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TIME’s ‘Best Colleges For Future Leaders’ 4 North Carolina Schools Rank

Searching for the perfect college can be challenging. This is especially true when you have to consider factors like cost, programs, location, and housing. But a degree from the “perfect”…

University students studying in a circle
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Searching for the perfect college can be challenging. This is especially true when you have to consider factors like cost, programs, location, and housing. But a degree from the "perfect" college doesn’t guarantee success. According to TIME, in "U.S. society, success is a good indicator you went to an elite university."

The magazine partnered with Statista in launching its first list of the Best Colleges for Future Leaders and the Best Companies for Future Leaders. To develop the list, TIME and Statista analyzed the resumes of 2,000 top leaders in the U.S., including politicians, CEOs, Nobel winners, and others, to determine where they received their degrees.

While Ivy League schools were prominent, many other private and public universities earned TIME's accolades, too. The publication's listing ranked four North Carolina institutions in the top 100, with one in the top 20.

Duke Claims A Top Spot In The Top 20

Durham's Duke University snagged spot number 18 on the Best Colleges for Future Leaders list. Not too far down the list at number  21 is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Other North Carolina schools earning a spot on the ranking include Wake Forest University (72) and North Carolina State University in Raleigh at 87.

Best Colleges for Future Leaders

Let's talk top 5. Harvard University takes the top spot, followed by Stanford University in California. The University of Pennsylvania claimed the number 3 spot in the ranking. At number 4 is Columbia University New York, with Massachusetts Institute of Technology at number 5.

TIME pointed out that experts say that what distinguishes these schools is not necessarily that they teach students to be better leaders but that alums receive more opportunities. "Whatever a student may have learned at school, an elite diploma signals at least two things to prospective employers: survival of a difficult admissions process, and a high likelihood of intelligence," they stated.

Interestingly, the list makes it very clear that the Ivy League isn’t the only route to success.  A professor from the University of California told the magazine, "While those schools dominate fields like law, the media, and academia, production fields like engineering, agriculture, and aerospace recruit from schools that are more likely to offer technical skills like engineering."

Get more in-depth about their ranking with the complete list here.

North Carolina Spot Among the Best Cheap Spring Break Trips

Spring break always arrives at just the right time. It's when the holiday cheer has totally worn off, and it's also right when spring is around the corner but it's not quite here yet. I remember loving spring break in school. But, even if you're not in school or college anymore, why not take a fun spring break trip this year? Thankfully, there are plenty of trendy, cheap spring break destinations available. One North Carolina spot is even among the best cheap spring break trips in the US. (South Carolina is in here, too.)

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, as they say, stay close to home. It doesn't have to be a staycation. But, why not travel to a town that you've never been to that's within road trip distance? Of course, if you live in a cold climate, you might want to travel to a hot spot. The good news is that a lot of warm spring break destinations have great rates, because tourist is simply their business. So, if you go to a popular spring break spot, chances are they'll have some good deals and be able to cut you a good deal due to just how many people who travel there each year.

The perfect spring break destination is really about getting away from it all. You want a place that fun and exciting. But, you also want a spot that really helps you break away from routine and, hopefully, your electronic devises. Another bonus is if you find a spring break destination near friends who you maybe haven't seen in a while. It can be a really fun trip to find a central location and meet up with long-lost friends.

Read on for some trendy, cheap spring break trips in the United States, including the North Carolina and South Carolina ones. Here's hoping for a super fun spring vacation. Oh, these work for summer, too.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Vegas can be fun, but Atlantic City offers that fun of Vegas on the East Coast. You can enjoy the entertainment and other activities the city has to offer. You can also explore the boardwalks and beaches.

Orlando, Florida

It might seem trite, but going to Orlando, Florida, for spring break is really tops. Orlando has some of the best deals you'll find, since they are obviously such a major tourist destination. And, there's Disney World. Enough said.

Macon, Georgia

Sure, Atlanta, Georgia is a big tourist spot. But, if you want to try something new, Macon is a growing hotspot. Macon offers a revitalized downtown area, with lots of shopping and activities for families. The city also has a vibrant music scene. What's not to love?

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you want a more traditional spring break, try Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's one of the hottest spring break destinations in the United States. It's also a pretty reasonable trip, with good, fairly inexpensive lodging options.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

There's nothing wrong with a little education on your spring break, right? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a rich history. It's known for that history and rich historical content. Really exploring Philly can be a great way to spend a spring break.

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is super hot, thanks to their Lions doing so well in the NFL this season. The Motor City has been splashed on the screen during playoff games, and people are starting to see the beauty of this city. The Detroit River is gorgeous in the springtime. There's lots to do in Detroit, too, from the Henry Ford Museum to GreenField Village to live music.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a fun, wild (if you want it to be) spring break destination. The weather is usually good in the springtime, and there's always lots to do. Hit up the casinos or check out one of Vegas' many live shows.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a unique spot to pick for a spring break. We mean unique in a good way. The Queen City offers lots of breweries, historical areas and scenic views. It can be a low-key but fun spring trip destination.