Three Tier 1 research universities make up the region known as the Research Triangle: North Carolina State University in Raleigh, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University in Durham. Any of these universities by themselves would be a significant asset and an enormous economic engine. When you combine the resources of the three, you create one of the most dynamic regions in the country.
North Carolina State University’s Industrial Extension Service (IES) administers the state’s most comprehensive manufacturing assistance program.
Wake Technical Community College is one of Fuquay-Varina's greatest assets. As North Carolina’s largest community college, Wake Tech serves more than 70,000 adults annually, with six campuses, three training centers, multiple community sites, and a comprehensive array of online learning options. Wake Tech has 18,842 online students in degree programs - more than any community college in North Carolina. Wake Tech is accredited and offers more than 200 associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates that prepare students for university transfer or immediate employment.
The college also offers short-term, non-degree programs in IT, healthcare, hospitality, public safety, skilled trades, and more. Non-degree programs include small business support, customized corporate training, and basic skills courses such as English as a Second Language and high school equivalency preparation.