Fayetteville State University has been recognized for its affordability and value, earning the No. 2 spot in North Carolina on Research.com’s Best Value Colleges list for 2026. The ranking affirms the university’s position as a leading provider of high-quality, cost-effective education in the state.

With a commitment to diversity, the campus serves many first-generation and military-affiliated students. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty and an emphasis on timely graduation provide students with personalized support as they achieve their academic goals.

“This recognition reflects the work we do every day to make a high-quality education attainable for students across North Carolina,” said Sonja M. Brown, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, in a press release. “Affordability matters, but so do outcomes. Our focus is on helping students enroll, persist and be prepared to lead change and better their communities.”

In addition to its statewide recognition, FSU received high scores in regional categories. The university is ranked No. 4 for Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina, No. 7 for Best Value Colleges in the South and No. 9 for Most Affordable Colleges in the South.

The Best Colleges rankings use data from reputable sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, Peterson’s and OpenAlex. A team of data scientists evaluates factors such as academic quality, degree offerings, cost and return on investment to help students select the right institution.