Fayetteville State University (FSU) is a historically black public regional university that is part of the University of North Carolina System and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. FSU is the second oldest state assisted institution in North Carolina, founded by seven extraordinary black men in 1867 to provide education for black children. FSU is a major economic driver to the regions' growth as one of the top three employers in the area (along with Ft. Bragg and the Cape Fear Valley Healthcare System).

Methodist University is a private university that is historically related to the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Methodist University is one of the fastest growing institutions in the southeast, having almost doubled enrollment since 1990.

Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC or, informally, Fay Tech) is a community college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is a member of the North Carolina Community College System. It is the 4th largest community college in the state, and boasts one of the largest Continuing Education departments. Located adjacent to Fort Bragg, the college has provided education to the military since 1961.