One of the universities in the highly praised UNC system, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students seeking a higher education. UNCC enrolls about 18,000 students, a number that is growing by about four percent each year. Located in the northeast section of Charlotte, UNCC also offers classes at its Uptown campus which opened in 1995, mostly to appeal to M.B.A. students working in the Center City. In addition, UNCC also provides distance education opportunities as well as post-baccalaureate study for students who seek an education beyond the baccalaureate degree.
Founded in 1857 as the Charlotte Female Institute, Queens University moved to the scenic Myers Park area in 1912 and adopted its name in honor of the British Queen, Charlotte of Mecklenburg. A private, Presbyterian institution, Queens University's internship program is ranked as one of the top ten in the U.S. by U.S. News and Wodd Report, and over 90 percent of Queens students study abroad. The McColl School of Business was established in 1993 to strengthen degree programs in accounting and business administration. Queens attained university status in 2002.
Johnson C. Smith University was founded in 1867 and has maintained its reputation as an institution focused on morals and ethics, due to its Presbyterian roots. Historically African-American, J.C. Smith encourages self-confidence and diversity in its students as well as an awareness of their heritage. The university is also sponsored by the IBM Laptop Initiative as the first historically black college to provide laptops for each of its 1,500 students.
The highly selective and nationally recognized Davidson College is located about 20 minutes north of Charlotte. Offering a small-town atmosphere near beautiful Lake Norman and the foothills of North Carolina, Davidson is able to provide its 1,600 students with a student/faculty ratio of 11 to 1.
Located about 20 minutes south of Charlotte in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is Winthrop University. Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the South's top schools, Winthrop offers 80 undergraduate and 49 graduate programs for more than 6,400 students.
As the largest community college in North Carolina, Central Piedmont Community College serves about 70,000 students through its multi-campus system. In addition to its numerous associates degrees, CPCC offers educational opportunities for those xsho intend to transfer to a four-year school as well as those who seek knowledge fur their usn personal fulfillment.
One of the 26 art institutes associated with The Art Institutes International, Inc., The Art Institute of Charlotte offers associate's degrees and certificate programs in Interior Design, Fashion Marketing, Craphie Design, and Multimedia and Web Design. Additionally The Art Institute offers some evening classes to appeal to its working students.
King's College is a 2-year private that offers career-enhancing degrees in accounting, information technology legal administration, and more.
In September 2004, Johnson & Wales University moves to Charlotte as a consolidation of its Norfolk and Charleston campuses. Calling itself "America's Career I University,' Johnson & Wales offers 51 degree programs in business, hospitality culinary arts, and technology It expects 885 students in its first year with an anticipated enrollment of 2,800 within three years. Johnson & Wales offers a four-day school week and the opportunity to earn both associate's and baccalaureate degrees in four years. The Academic Center and a residence ball will be located in the heart of Gateway Village.
