first historically black institution in the South, Shaw University has been a pioneer in higher education in the African American community after years of slavery. It was founded by the American Baptist Hope Mission Society as an institution for theological education. At present, the university offers degrees in various subject areas and carries out different activities that promote social justice and community development.

William Peace University was founded with the intention of developing students to be well-equipped for today’s job market. The curricula focus on providing real-life experiences and developing soft skills through mandatory internships, undergraduate research, and career events. This university is also known for its flexible programs designed for working and older students that cannot complete their degree in a traditional manner.

Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) is a private historically black Christian university in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1867 as Saint Augustine’s Normal School. More than 20 undergraduate majors in various disciplines are available at the university. Saint Augustine’s University’s mission is to maintain a learning community in which students can prepare for academic, social, and spiritual leadership in a global society.

Saint Augustine’s University maintains a student-first learning community where each learner is trained academically, socially, and spiritually to prepare them for the complexities of the dynamic global industry. Its renowned faculty and staff are determined to bring out the student’s full potential and instill learnings that will forever be embedded in them as they graduate from the institution. Despite the challenges in recent years, the university remains steadfast in delivering its mission and purpose to the education community of its country.