Johnson C. Smith University is a private historically Black university (HBCU) located in Charlotte, North Carolina that offers undergraduate and graduate programs including business, biology, chemistry, social work, and other career-focused fields. The university serves approximately 1,302 students and is ranked as the #1 private HBCU in North Carolina.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research institution (R1-designated) located in Charlotte that offers more than 170 undergraduate majors, 150+ graduate programs, and online education options across ten colleges. With over 32,000 students and 400+ student organizations, the university conducts research and prepares students for careers in fields including business, engineering, education, health services, and construction.

Winthrop University is a public university in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Barber-Scotia College is a historically Black college in Concord, North Carolina, founded in 1867 as Scotia Seminary.

Queens University of Charlotte is a private university in Charlotte, North Carolina.