Colleges and universities in Concord, North Carolina

Concord, North Carolina is home to several high-quality institutions of higher education. These colleges and universities offer a wide variety of degree programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

This local guide provides an overview of the postsecondary educational landscape in Concord. It profiles each college and university in town and highlights key information for prospective students.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Center City Campus

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) – Center City Campus is located right in the heart of downtown Concord. This satellite campus provides the same academic programs and student services offered at the main Charlotte campus.

Overview

• Public university, part of the UNC system
• Offers nearly 250 degree programs, including several at the doctoral level
• Undergraduate majors in business, education, health and human services, computing and informatics, engineering, and more
• Enrolls over 30,000 students, including over 5,000 graduate students
• High-quality education at an affordable in-state tuition rate
• Fantastic research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences

Concord Programs

The UNC Charlotte Center City campus allows Concord-area students to complete several degree programs locally:

• Bachelor’s Programs
  • Accounting
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • English
  • History
  • Nursing (RN to BSN)
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
• Master’s Programs
  • Business Administration (MBA)
  • Health Administration
  • Nursing
  • Public Administration
  • Social Work

The Center City campus shares faculty and resources with the main Charlotte campus to provide Concord students access to UNC Charlotte’s high standard of academics. Students can also easily take some courses at the main campus in Charlotte as needed.

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a small private college focused exclusively on degree programs in the health sciences. The college is affiliated with Atrium Health, the major healthcare system in the region.

Overview

• Emphasis on high-quality undergraduate and graduate healthcare education
• Strong partnerships with Atrium Health facilities for clinical training experiences
• Offers nearly 20 degree options in nursing, imaging, occupational therapy, medical assisting, and more
• Enrolls approximately 500 – 600 students
• Known for excellent faculty and hands-on learning
• Graduates consistently score higher than state and national averages on licensing exams

In addition to the main campus building, the college operates the Frank Liske Center where nursing students complete clinical simulations. This advanced facility has simulated hospital units, ER and ICU environments, birthing suites, and more. The college also partners with many other Atrium facilities to place students in clinical rotations.

Cabarrus College is an excellent option in Concord for launching a career in nursing or allied health fields. The small college environment and state-of-the-art simulation technology facilitate impactful learning experiences.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) is the local community college serving Cabarrus and Rowan counties in North Carolina. The college’s academic programs, lower tuition rates, and numerous transfer agreements provide affordable higher education access to the region.

Overview

• Comprehensive community college with a wide range of program options
• Associates degrees, diplomas, and certificates available
• Top fields of study include health sciences, business, computer technologies, public services, and more
• Also offers continuing education, college prep programs, and customized corporate training solutions
• Open enrollment, lower tuition rates, and good transfer options make RCCC very accessible

RCCC has three campuses – North Campus and South Campus in Salisbury and Concord Campus in Concord. The college enrolls over 10,000 for-credit students annually across all locations.

Key Concord Programs

The Concord Campus offers extensive academic programming. Some highlights include:

Associate Degrees

• Business Administration
• Computer Technology Integration
• Criminal Justice Technology
• Early Childhood Education
• Interior Design
• Paralegal Technology
• Radiography

Diplomas

• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assisting
• Practical Nursing

Certificates

• Basic Law Enforcement Training
• Computer-Integrated Machining
• Cosmetology
• Electrical Systems Technology
• Mechatronics Engineering Technology

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is the most affordable higher education option for Concord locals. Students can save money on general education requirements before transferring to complete a bachelor’s degree elsewhere. The career-oriented programs also prepare graduates to enter the job market.

Wingate University – Charlotte Campus

Wingate University is a private liberal arts institution based out of the town of Wingate, NC. The university has several satellite campuses, including one in Charlotte approximately 30 minutes from downtown Concord.

Overview

• Comprehensive private university focused on student-centered learning
• Emphasis on faith, knowledge, and service with Judeo-Christian roots
• 70+ majors available across pharmacy, health sciences, education, business, arts and sciences
• Graduate programs include business, accounting, education, and physician assistant studies
• Enrolls over 3,600 students across all locations
• Main campus features NCAA Division II athletics

Wingate prioritizes small classes, dedicated faculty-student engagement, and hands-on learning. It excels in health sciences and pharmacy fields due to strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers like Atrium Health.

Concord Students

The Charlotte Campus serves as the hub for most of Wingate’s health sciences offerings. Many nursing and pharmacy students based in Concord complete their programs through this location. Notably:

• Prelicensure BSN nursing degree
• Accelerated BSN program for students with a prior bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degrees for nurse practitioners and nurse educators
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program

By attending Wingate’s Charlotte campus, Concord students gain convenient access to these high-demand healthcare degrees without traveling far. They can still participate in campus life and access resources at the main Wingate campus as desired.

Concord Law School

Concord Law School is California’s first fully online law school. This unique program offers a flexible juris doctor (JD) curriculum without requiring students to relocate or attend classes on-site.

Overview

• Part of Purdue University Global
• ABA-approved JD program since 2002
• Identical curriculum and requirements to traditional law school programs
• All courses completed 100% online with 24/7 accessibility
• Enrolls 500-600 JD students from across the country
• Bar exam pass rate consistently meets California’s state average

As pioneers in online legal education, Concord utilizes interactive study tools, recorded lectures, seasoned faculty, and more to deliver a dynamic learning experience. Students receive individualized support from academic advisors when needed.

Ideal for Concord Students

Concord Law School offers an incredible opportunity for Concord residents interested in becoming lawyers or furthering their legal education. Without leaving home, students can study at their own pace to earn a JD from an ABA-approved law school.

The flexibility also allows students to maintain work-life balance while prepping for a career change into the legal field. Affordable tuition rates and scholarship opportunities provide even more incentive.

Overall, Concord’s 100% online JD stands out as an innovative law school choice perfect for Concordians juggling commitments. It expands accessibility to advanced legal training across North Carolina and beyond.

Additional Local Options

While not located directly in Concord, there are a few other colleges in the Charlotte metro area within reasonable driving distance for commuter students.

Belmont Abbey College – Belmont, NC

• Private liberal arts college founded by Benedictine monks
• Emphasis on ethical decision-making and values development
• Array of undergrad majors plus several master’s degree options
• Located only 25 minutes from downtown Concord

Central Piedmont Community College – Multiple Charlotte Campuses

• Largest community college in North Carolina
• 150+ degrees and credentials available in variety of fields
• Key programs in business, IT, engineering, arts, and health sciences
• Several campuses dotted around Charlotte region

Johnson C. Smith University – Charlotte, NC

• Historically Black university focused on empowering minorities
• Strong programs business, STEM, education, arts and humanities
• Additional law school offers JD, joint JD/MBA, and JD/MSSW degrees
• 34 minute drive from Concord city center

Conclusion

Concord offers a nice selection of quality higher education institutions for local students. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte facilitates nearby access to a major public university at an affordable rate.

Specialized private schools like Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Wingate University’s Charlotte Campus reflect important regional industries. For flexible and affordable options, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College leads the way.

Whether pursuing vocational certificates, preparing for medical careers, or advancing legal knowledge completely online, Concord learners have solid college and university choices right in town. The diversity of available programs here rivals what students may discover in larger nearby hubs like Charlotte.

Prospective students are encouraged to further explore all that Concord’s academic institutions have to offer. Discover your perfect program match in healthcare, computer science, business, legal studies, or another high-demand field today!