Elizabeth City is proud to be home to three institutions of higher education. Students and their families from all walks of life enjoy all that Elizabeth City has to offer and have become pillars of our local community. Interested in going to school on the Inner Banks of North Carolina? Come check out these three institutions for quality education in a quality location!
Founded in 1891, Elizabeth City State University is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System and is proudly designated as one of North Carolina's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Visitors can take part in public events like music concerts, sporting events, and the new Community Connections series. ECSU also has the Khan Planetarium, one of only 12 planetariums in the world with the fully interactive DigiStar technology providing complete 180º x 360º digital video with surround sound. Right down the street from our growing Downtown district is Mid-Atlantic Christian University. The university is focused on strengthening the next generation of leaders who are confident in their faith and future. Visitors can attend a leadership or continuing education event, community training, or just stop by to enjoy a walk on the waterfront campus! Our local community college, College of the Albemarle, is home to the Fenwick-Hollowell Trail. Visit this free boardwalk that runs along the Pasquotank River and see local flora and fauna. COA also has a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center for the theater series that hosts events throughout the year.