North Carolina

PA Programs in North Carolina: Every Accredited Program

North Carolina has some of the most competitive PA programs in the country — and some of the best values for in-state residents. Here is every program, what they require, and how to decide which ones are worth your application fee.

North Carolina PA Programs at a Glance

Program	Location	Avg GPA	PCE Hours	Length	Tuition	Application
Duke University PA Program	Durham, NC	3.5	3,000+	24 months	Verify current tuition	CASPA
Wake Forest University PA Program	Winston-Salem, NC	3.4	3,000+	24 months	Verify current tuition	CASPA
Methodist University PA Program	Fayetteville, NC	3.3	2,000+	27 months	Verify current tuition	CASPA
Elon University PA Program	Elon, NC	Competitive	Verify current minimum	Verify current length	Verify current tuition	CASPA
Wingate University PA Program	Wingate, NC	Competitive	Verify current minimum	Verify current length	Verify current tuition	CASPA
High Point University PA Program	High Point, NC	Competitive	Verify current minimum	Verify current length	Verify current tuition	CASPA

* Data reflects recent reported averages. Always verify directly with each program. Tuition figures are approximate and subject to change.

Program-by-Program Breakdown

Dr. Tomei's Perspective

North Carolina has a strong range of PA programs — from Duke and Wake Forest, two of the most competitive programs in the country, to newer programs at Elon, Wingate, and High Point that offer more accessible admissions profiles. Don't just apply to the most prestigious program. Apply to programs where your GPA, patient care hours, and experience actually match the average admitted student. A strategic mix of reach, target, and safety programs is the right approach.

Duke University PA Program

Durham, NC · 24 months · Verify current tuition

Avg GPA: 3.5PCE: 3,000+CASPA

Duke's PA program is one of the oldest and most respected in the country. Highly competitive — strong academic record, substantial direct patient care, and clear motivation for the PA profession are essential. Confirm current requirements directly with the program.

Wake Forest University PA Program

Winston-Salem, NC · 24 months · Verify current tuition

Avg GPA: 3.4PCE: 3,000+CASPA

Wake Forest's PA program is affiliated with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist — a major academic medical center. Strong clinical training and research opportunities. Review current admissions requirements before applying.

Methodist University PA Program

Fayetteville, NC · 27 months · Verify current tuition

Avg GPA: 3.3PCE: 2,000+CASPA

Methodist's PA program has a strong primary care and military medicine focus given Fayetteville's proximity to Fort Liberty. Good option for applicants with military or underserved community health experience.

Elon University PA Program

Elon, NC · Verify current length · Verify current tuition

Avg GPA: CompetitivePCE: Verify current minimumCASPA

Elon's PA program is a newer addition to the NC landscape. Confirm current accreditation status, prerequisites, and direct-care expectations directly with the program before applying.

Wingate University PA Program

Wingate, NC · Verify current length · Verify current tuition

Avg GPA: CompetitivePCE: Verify current minimumCASPA

Wingate offers a smaller-cohort PA program in the Charlotte metro area. Build a CASPA application that clearly connects your direct patient care experience to your reasons for pursuing PA practice.

High Point University PA Program

High Point, NC · Verify current length · Verify current tuition

Avg GPA: CompetitivePCE: Verify current minimumCASPA

High Point's PA program is in the Piedmont Triad region. Confirm current requirements and accreditation status directly with the program.

Dr. Tomei's Perspective

North Carolina residents have real options across the price spectrum. Duke and Wake Forest are private and expensive, but Methodist University and the newer programs at Elon, Wingate, and High Point offer more accessible tuition. If you are a North Carolina resident with competitive stats, build a list that includes both the flagship programs and the regional options — the regional programs often have lower acceptance thresholds and strong clinical training.

Not Sure Which North Carolina PA Programs to Apply To?

Dr. Tomei helps pre-PA students build strategic school lists based on their actual stats. A free consultation can save you thousands in wasted application fees.

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