Carolina University: 52.0% Acceptance Rate

52.0%Acceptance

$16,000Tuition

424Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,864Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindUSCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Code 108

About Carolina University

Carolina University draws just 424 students to its campus in Winston-Salem, making it one of the smallest colleges in North Carolina. This tiny private school operates more like a close-knit community than a traditional university. With a 52% acceptance rate, getting in requires decent grades but nothing extraordinary. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, though the flip side is limited course options and fewer research opportunities than larger schools.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay around $18,866 after aid, which sounds reasonable for a private college. However, graduates earn a median of $32,864 ten years after graduation, creating a challenging return on investment. With typical debt of $20,287 and monthly loan payments of $215, many graduates struggle financially. Only 30% finish their degree in four years, and just 29% graduate within six years, suggesting many students either transfer or drop out entirely.

The student body is 58% male and reflects North Carolina's diversity, with 36% white students, 15% Black students, and 13% Hispanic students. Eight varsity sports compete in the USCAA, a smaller athletic association. With only 225 students living on campus, this feels more like a boarding school than a college experience.

Academics & Faculty

Carolina University operates as a small private college with just 424 students, creating an intimate academic environment where the 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. However, the 30.11% four-year graduation rate and 29.20% six-year graduation rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees on time. The college offers a broad liberal arts curriculum rather than specialized professional programs, which appeals to students seeking flexibility but may lack the focused career preparation found at larger universities. With only 56.41% of students returning for their second year, the academic experience appears challenging for many, though those who stay benefit from small classes and personalized attention from faculty.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 68.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 30.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.2%
Retention Rate: 56.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,864
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Bible/Biblical Studies.	Bachelor	$29,685
Religious Education.	Bachelor	$19,227

View all 53 programs →

Campus Life

Carolina University sits in Winston-Salem, a city of about 250,000 people in North Carolina's Piedmont region. With only 424 students total, this feels more like a large high school than a typical college campus. You'll experience four distinct seasons here, with mild winters that rarely require heavy coats and warm, humid summers. The campus housing holds 225 students, meaning about 53% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community where you'll quickly know faces across class years.

Weekend life revolves around the campus and Winston-Salem's downtown area, which offers restaurants, minor league baseball, and cultural attractions about 15 minutes away. With 195 athletes out of 424 total students, that means nearly half the campus plays varsity sports in the USCAA. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors will know your name and notice if you miss class. The small size creates an environment where campus events draw significant portions of the student body, and finding your social group happens quickly since there aren't many places to disappear.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 225 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	0	2
Aggravated Assault	0	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–48°F
July Avg: 69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.2"
Annual Snowfall: 6.2"

Student Demographics

Carolina University draws students who want to stay close to home, with 60% coming from North Carolina. The school serves a working-class population, as nearly half of students receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Men outnumber women by a significant margin, which often happens at schools with strong business or technical programs. The student body is more diverse than many small private colleges, with Black and Hispanic students making up about 28% of enrollment. These students typically choose Carolina University for its affordable tuition and personal attention in a small setting.

Men: 58.5%
Women: 41.5%
White: 35.9%
Black: 15.3%
Hispanic: 12.5%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 60.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.6%

Location

Carolina University sits in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, about 100 miles west of Raleigh and 80 miles northwest of Charlotte. This city of 250,000 people sits in the Piedmont Triad region, known for its tobacco history and the headquarters of companies like Reynolds American. Winston-Salem blends urban amenities with Southern charm, offering students internship opportunities in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. The area features rolling hills and is about two hours from both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic coast. With 60% of Carolina University's 424 students coming from in-state, many are familiar with North Carolina's mix of small towns and growing cities. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Carolina University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,864
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,737
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $215/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,287

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Carolina University?

Carolina University accepts 52% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The small enrollment of just 424 students means admissions staff can take a closer look at each application. This Christian university in Winston-Salem attracts students seeking a tight-knit community atmosphere.

How much does Carolina University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,866 after aid, with tuition set at $16,000 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Nearly half of students (45.62%) receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many lower-income families. Room and board adds $12,400, bringing total costs to $31,000 before aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Carolina University?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, allowing for personalized attention in this small college environment. With only 424 total students, classes tend to be intimate and discussion-based. However, the 56% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adjust to the academic or social environment.

What are the career outcomes for Carolina University graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $32,864 ten years after graduation, which is below national averages for college graduates. The employment rate is strong at 92.9%, but the 29% six-year graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees. Monthly loan payments average $215 for those who borrowed money.

Where do Carolina University students live on campus?

The school houses 225 students in on-campus facilities, serving about half of the 424-student body. Winston-Salem provides an urban setting with internship and job opportunities in this major North Carolina city. The remaining students typically live off-campus in the surrounding area.

Does Carolina University have strong athletics programs?

The university fields 8 varsity sports teams competing in the USCAA with 195 total student-athletes. Athletic scholarships total over $1.5 million, representing significant investment in sports programs. With 58% male and 42% female students, the gender split reflects the school's athletic emphasis and appeal to male students.