CLT Colleges in

North Carolina

Belmont Abbey College, founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks from Saint Vincent Archabbey, is a private Catholic liberal arts college located in Belmont, North Carolina. Rooted in Benedictine heritage, it is the only Catholic-affiliated college in North Carolina. Recognized for faithfulness and affordability by the Cardinal Newman Society, it has been praised by *First Things* as a “school on the rise” and ranked #1 for undergraduate teaching in the southern region by *U.S. News & World Report*. The college offers over 40 student organizations, strong academics, and NCAA Division II athletics as the Belmont Abbey Crusaders.

Carolina Christian College (CCC), founded in 1945 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a special-purpose undergraduate institution dedicated to Christian ministry education. Originally named The Christian Institute, then Winston-Salem Bible College, CCC was established by Dr. R. L. Peters and J. W. West to provide theological education for African Americans and rural whites. CCC offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and a Doctor of Ministry. Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, CCC emphasizes leadership, urban ministry, and cultural awareness. The college remains committed to preparing diverse Christian leaders for impactful service in ministry and the broader community.

High Point University, a private college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, was founded in 1924 as High Point College and was renamed High Point University in 1991 to broaden its academic offerings. Despite financial challenges during the Great Depression, the university expanded and underwent considerable changes, particularly under President Nido R. Qubein since 2005. The site grew, academic schools rose from 3 to 10, and significant facility upgrades were made. High Point offers a range of programs, boasts top rankings, and has a strong focus on residential life and athletics, competing in NCAA Division I sports.

Lumbee River Christian College (LRCC), located in Shannon, North Carolina, is a Pentecostal institution dedicated to equipping Christians for ministry. Originally founded in 1968 as Eastern Indian Bible Institute and later renamed Native American Bible College, LRCC offers Bachelor and Associate degrees in Religious Education with majors in Bible and Christian Education, Pastoral Ministry, and Missions Ministry. Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education in 2017, LRCC emphasizes biblical authority, Pentecostal theology, and ministry training.

Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) is a private Christian university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, affiliated with Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. Founded in 1948 as Roanoke Bible College by George and Sarah BonDurant, it aimed to train preachers for churches in eastern North Carolina and Virginia. MACU offers bachelor's degrees in theology, ministry, leadership, and applied linguistics, with dual enrollment options at local colleges. Accredited since 1979, the university fosters spiritual growth through mentorship, worship services, and mission-focused events. Traditions include Sneak Day and an annual Alumni Rally. In 2009, the institution was renamed MACU, continuing its mission to develop Christian leaders.

Montreat College, founded in 1916, is a private, Christ-centered liberal arts institution in Montreat, North Carolina. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, with a main campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains and additional sites in Asheville, Charlotte, and Morganton. Originally part of the Mountain Retreat Association, it became a four-year college in the 1980s. The school has 22 NAIA varsity teams and an active student life. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Montreat emphasizes spiritual formation, career preparation, and community engagement. Notable benefactors include Billy Graham. It briefly faced financial challenges post-2008 but rebounded with fundraising efforts.

New Aberdeen College forms mature disciples through classical learning and the Reformed faith. It upholds biblical authority, the Trinity, and salvation through Christ’s atonement. The college embraces a classical liberal arts education, emphasizing virtues, wisdom, and rigorous academics. Unlike modern institutions, New Aberdeen follows a Great Books tradition, promoting independent thought over ideological conformity. Students gain rhetorical, analytical, and philosophical skills, preparing them for leadership and diverse careers. The curriculum integrates theology, history, literature, mathematics, and language studies, fostering moral and intellectual development. Committed to excellence, New Aberdeen equips students for meaningful work while preserving the classical heritage of liberal education.

Thales College offers a modern yet classical approach to higher education, combining rigorous academics, professional skills, and character development. Its accelerated degree programs allow students to graduate quickly and enter the workforce prepared for success. With affordable tuition at $4,000 per term, students can earn their degrees without overwhelming debt. Located near Raleigh, North Carolina, students enjoy access to diverse restaurants, parks, museums, shopping, professional sports, and entertainment. The college's curated curriculum and extracurricular experiences ensure a well-rounded education, equipping graduates with the tools needed for meaningful careers and strong financial stability.

Excel College, located in North Carolina, is a private Christian institution focused on holistic education and discipleship. Rooted in a biblical worldview, it emphasizes intellectual, spiritual, and professional growth, integrating faith into everyday life. Excel operates under an exemption from licensure per North Carolina law for religious education. While unaffiliated with a specific denomination, it fosters a faith-based academic community where students engage critically with both sacred and secular thought within a Christian framework.

Wingate University, founded in 1896, is a private liberal arts institution in North Carolina with campuses in Wingate, Charlotte, and Hendersonville. It serves over 3,600 students, offering 37 undergraduate majors, eight master’s, and five doctoral programs across multiple colleges, including health sciences, business, and education. Wingate emphasizes experiential learning, global perspectives, and community service. Its athletic program features 22 NCAA Division II sports, with multiple national championships. Nearly all undergraduates receive financial aid, and the university ranks highly in social mobility. Wingate fosters diversity, with half of its students being non-white. Located near Charlotte, it provides a vibrant campus life with extensive extracurricular opportunities.