Looking for a great college that has it all—plus plenty of sunshine and Southern charm? Then dive into this list of private comprehensive colleges and universities across the Southeast. At these schools, you’ll find wide-ranging academic programs, strong undergraduate support, hands-on research opportunities, clear pathways into graduate study, and countless ways to get involved on campus while enjoying the warm, welcoming climate. If you’d like to hear more from any of these institutions, just click the green “Connect me” button beneath each listing, and we’ll pass your info along. Time to settle in, soak up the sun, and enjoy the college search.
Barton College
Barton College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Wilson, North Carolina—located just 45 miles east of Raleigh. Barton’s approximately 1,200 students benefit from over 40 undergraduate majors and several master's programs—including Nursing, Business Administration, and Education—as well as 24 NCAA Division II athletic teams. The College offers a "first-name basis" education that combines rigorous professional preparation with a supportive campus community, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for leadership and service in their chosen careers.
Belmont University
Belmont University is a private interdenominational Christian university with a 77-acre campus located in southeast Nashville, Tennessee. Home to more than 8,800 students from every state and more than 33 countries, the University offers over 130 undergraduate majors—including exciting programs in Biophysics, Emerging Media, and Music Technology—plus more than 25 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees. Students benefit from 160+ campus organizations, including sports clubs, Greek life, service-minded groups, faith development fellowships, several niche honor societies, and 17 NCAA Division I teams.
Campbell University
Campbell University is a private institution in Buies Creek, North Carolina, located in the prestigious Research Triangle area. The University offers over 150 majors and concentrations that prioritize hands-on experience and purposeful learning. Students benefit from small class sizes and a supportive "Camel family" environment with over 100 student groups and 21 athletic programs. Known for academic excellence, Campbell features unique programs like PGA Golf Management and the state’s first osteopathic medical school.
Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College, located in Lakeland, Florida, is a premier private comprehensive institution renowned for its stunning campus—a National Historic Landmark featuring the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The College offers a robust academic experience centered on engaged learning, ensuring students connect classroom theory with real-world practice through guaranteed internships, study abroad opportunities, and faculty-led research. With strong programs in business, nursing, the arts, and sciences, FSC provides a personalized education within a vibrant community, all while being ideally situated between Tampa and Orlando.
High Point University
High Point University is a private comprehensive institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church on a 420-acre campus in High Point, North Carolina. Known as The Premier Life Skills University, HPU is rooted in the liberal arts and offers 63 majors and 65 minors for undergraduates. With experiential learning accounting for 25% of academic hours, students are educated both inside and outside the classroom through labs, studios, career shadowing, internships, research, study abroad, professional opportunities, and other real-world experiences.
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia—nestled in the Blueridge Mountains. The University’s 48,900+ undergraduate students can choose from 700+ unique programs of study through 15 colleges and schools. Living on campus benefits undergrad students through resources and experiences such as the LaHaye Student Center and Ice Center, Campus East Clubhouse, multiple campus cafes, over 30 miles of bike trails, and more.
Mercer University
Mercer University is a private comprehensive research university with a 150-acre campus in Macon, Georgia—85 miles south of Atlanta. With 3,400+ traditional undergraduate students, the University offers more than 65 majors as well as pre-professional tracks for those interested in a graduate or professional program, plus Special Consideration Programs for admission to graduate school. Students can also get involved with 140 student organizations and activities, including student government, 18 men’s and women’s NCAA Division I teams, mission trips, and more.
The University of Tampa
The University of Tampa is a private comprehensive university on a 105-acre campus located in central Tampa, Florida. UT offers more than 200 areas of study to over 10,000 students from all 50 states and most of the world's countries, with nearly all programs direct admit and an Honors Program that provides extensive opportunities for instruction, research, seminars, and the chance to represent UT at the renowned University of Oxford for a semester. The University is just over an hour away from Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, with even more attractions and some of the best beaches in the country nearby.
Looking for even more options in the warm, sunny region of the US? Check out all our featured Southern colleges and universities and request more info in just one click!
