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39.9%Acceptance
$31,250Tuition
760Students
39%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,545Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Brevard College

Brevard College has built its reputation around outdoor education and experiential learning in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 760 students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. This private Methodist college attracts adventure-seekers and students who thrive in hands-on learning environments. The campus sits in a small mountain town that serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation and environmental studies programs.

Students pay an average net price of $21,376 after financial aid, with 38% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,545 ten years after graduation, carrying typical debt of $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. However, the 39% six-year graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for academic challenges.

Athletics define much of campus life, with 501 student-athletes competing across 16 NCAA Division III sports. Men outnumber women 61% to 38%, reflecting the school's outdoor and athletic focus. The Tornadoes compete in the USA South Athletic Conference. Students come from across the region, with 42% from North Carolina and the remainder drawn by the mountain setting and specialized programs.

Academics & Faculty

Brevard College operates as a small liberal arts institution where students work closely with faculty in an 11:1 ratio. The college has built a strong reputation for its outdoor education and experiential learning programs, taking advantage of its location near Pisgah National Forest. Students can pursue degrees in fields like environmental science, adventure education, and performing arts. However, the 37% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their degrees. About 66% of students return for their sophomore year, indicating some struggle with the transition to college life. The college's emphasis on hands-on learning and small classes means students receive personalized attention throughout their academic journey.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
37.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
39.0%
Retention Rate
65.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,545
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $38,289
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Bachelor $33,993
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $32,391
Psychology, General. Bachelor $28,236
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. Bachelor $21,894

View all 25 programs →

Campus Life

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard College sits in a small town about 45 minutes southwest of Asheville. The campus houses 711 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where 93% of the student body lives on campus. You'll need layers here - mountain mornings can be crisp even in summer, while afternoons warm up nicely for outdoor adventures.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but with 61% male enrollment, the gender balance skews heavily toward men. Weekends revolve around the nearby Pisgah National Forest, where students hike, mountain bike, and explore waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls. The college's outdoor program takes advantage of this mountain playground year-round. Campus traditions center around the Tornadoes athletic teams, with 501 students participating in 16 varsity sports across NCAA Division III competition. The small size means everyone knows each other - for better or worse. School spirit runs high during basketball season, and the Methodist heritage creates a welcoming but not overly religious atmosphere.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
711 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1934

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 4 4 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–49°F
July Avg
60°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
190.6"
Annual Snowfall
12.6"

Student Demographics

Brevard draws a student body that's nearly two-thirds male, reflecting its strong outdoor adventure programs and athletic culture. The college serves a mix of local Appalachian students and those from across the region seeking its experiential learning approach. With over a third of students receiving Pell Grants, Brevard provides access to working-class families who value hands-on education. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful representation from Black and Hispanic communities. Most students come from within North Carolina, though the college's unique outdoor focus attracts adventurous students from neighboring states.
Men
61.3%
Women
38.7%
White
64.1%
Black
13.4%
Hispanic
8.2%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
42.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
37.7%

Location

Brevard sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, about 35 miles southwest of Asheville. The town of 8,000 residents serves as a gateway to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Students have access to over 250 waterfalls within a short drive of campus. The area draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Brevard's economy centers around tourism and the college, creating a close relationship between the school and community. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the intimate mountain town setting where professors and students often encounter each other around town. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Brevard College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Brevard, North Carolina 28712
Brevard College Campus in Brevard, North Carolina
Brevard College Campus in Brevard, North Carolina
Brevard College, Brevard, North Carolina, 2012 - 04
Brevard College, Brevard, North Carolina, 2012 - 04
Brevard College Stone Fence and Gate - Brevard
Brevard College Stone Fence and Gate - Brevard

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,545
Median Earnings (5 years)
$40,683
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$27,600
Loan Repayment Rate
52.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Brevard College?

Brevard College accepts 39.89% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1060. This small Methodist liberal arts college in the North Carolina mountains draws students who value close faculty relationships and outdoor recreation opportunities.

How much does Brevard College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,376 annually, less than the $45,650 total cost of attendance. About 37.69% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $25,000 in median debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Brevard College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 11:1 among the college's 760 students. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in Brevard's liberal arts programs, though the 65.71% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition.

What are the job prospects for Brevard College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $43,545 ten years after graduation, with a 95.4% employment rate. The 39% six-year graduation rate is lower than many colleges, but those who complete their degrees find steady work in the region.

Where is Brevard College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Brevard, North Carolina, a small town known as the gateway to Pisgah National Forest. With housing capacity for 711 students and 16 varsity sports teams competing as the Tornadoes, the college emphasizes outdoor recreation and community involvement.

How strong are athletics at Brevard College?

Athletics play a major role with 501 total athletes competing across 16 NCAA Division III sports, representing about 66% of the student body. The college awards $139,500 in athletic scholarships and competes in the USA South Athletic Conference, making it one of the most athletically focused small colleges in the region.