Catawba College
About Catawba College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Catawba College is a private university in Salisbury, NC. It has a 67.1% acceptance rate and a 56.2% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,076 students.
Founded
1851
Location
Salisbury, North Carolina
Students
1,349
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
75.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
47.3%
Below national average
Tuition
$34,300
Per year
Avg Net Price
$17,879
After financial aid
SAT Average
1096
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$48,793
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Feb 15
Catawba College accepts the majority of applicants at 75.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1096/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
47.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
77.3%
4-Year Grad
54%
6-Year Grad
60%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
80.8%
$/Student
$12.1K
Class Size
Medium
While 54% finish in 4 years, 77.3% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$34,300
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,565
Books & Supplies
$1,400
Total Cost of Attendance
$49,516
After Financial Aid
$17,879
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,618
Receive Grants
41%
Take Loans
53.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $49,516/yr, including $13,565 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $17,879.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Catawba College fund their education.
While in School
41%
Get Grants
Free money
53.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$48,930
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $49K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Catawba College.
Gender
51.9%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,235
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
114
Graduates
29.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
10.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 29.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
1,235
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Baccalaureate
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Catawba College fields 12 varsity teams with 721 student athletes, about 58% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
South Atlantic
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
721
58% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
63% / 37%
456
Men
265
Women
10
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Catawba Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$48,793
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$46K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$27K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$38K
28 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$27K
18 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$53K
17 grads
4yr Earnings
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
—
16 grads
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Catawba College
What is the acceptance rate at Catawba College?▾
How much does Catawba College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Catawba College?▾
How much do Catawba College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.