Students from Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and Fayetteville Technical Community College headed back to school this month. As the start of another academic year kicks off, here’s an overview of Cumberland County’s higher education colleges, technical trainings and programs.
Fayetteville State University
“Bronco pride” reigns at Fayetteville State University (FSU), part of the University of North Carolina System and the state’s second-oldest public institution of higher education, having been founded in 1867.
FSU is a historically Black university with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in high-demand and high-paying career fields, including computer science and cybersecurity, business, nursing, criminal justice and social work. With more than 7,200 students, FSU is among the most diverse institutions in the nation.
Led by Chancellor Darrell T. Allison, FSU’s exciting growth and economic development include a new Chick-fil-A and Starbucks and new facilities currently under construction, such as a new 338-bed residence hall, a state-of-the-art College of Education, a first-of-its-kind Health and Wellness Center, and more. The University’s renovations on campus and in Bronco Midtown are at the center of revitalizing the Murchison Road corridor in collaboration with the City of Fayetteville.
Contact: 910-672-1111 or uncfsu.edu
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) represents the first stop for those wishing to pursue education for advancement to the next chapter in life, whether that involves continued education at the four-year college/university, short-term studies for new skills to enhance job performance or pursue a new career, or for opportunities to pursue interesting hobbies. FTCC offers students a broad range of programs leading to the award of associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, as well as a robust Continuing Education program, including Summerscapes, an educational summer program for youth. FTCC is military-friendly and has a wide variety of affordable and flexible education programs for students at all stages of life.
“Community colleges have played a significant role in increasing educational attainment, improving lifetime earnings, and powering the nation’s economic growth,” said Mark Sorrells, the fifth president to serve FTCC. “FTCC represents the starting place where students can begin their educational journeys to shape their future, offering a variety of pathways to achieve success.”
Study programs include many areas falling under the category of healthcare, plus law enforcement, firefighter training, emergency management and other public safety fields; cybersecurity, computer programming, digital media technology and other computer technology fields; supply-chain management, accounting, hospitality management and other business fields; engineering; welding, carpentry, plumbing and other skilled trades; and media and fine arts, as well as university transfer options.
FTCC’s new Nursing Education & Simulation Center at the Fayetteville campus provides state-of-the-art training and facilities, providing students with an excellent foundation to achieve success in health care professions. The new FTCC, Cumberland County Regional Fire & Rescue Training Center, including the unique (only indoor facility on the East Coast of the United States) Swift Water Rescue Training Center, provides safe and critically important all-weather training to students pursuing a career in the field of emergency response. FTCC offers training in commercial driver’s license (CDL), a popular program for transitioning military students and others, plus more options for soldiers who plan to transition into the civilian environment.
Founded in 1961, FTCC is the third-largest community college in the state, with the Fayetteville campus at 2201 Hull Road, a 10-acre satellite campus in Spring Lake, and a location at Fort Bragg Training and Education Center (BTEC).
Contact: 910-678-8400 or faytechcc.edu
Methodist University
As Cumberland County’s only independent, four-year institution of higher education, Methodist University’s reputation is unmatched, with employers seeking graduates who are grounded in the liberal arts tradition and expertly prepared for a variety of careers and educational pursuits.
MU offers more than 80 areas of study on its beautiful 600-acre campus, plus online degrees that give students of all ages (and from any location) opportunities to advance their education and career. MU offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to approximately 2,000 students from across the United States and more than 50 countries.
The expression “numbers don’t lie” couldn’t be more appropriate when looking at the unique opportunities Methodist University affords its students, employees, community, and state.
- MU has more than 100 student clubs and 20 NCAA sports programs (that have won nearly 80 team and individual national championships).
- MU was recently named one of 10 “Must Watch” Universities in North America by Higher Ed Digest, and The New York Times listed MU in the top 16% for social mobility of its graduates.
- MU was named the No. 1 most diverse university in North Carolina by Niche Rankings for two of the past three years and gives more than $25 million in scholarships every year. Nearly all (97%) students receive financial aid.
With hundreds of graduates, students and staff serving in the military, it’s no surprise MU receives Military Friendly and Best for Vets Gold Rankings annually. On-campus and online programs are perfect for busy/working adults, active military, veterans and their families.Contact: 910-630-7000 or methodist.edu
Read CityView Magazine‘s e-edition of the 2025-2026 issue of DestinationFAY here.
