About Barton College
Barton College builds careers through hands-on learning and close mentoring relationships. This Christian liberal arts college enrolls 1,020 students in Wilson, North Carolina, a small town setting that keeps distractions minimal. The school maintains its Disciples of Christ heritage while welcoming students from all backgrounds. Faculty work closely with students through a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The college emphasizes practical preparation for the workforce, evident in its impressive 97% employment rate for graduates.
Students pay an average net price of $23,665 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates typically earn $47,913 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for most students. The median debt load of $25,877 translates to monthly payments of $274. Lower-income families pay even less, with students from families earning under $48,000 paying less than $20,000 annually after aid.
Barton's athletic program stands out for a school this size, offering 25 varsity sports and awarding nearly $4.8 million in athletic scholarships. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division II's Conference Carolinas. With 665 total athletes, sports play a major role in campus life. However, the 51.5% six-year graduation rate suggests students should be prepared to work hard both academically and personally to succeed.
Students pay an average net price of $23,665 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates typically earn $47,913 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for most students. The median debt load of $25,877 translates to monthly payments of $274. Lower-income families pay even less, with students from families earning under $48,000 paying less than $20,000 annually after aid.
Barton's athletic program stands out for a school this size, offering 25 varsity sports and awarding nearly $4.8 million in athletic scholarships. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division II's Conference Carolinas. With 665 total athletes, sports play a major role in campus life. However, the 51.5% six-year graduation rate suggests students should be prepared to work hard both academically and personally to succeed.
Academics & Faculty
Barton operates as a private liberal arts college where students work closely with faculty in small class settings. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for personalized attention and mentorship that larger universities cannot match. The college has built a strong reputation for its nursing program and education degrees, preparing students for careers in healthcare and teaching. However, the 49% four-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees on schedule. Barton's Christian foundation influences its academic approach, emphasizing service learning and ethical leadership alongside traditional coursework. The college focuses on practical career preparation rather than research, making it appealing to students seeking hands-on learning experiences.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.5%
- Retention Rate
- 65.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,913
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,781 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,559 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,382 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $32,124 |
| Gerontology. | Bachelor | $30,228 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,476 |
Campus Life
Wilson sits about an hour east of Raleigh, giving students access to internships and jobs in the Triangle while maintaining a genuine small-town feel. With housing for 651 students and total enrollment of 1,020, about 64% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. North Carolina's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can enjoy outdoor activities most of the year.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals personally. With 665 athletes competing in 25 varsity sports, game days energize the small campus as Bulldogs fans pack the stands. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation shapes campus culture through service opportunities and weekly chapel, though students of all backgrounds attend. Weekends revolve around athletic events, outdoor recreation, and trips to nearby Lake Wilson or Raleigh's entertainment districts. The 97% employment rate reflects the college's focus on practical career preparation rather than abstract academics.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals personally. With 665 athletes competing in 25 varsity sports, game days energize the small campus as Bulldogs fans pack the stands. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation shapes campus culture through service opportunities and weekly chapel, though students of all backgrounds attend. Weekends revolve around athletic events, outdoor recreation, and trips to nearby Lake Wilson or Raleigh's entertainment districts. The 97% employment rate reflects the college's focus on practical career preparation rather than abstract academics.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 651 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1902
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–51°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.7"
Student Demographics
Barton draws students who want a close-knit college experience without leaving North Carolina. Nearly 78% come from in-state, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation and affordable pricing. The student body is diverse, with 27% Black and 11% Hispanic students finding community at this Disciples of Christ college. About 37% receive Pell Grants, showing Barton serves many first-generation and working-class families. The nearly even gender split reflects the college's broad liberal arts appeal and career-focused programs that attract students seeking practical preparation for post-graduation success.
- Men
- 51.9%
- Women
- 48.1%
- White
- 54.7%
- Black
- 27.1%
- Hispanic
- 11.3%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 77.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.9%
Location
Barton College sits in Wilson, North Carolina, about 50 miles east of Raleigh. Wilson is a small town with around 50,000 residents in the eastern part of the state. The area is known for its tobacco farming heritage and antique shopping downtown. About 78% of Barton's students come from North Carolina, reflecting the school's strong regional draw. The town-fringe setting gives students access to both small-town community life and larger city amenities within driving distance. Wilson's location in the coastal plains means students are about two hours from both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic beaches. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Barton College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Wilson, North Carolina 27893-7000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,913
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,821
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $274/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,877
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Barton College?
Barton College accepts 94.60% of applicants, making it very accessible to students seeking admission. This small Christian liberal arts college focuses on building close relationships rather than selectivity, with just 1,020 total students.
How much does Barton College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,665 after financial aid, below the sticker price of $35,600. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides substantial institutional grants averaging $23,431 to help make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Barton College?
Barton College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling the personal attention that defines this Disciples of Christ institution. The college emphasizes close mentoring relationships and practical career preparation across its liberal arts programs.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Barton College?
About 51% of students graduate within six years, and graduates achieve a 97% employment rate. Alumni earn a median salary of $47,913 ten years after graduation, with median debt of $25,877 and monthly loan payments of $274.
Where is Barton College located and what is campus life like?
Barton College sits in Wilson, North Carolina, a town-fringe setting that offers both community feel and access to larger cities. The campus houses 651 students and fields 25 varsity sports teams as NCAA Division II Bulldogs, with 665 total student-athletes.
Does Barton College have strong athletic programs?
Barton College awards $4,776,809 in athletic scholarships across 25 varsity sports in the Conference Carolinas. With 665 student-athletes among just 1,020 total students, athletics plays a major role in campus culture for the Bulldogs.
