Colleges & Universities

Durham's world-class universities put the Bull City on the global map. They're not just academic powerhouses; they're destinations worth the trip.

Durham's universities aren't just schools, they're central to the city's identity and among its biggest draws for visitation. Duke University and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) have shaped Durham's history, fueled groundbreaking research, championship athletics and cultural offerings that put us on the world stage. They've helped make this one of the most educated regions in the country while creating some of the area's most visited attractions. Add Durham Technical Community College's specialized pathways into the mix, and you've got a powerhouse of educational options that define the Bull City, each with its own distinct vision and voice.

NCCU students show their Eagle Pride during Homecoming.

photo by: Discover Durham

Duke University

Duke is one of the most prestigious universities in the country, consistently included near the top of the U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings. While its academics are undeniably top notch and the medical system is one of the best in the country, many folks know Duke for one thing in particular: athletics. The Division I athletic program holds 17 NCAA team national championships across golf, basketball, lacrosse, soccer and tennis. You can find Duke basketball fans all across the country pulling for the Blue Devils come March. Beyond academics and athletics, Duke campus is also home to several of Durham's world-class visitor attractions: the Duke Lemur Center is dedicated to the study of the largest population of lemurs outside Madagascar; tourists gather to take in the breathtaking architecture and transformative sound of the organs at Duke Chapel; the always-free Nasher Museum of Art displays its expansive collections of works by underrepresented artists; the legendary Cameron Indoor Stadium is a bucket-list venue for any sports fan and the beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens is one of the top botanical gardens in the country. Originally named Trinity College and founded in Randolph County, North Carolina, the Duke University campus moved to Durham in 1892. The hub of the university is West Campus, with richly detailed Gothic architecture, stonework and landscaped grounds designed by African American architect Julian Abele during the earlier half of the 20th century.

North Carolina Central University

Campus culture at NCCU is known far and wide to be top of the line. Their Ultimate Homecoming Experience brings in students and alumni alike for a weekend of fun, celebration and Eagle pride. The legendary football team, taking center stage for homecoming, also finds fans all around the country.

The university has many attractions bringing in students, locals and visitors alike, from their engaging art museum and state-of-the-art student union building to their biomanufacturing and biomedical research institutes. NCCU also boasts an award-winning marching band and competitive athletic squads that compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

NCCU was founded by Dr. James E. Shepard as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race in 1909. In 1925, it became the first state-supported liberal arts college for African Americans in the country, and in 1972 it joined the University of North Carolina System. The school carries that proud heritage today, working to train socially responsible leaders in a diverse society.

It is an important part of Durham’s proud history as the nation's first public liberal arts college for African Americans.

The stunning Duke West Campus Gothic architecture is iconic among college campus.

photo by: Duke University / Discover Durham

Durham Technical Community College

Durham Tech has offered affordable and convenient career and technical education for over 50 years. They offer associate degrees that act as a springboard to four-year colleges, continuing education, certificate programs and other programs in welding, electrical systems technology, nursing, dental laboratory technology and more. Its students routinely take first in engineering competitions and enjoy specialized programs. The main campus is near North Carolina Central University, only a few miles from downtown. It recently opened a new space in the redeveloped Chesterfield Building for its Small Business Center and Corporate Education department.

Beyond campus life, you'll discover a bustling downtown, a vibrant entrepreneurial community and the cultural amenities of a much larger city. Whether you choose to attend school, conduct post-graduate research or teach in Durham, you’ll become part of a dynamic, diverse community.

For Current and Prospective College Students in Durham

Whether you'll be calling Durham you're new home in the fall or have already been studying here for a year or more, we have a multitude of student focused resources to help you get the most out of your time in Durham. We know all the best on and off campus hot spots, whether you attend Duke or NCCU. Looking for some late night eats to fuel your all-nighter study session? We know a spot. Just want a general college students guide to Durham? We have that too.