Colleges and Universities in New Bern, NC

Without leaving New Bern, NC, those interested in furthering their education have access to a first-rate community college in Craven Community College, as well as satellite courses from Mount Olive College and four-year degrees from East Carolina University in nearby Greenville. Rising popularity and needs for community college courses are reflected in Craven Community College's diverse college prep courses, as well as more vocational certificates that focus on boating and other unique employment needs associated with coastal communities.

As North Carolina’s third-largest public university, East Carolina University offers one of the most diverse and varied curriculum available in the state. In addition to numerous degrees in communications, arts, business and sciences, ECU is home to the Brody School of Medicine. This renowned medical school has also resulted in the creation of a vibrant medical community in Greenville’s Vidant Medical Center, where trauma patients from all across Eastern North Carolina are airlifted for particularly critical injuries.  The largest university east of Raleigh and home to the Pirates, ECU has also developed a large fan base for its football team, which is currently a member of the competitive Division I Conference USA. Also supporting baseball and basketball teams for men and women, as well as an extremely active social scene for sororities and fraternities, ECU has no shortage of extra-curricular activities for young students.

Students looking to study a little closer to home can choose between Craven Community College in New Bern and nearby Carteret Community College in Morehead City. Both schools offer Associates Degree programs that allow students to earn credit for basic classes at an affordable cost before they transfer to a traditional four-year university with much higher tuition fees. Each school is also very connected to the industrial needs of the area. Carteret Community College has several classes focused on boatbuilding and repair, as well as marine sciences courses, while Craven County has aviation maintenance courses that better serve Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport. New Bern’s active arts community is represented at Craven Community College as well. Not only can students and adults take classes like pottery and painting, Craven Community College is home to Eastern North Carolina’s public radio affiliate, Public Radio East (PRE).

Mount Olive College gives New Bern and Havelock residents a third option of attending a four-year school from a satellite campus or online. Mount Olive has several degree programs, ranging from criminal justice to business administration, that are offered through classes held one night a week. This system can take longer for students looking to complete their degree, however, it is an ideal opportunity for working families that need to juggle classroom time with work and family responsibilities.