Talent

Highly Educated. Highly Skilled. Highly Motivated.

The Triangle Region is a hub for exceptional talent due to the region’s academic institutions.

A group of 4 students posing for a photograph, wrapping arms around each other and smiling.

Home to three tier 1 research universities –  North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – the Triangle was ranked by Forbes as the second most educated city in the country. These universities help attract nearly $3 billion in federal R&D funding each year and have spun off hundreds of start-up companies.

The region attracts and retains talented professionals because of its affordability and short commute times compared to similar innovation-rich competitor cities. We are also home to an eclectic mix of people from everywhere—and that means everyone is welcome here.

Duke University
NC State University
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

There are a total of 12 colleges and universities and 8 community colleges in the Triangle Region. The academic institutions work closely with local economic developers and businesses to ensure course offerings align with industry needs and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. Our highly educated workforce is one of many reasons so many businesses come to the Triangle Region.

12 Colleges and Universities

UNC Chapel-Hill
Orange & Durham Counties

Barton College
Wilson County

Campbell University
Harnett & Wake Counties

Duke University
Durham County

Louisburg College
Franklin County

Meredith College
Wake County

North Carolina Central University
Durham County

North Carolina State University
Wake County

North Carolina Wesleyan College
Nash County

Shaw University
Wake County

St. Augustine’s University
Wake County

William Peace University
Wake County

8 Community Colleges

Central Carolina Community College
Chatham & Lee Counties

Durham Technical Community College
Durham County

Johnston Community College
Johnston County

Piedmont Community College
Person County

Wake Tech Community College
Wake County

Wilson Community College
Wilson County

Vance-Granville Community College
Franklin, Granville & Warren Counties

Nash Community College
Nash County

Highly Skilled Talent

47% of the region's population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
176,000 students study here in the Triangle region.
42,000 students receive a bachelor’s degree each year.
The Triangle has the 4th highest concentration of PhDs in the country.

Strong Military Presence

Military helicopter airlifting a supply drop with a crew member directing from the ground.

North Carolina is home to about 23,000 transitioning veterans each year providing another huge employment pool for companies. Many Triangle Region companies recruit veterans including Novo Nordisk in Johnston County whose workforce is made up of 20% veterans.

Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Resource Guide

Recent Talent News

All Regional Talent News

 

NC State Helps Drive Economic Development
in Raleigh, Across North Carolina

November 21, 2022
Following a year of record-breaking economic development successes, business and community leaders came together at the Raleigh Chamber’s annual meeting Sept. 15 in downtown Raleigh. In his remarks as outgoing board chair, Kevin Howell, NC State vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development, reflected: “The Chamber has generated incredible momentum for the region, and the team’s work has resulted in truly impactful accomplishments.”

Wake Tech Hendrick Center Sets a New Standard

November 14, 2022
Wake Tech is celebrating an impressive recognition from the City of Raleigh. The college's Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence received a 2022 Sir Walter Raleigh Award from the City of Raleigh Appearance Commission.