Carolina MBA programs

Thanks for sharing your profile. A big step in creating a target school list is knowing geographically where you want to be, so knowing you want to be in the Carolinas is a good start. The obvious big boys in the MBA world in the region (Duke/UNC) are out of your reach but you have listed some nice options thus far as a start...the key here is to start with the schools you are numerically qualified for like UNC Greensboro and then identify if they have the programs you are looking for in your MBA of choice. Some of the other schools in-state like Wake Forest or South Carolina may be a bit of a reach but you are not too far off from the averages so may be worth a try if you feel there is a strong fit.

UNC Charlotte/Greensboro as you have noted are fits on paper for you but of course will not be as highly ranked as Chapel Hill which is the flagship program in the UNC system which is most likely why the other schools are ranked lower. The best way to get to know a program is to reach out: use the web, current/alumni students, and talk to the admissions staff. If you are able to make a visit even better you will get all the information you desire and can even sit in on a class. Be an active participant in your research and you should be able to easily answer any questions you have about the programs.

Hope this helps!