North Carolina has one of the densest clusters of accredited seminaries in the country. Eight schools on this list hold accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools, spanning Southern Baptist, United Methodist, Presbyterian, AME Zion and historically Black Baptist traditions.
Most are in two areas: the Raleigh–Durham Triangle and greater Charlotte. Confirm current accreditation in the ATS directory and each school's published tuition before you apply.
North Carolina seminaries at a glance
| School | Location | Accreditation | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Baptist Theological SeminarySouthern Baptist; MDiv, ThM, DMin, PhD; large online catalog | Wake Forest (Raleigh area) | ATS, SACSCOC | ~$340/credit (SBC rate) |
| Duke Divinity SchoolUnited Methodist; residential MDiv, hybrid DMin | Durham | ATS, SACSCOC | Large to full scholarships common |
| Campbell University Divinity SchoolBaptist heritage; MDiv and DMin with hybrid options | Buies Creek | ATS, SACSCOC | Verify with school |
| Gardner-Webb University School of DivinityBaptist; MDiv and DMin, online and hybrid formats | Boiling Springs (Charlotte region) | ATS, SACSCOC | Verify with school |
| Hood Theological SeminaryAME Zion Church seminary; serves many denominations | Salisbury | ATS, SACSCOC | Verify with school |
| Shaw University Divinity SchoolHistorically Black Baptist tradition; MDiv and DMin | Raleigh | ATS, SACSCOC | Verify with school |
| Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Charlotte)Multi-denominational evangelical; evening and weekend cohorts | Charlotte | ATS, NECHE | Verify with school |
| Reformed Theological Seminary (Charlotte)Presbyterian and Reformed; MDiv and MA programs | Charlotte | ATS, SACSCOC | Verify with school |
| Apex School of TheologyServes bivocational and second-career ministers; check ordination requirements | Durham | TRACS | Low per-credit rates; verify |
The Triangle: Southeastern, Duke, Shaw and Campbell
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest is one of the largest seminaries in the Southern Baptist Convention. Its member rate makes it one of the cheapest ATS-accredited seminaries in the country. Duke Divinity School is one of the official United Methodist seminaries and the most research-oriented school in the state. Shaw University Divinity School in Raleigh serves the historically Black Baptist tradition. Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek is about 45 minutes south.
Charlotte region: Gordon-Conwell, RTS, Hood and Gardner-Webb
Charlotte has two well-known evangelical campuses: Gordon-Conwell, which is multi-denominational, and Reformed Theological Seminary, which is Presbyterian. Many of their courses meet in the evening or on weekends for working adults. Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury is the seminary of the AME Zion Church. Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs offers Baptist MDiv and DMin programs with online options. Compare more Reformed options in our Reformed seminaries guide and Baptist options in our Baptist seminaries guide.
Paying for seminary in North Carolina
Denominational scholarships and school grants matter most. SBC members pay reduced rates at Southeastern, and Duke and Campbell award substantial merit and need-based aid. Use our seminary cost guide and financial aid calculator to estimate what you may pay.
Related reading
See Bible colleges in North Carolina for undergraduate options, online seminaries if you'd rather not relocate, or what is seminary school?
Frequently asked questions
- What seminaries are in North Carolina?
- North Carolina's accredited seminaries and divinity schools include Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, Duke Divinity School in Durham, Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek, Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity in Boiling Springs, Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, Shaw University Divinity School in Raleigh, and the Charlotte campuses of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. Apex School of Theology in Durham is TRACS-accredited.
- What is the cheapest seminary in North Carolina?
- For Southern Baptist students, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is usually the least expensive ATS-accredited option, because Cooperative Program funding lowers the per-credit rate for SBC church members. Duke Divinity has a high sticker price but awards large and often full scholarships, so its net cost can be lower. Always compare net price after aid.
- Can I earn an MDiv online from a North Carolina seminary?
- Yes. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers online master's degrees, and Gardner-Webb and Campbell run online or hybrid formats. Duke keeps its MDiv residential. If you need the degree for ordination or chaplaincy, confirm the online program carries ATS accreditation.
- Which North Carolina seminaries are in Charlotte?
- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary both run Charlotte campuses. Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury and Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs are each within about an hour's drive.
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