For transfer students in North Carolina, picking a new college isn’t just about where you’ll land. It’s about what kind of experience you’ll be stepping into. Public or private? Cheaper tuition or smaller classes? Stable funding or more freedom to learn about topics that matter to you? 

With recent political moves shaking up higher education, like executive orders restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, those choices have gotten even trickier. 

The Public School Perk: Affordability and Clear Transfer Paths 

Public universities in North Carolina, especially within the UNC System, have long been the go-to for transfer students. One big reason is affordability. Tuition is lower, and the state has created strong articulation agreements to help students from community colleges transfer their credits without too much stress (UNC System, n.d.). 

But public schools aren’t perfect. In recent years, many have faced budget cuts, hiring freezes, and interference in what can be taught. So while the price might be right, students have to ask if the academic experience still meets their expectations. 

Private Colleges: More Support, Higher Cost 

Private colleges offer a different kind of environment. Smaller class sizes, one-on-one advising, and tight-knit campuses are a big draw. For example, Guilford College has a student-faculty ratio of just 12-to-1 (Guilford College, n.d.), which can make a big difference when it comes to feeling supported in class. 

The downside is that these schools usually cost more, and financial aid may not always cover the full amount. For many transfer students, that added cost can be a dealbreaker. 

Politics in the Classroom: DEI Restrictions Hit Hard 

This is where things get especially complicated. In response to recent executive orders from the Trump administration targeting DEI content, public colleges in North Carolina have been forced to make cuts to general education courses that focus on race, gender, and social justice (Inside Higher Ed, 2024). The UNC System has started reworking course requirements in history, literature, and social sciences to follow the new rules. 

That’s a big issue for transfer students who want to study education, sociology, or political science. Losing access to these topics can change the entire learning experience. 

Private colleges aren’t completely unaffected, but they do have more freedom. Some have adjusted their curriculum quietly to avoid losing federal funding. Others have continued offering DEI-focused content, even if it puts them at financial risk. 

Stability Matters: Which Schools Are on Solid Ground?

Private colleges like Guilford have faced serious challenges in recent years, mostly due to declining enrollment and financial strain. Since they don’t receive much state funding, they rely heavily on tuition. If fewer students enroll, it can create major problems fast (The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2024). 

Public universities are backed by the state, but that comes with conditions. When lawmakers get involved in how universities are run, from choosing leadership to influencing hiring and curriculum, it creates instability that impacts both faculty and students. 

Big-name public schools like UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State have the funding and reputation to manage these challenges. Smaller institutions, whether public or private, may not be as resilient. 

So What Should Transfer Students Do? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few things to think about: 

• Cost vs. Class Size: Public schools are easier on the wallet, but private schools often offer more personal attention. 
• Academic Freedom: If learning about race, gender, and social issues matters to you, know that public schools are facing more restrictions than private ones. 
• Stability: Larger public universities tend to be more financially secure, while smaller schools might give you a stronger sense of community if they can stay open. 

North Carolina’s higher education system is going through a major transition. While cost and access are still key factors, transfer students also need to think about the kind of learning environment they want and whether it aligns with their values and goals.