Colleges and Universities in and Around Charlotte, North Carolina

It's back to school time in Charlotte, North Carolina, but you still have time to register for classes at area universities. Here's a roundup of higher education institutions.

Art Institute of Charlotte--Interested in graphic arts, interior design or fashion merchandising? Founded in 1973, this institute of higher learning nurtures and encourages creativity. www.artinstitutes.edu

Brookstone College--Get down to business with Brookstone, which provides training in medical assisting, medical office administration, pharmacy technology, office administration, computerized accounting, and accounting systems technology. www.brookstone.edu

Carolinas College-Health Science--This school is a subsidiary of Carolinas Medical Center, which is part of Carolinas HealthCare System. Academic programs include pre-nursing, nursing, radiation therapy and surgical technology, among others. www.carolinascollege.edu

Central Piedmont Community College--This school has several campuses, and offers a variety of programs from accounting to welding. www.cpcc.edu

Davidson College--Located in Davidson, 20 minutes north of Charlotte, this independent liberal arts college has produced 23 Rhodes Scholars. The Davidson Trust gives all students the opportunity to graduate debt-free--the college was the first liberal arts school in the nation to replace loans with grants in all financial aid packages. www.davidson.edu

DeVry University--North Carolina--The Charlotte campus is located in Ayrsley development in South Charlotte and offers Bachelor's and master's degree programs. Criminal justice or human resources management are just two of the many programs of study, with the option of online study. www.devry.edu

Johnson C. Smith University--This school, located in the heart of Charlotte, is a professional liberal arts college that has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Comprehensive Colleges in the South. www.jcsu.edu

Johnson & Wales University--Established in Charlotte in 2004, JWU offers programs through the College of Business, the College of Culinary Arts and The Hospitality College. The focus is on hands-on learning and allows students to take courses in their majors right away. www.jwu.edu

King's College--It's possible to earn a degree in 16 months or less with this school that concentrates on preparing students for the workplace. Study business, design and technology or healthcare. www.kingscollegecharlotte.edu

New Life Theological Seminary--This school offers Christian education and offers two bachelor degrees, Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Urban Christian Ministry.Master's programs include Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Urban Christian Ministry.www.nlts.org

Pfeiffer University--ThisUnited Methodist-related university, offers undergraduate, graduate and adult study programs while encouraging students to embrace Christian values. www.pfeiffer.edu

Queens University-- This private co-ed university located in Charlotte's historic district, concentrates on liberal arts and professional studies. Five members of the faculty have been named N.C. Professor of the Year. www.queens.edu

University of North Carolina at Charlotte-- In the 2009 school year, this university enrolled 24,700 students. With 18 doctoral programs, 62 master's degree programs and 90 bachelor's degrees, the school has much to offer. www.uncc.edu

University of Phoenix--Charlotte Campus--It's never too late to go to college--this school is geared toward working adults and offers the option of going to school on campus or studying online. www.phoenix.edu

Winthrop University--Located 30 miles south of Charlotte in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on a beautiful historic campus, Winthrop got its start in 1886. With 6500 students enrolled, the school student to faculty ratio is 15:1, with classes averaging 24 students. www.winthrop.edu