Elizabeth City, NC, Is a Top Location to Earn a Degree

Tammy Sawyer

Venture inland from the Outer Banks in northeastern North Carolina, and you’ll come to the community of Elizabeth City. This Pasquotank County city deserves a look, especially if you are in the market for a college degree. 

Recently, the area’s three main higher education institutions announced major updates that will further strengthen their ability to serve the needs of their students. 

Mid-Atlantic Christian University 

Along with its biblical studies major, Mid-Atlantic Christian University offers degrees in concentrations like human resource management and environmental science. In 2025, it announced a partnership with Dordt University of Sioux Center, Iowa, to address labor issues. 

“There is a huge mental health crisis in the country, particularly here in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia,” says John W. Maurice Jr., president of Mid-Atlantic Christian University. 

Mid-Atlantic aims to address this issue through its partnership with Dordt University. Students who have completed relevant courses as undergraduates can have up to 12 credit hours toward a master’s degree in social work waived at Dordt University, which can be completed online. 

“Ideally, graduates will return as licensed social workers or counselors and work in hospitals, prisons, counseling agencies, human services or schools to help alleviate the region’s mental health shortcomings,” Maurice says. 

College of The Albemarle 

For students looking to expedite their education, save on costs and have the option to complete their courses in a format that works best for them, College of The Albemarle’s (COA) new fast-track associate in arts degree is the perfect choice. This program allows students to complete coursework online in as few as 15 months. 

This means students can learn at their own pace, on their own schedule and at a reduced cost, making a college education accessible to even more North Carolinians. Plus, as with the college’s other programs, COA works with associate of arts students to ensure the classes they take can be transferred to the college or university where they choose to finish their degree. 

“We have opened the door for more students to fast-track their goals while balancing work and family responsibilities,” says Lisa Meads, dean of arts and sciences. 

Elizabeth City State University 

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is a top-tier choice for individuals looking for a career in aviation, and in 2025, it broke ground on a new flight training facility in Currituck County. The facility, which is due to open in 2026, will be located close to Currituck Regional Airport and will include a 4,800-square-foot classroom and office facility and a 6,600-square-foot hangar. 

Dr. Kuldeep Rawat, dean of the school of science, aviation, health and technology, says the facility will allow ECSU “to serve more students, reduce bottlenecks in flight training at our current facility in Elizabeth City and increase access to state-of-the-art aviation technology.” 

Aviation science is the most popular major at the university. It offers students personalized education, hands-on flight and simulation experience, and classes with experienced faculty members.