Although he has already begun a successful singing career, "American Idol" and country music star Scotty McCreery will be heading off to college in North Carolina this coming fall.

McCreery, 18, was accepted to four different higher education institutions but made his decision to attend North Carolina State University, a local school where his father is an alum.

McCreery lives only 15 minutes away from the N.C. State University campus, according to Entertainment Weekly.

"There were a lot of good schools in Nashville, but I've decided to head down to Raleigh where my dad went to college at N.C. State, at least for two year, and maybe transfer to Nashville then," the country music star told CMT Radio.

"I'm excited. I've got some boys going there and some friends. We'll have a good time," he added.

The news of McCreery's college choice comes just a day after the teen won the "New Artist of the Year" award at this weekend's Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

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With the award in hand and several hit singles under his belt, McCreery very well might be one of the more high-profile students to attend the university in recent years.

"I don't know of anybody coming in so well known initially. Most 18-year-olds don't have the kind of exposure that someone like Mr. McCreery has," director of admissions to the university Thomas Griffin told Entertainment Weekly.

The young singer won the 10th season of "American Idol" and his debut solo album released in Oct. 2011 "Clear as Day," has reached platinum status in the U.S.

The album also has two top 20 country songs, including "I Love You This Big" and "The Trouble with Girls."

McCreery was born in North Carolina and won a singing contest in his home state prior to winning the 10th season of "American Idol."