<p>You might want to look at Elon University in NC. Smaller (around 5000 students) in a small city, private. Has a good mix of students, about 1/3 from instate, the rest from all over. Is a church supported school, but no religion to speak of, like chapel requirements, etc. Think their most recent class average SAT was about 1300 on old test. My oldest son went there and loved it. You are close to Chapel Hill, Duke and NC State for ACC games and those towns for concerts and other activities. Faculty and staff very friendly and accomadating</p>