ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Elementary Education Schools in North Carolina

19 Colleges in the United States
1,025 Elementary Education Degrees Awarded
$44,495 Avg Early-Career Salary

Elementary Education is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 57 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for elementary education students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 5
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 13.12), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Elementary Education (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Elementary Education (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Elementary Education (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Elementary Education (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Teaching (MAT) (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Teaching (MAT) (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Secondary Education (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Secondary Education (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Secondary Education (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Secondary Education (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 2
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 2 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 2
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 2 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Elementary Education in North Carolina

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the elementary education degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Elementary Education

1

Elon University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in elementary education. Located in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. About 38 elementary education degrees were awarded at Elon University in the most recent year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $47,095 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the elementary education program at Elon University

2

A rank of #2 makes North Carolina State University At Raleigh one of the top schools for elementary education. This very large public university is located in the city of Raleigh. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. North Carolina State University At Raleigh awarded about 52 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $44,877. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in elementary education from North Carolina State University At Raleigh

3
High Point University crest
High Point University
High Point, NC

Students looking for a strong elementary education program will find one at High Point University, which ranked #3. High Point University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of High Point. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. High Point University awarded about 33 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $113,352 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,500. Get the full elementary education details for High Point University

4

Appalachian State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. Located in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. Appalachian State University awarded about 187 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from Appalachian State University earn around $41,144 in the first couple years of their career. Appalachian State University graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Get the full elementary education details for Appalachian State University

5

A rank of #5 makes East Carolina University one of the top schools for elementary education. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. About 63% of students finish within six years. East Carolina University awarded about 174 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from East Carolina University earn around $45,356 in the first couple years of their career. East Carolina University graduates carry a median of $23,625 in student loans. More information about a degree in elementary education from East Carolina University

6

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. Located in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public university. About 69% of students finish within six years. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte awarded about 116 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte generally make around $45,528. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte graduates carry a median of $24,763 in student loans. Get the full elementary education details for University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

7

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington placed #7 among the best elementary education schools. Set in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public institution. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington awarded about 99 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earn around $42,535 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,130 to complete this degree. Get the full elementary education details for University Of North Carolina At Wilmington

8

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #8 among the best elementary education schools. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public university. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro awarded about 50 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn around $44,447 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,000. Get the full elementary education details for University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

9

Western Carolina University landed the #9 spot for elementary education this year. Western Carolina University is a large public school located in the town of Cullowhee. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. Western Carolina University awarded about 40 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $40,594 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,714. Get the full elementary education details for Western Carolina University

10
Campbell University crest
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC

Campbell University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. Set in the town of Buies Creek, Campbell University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. Campbell University awarded about 16 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from Campbell University earn around $41,994 in the first couple years of their career. Campbell University graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Read more about the elementary education program at Campbell University

11

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #11 for elementary education this year. Located in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke awarded about 45 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Pembroke generally make around $45,749. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree. Read more about the elementary education program at University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

12

North Carolina Central University came in at #12 for elementary education this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Durham. North Carolina Central University graduates 42% of students within six years. North Carolina Central University awarded about 14 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from North Carolina Central University earn around $46,773 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $31,880 to complete this degree. Get the full elementary education details for North Carolina Central University

13

North Carolina A And T State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. This large public university is located in the city of Greensboro. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. There were roughly 17 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at North Carolina A And T State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from North Carolina A And T State University earn around $48,447 in the first couple years of their career. North Carolina A And T State University graduates carry a median of $29,078 in student loans. See the full elementary education program report for North Carolina A And T State University

14
Wingate University crest
Wingate University
Wingate, NC

Wingate University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. Set in the suburb of Wingate, Wingate University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 46% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at Wingate University in the most recent data year. Elementary Education graduates of Wingate University earn a median of $40,130 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,925. See the full elementary education program report for Wingate University

15
Gardner Webb University crest
Gardner Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC

Gardner Webb University came in at #15 for elementary education this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the rural area of Boiling Springs. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 36 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at Gardner Webb University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $39,850 in their early career. Gardner Webb University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full elementary education details for Gardner Webb University

16

James Sprunt Community College earned the #16 position for elementary education this year. Set in the rural area of Kenansville, James Sprunt Community College is a small public institution. About 23 elementary education degrees were awarded at James Sprunt Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from James Sprunt Community College earn around $26,775 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $11,278 to complete this degree. Get the full elementary education details for James Sprunt Community College

17
Lees Mcrae College crest
Lees Mcrae College
Banner Elk, NC

Lees Mcrae College came in at #17 for elementary education this year. Set in the rural area of Banner Elk, Lees Mcrae College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Lees Mcrae College graduates 42% of students within six years. About 18 elementary education degrees were awarded at Lees Mcrae College in the most recent year. Elementary Education graduates of Lees Mcrae College earn a median of $38,996 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in elementary education from Lees Mcrae College

18
Barton College crest
Barton College
Wilson, NC

Barton College came in at #18 for elementary education this year. Barton College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Wilson. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. About 10 elementary education degrees were awarded at Barton College in the most recent year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $41,251 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,122 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in elementary education from Barton College

19
Chowan University crest
Chowan University
Murfreesboro, NC

Chowan University came in at #19 for elementary education this year. Located in the rural area of Murfreesboro, Chowan University is a small private not-for-profit university. About 30% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 20 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at Chowan University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from Chowan University earn around $30,165 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $32,131 to complete this degree. See the full elementary education program report for Chowan University

20
Mount Olive College crest
Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, NC

Mount Olive College placed #20 among the best elementary education schools. Located in the rural area of Mount Olive, Mount Olive College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 48% of students finish within six years. Mount Olive College awarded about 10 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from Mount Olive College earn around $41,036 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $35,963 to complete this degree. Read more about the elementary education program at Mount Olive College

21

Elizabeth City State University earned the #21 position for elementary education this year. Located in the town of Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public university. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. Elizabeth City State University awarded about 14 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Elementary Education graduates of Elizabeth City State University earn a median of $28,300 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,992. More information about a degree in elementary education from Elizabeth City State University

ADBLOCK #173
View All Elementary Education Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 57 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options