About Catawba College
Catawba College attracts students seeking a close-knit liberal arts experience centered around strong theater and music programs. The college's summer stock theater draws national attention, while its 1,127 students benefit from small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. This suburban campus in North Carolina has built its reputation on hands-on learning and strong connections between students and professors.
Students typically pay around $18,210 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable for many families. Graduates earn a median of $48,793 ten years after graduation, while carrying about $25,000 in debt with monthly payments of $265. The employment rate reaches 96.8%, suggesting most graduates find work quickly. For families earning under $48,000, the net cost drops to around $14,000, making Catawba accessible across income levels.
Nearly half the student body participates in athletics across 19 varsity sports, creating a campus where school spirit runs high. The college awards over $5.6 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 65% of students coming from North Carolina, Catawba maintains strong regional ties while welcoming students from across the country. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, but those who complete their degrees typically find career success.
Students typically pay around $18,210 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable for many families. Graduates earn a median of $48,793 ten years after graduation, while carrying about $25,000 in debt with monthly payments of $265. The employment rate reaches 96.8%, suggesting most graduates find work quickly. For families earning under $48,000, the net cost drops to around $14,000, making Catawba accessible across income levels.
Nearly half the student body participates in athletics across 19 varsity sports, creating a campus where school spirit runs high. The college awards over $5.6 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 65% of students coming from North Carolina, Catawba maintains strong regional ties while welcoming students from across the country. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, but those who complete their degrees typically find career success.
Academics & Faculty
Catawba College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore diverse subjects before choosing a major. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know students by name. Theater and music programs draw national attention, with the college's summer stock theater bringing professional productions to campus each year. The 54% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face in completing their degrees on time. Education and business programs also maintain strong regional reputations. Small class sizes mean students receive individualized attention from faculty, but the 52% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their programs within typical timeframes.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 81.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.1%
- Retention Rate
- 73.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,793
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,198 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,259 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $26,121 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $23,693 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $22,482 |
Campus Life
Catawba's 276-acre campus sits in Salisbury, about an hour north of Charlotte and two hours from the mountains or coast. With housing capacity for 688 students and total enrollment of 1,127, roughly 60% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your struggles with organic chemistry.
North Carolina's four seasons require both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen. Students bundle up for January basketball games but spend spring afternoons on the quad between the historic brick buildings and newer facilities. Theater dominates campus culture thanks to the well-known summer stock program that draws professional actors each year. Weekend options include Charlotte for big-city experiences or nearby hiking trails. With 600 athletes competing in 19 Division II sports, games draw solid crowds from the student body. The 73% retention rate reflects students who find their niche in this small college atmosphere where everyone seems to know everyone else.
North Carolina's four seasons require both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen. Students bundle up for January basketball games but spend spring afternoons on the quad between the historic brick buildings and newer facilities. Theater dominates campus culture thanks to the well-known summer stock program that draws professional actors each year. Weekend options include Charlotte for big-city experiences or nearby hiking trails. With 600 athletes competing in 19 Division II sports, games draw solid crowds from the student body. The 73% retention rate reflects students who find their niche in this small college atmosphere where everyone seems to know everyone else.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 688 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–50°F
- July Avg
- 68°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -774.2"
Student Demographics
Two-thirds of Catawba students come from North Carolina, reflecting the college's strong regional reputation in the Carolinas. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, typical for a liberal arts college with diverse academic offerings. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, showing Catawba serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable private education. The college draws a racially diverse population for a small Southern school, with significant Black and Hispanic enrollment. Students are attracted to Catawba's combination of personal attention, strong arts programs, and Division II athletics in a close-knit campus environment.
- Men
- 48.3%
- Women
- 51.7%
- White
- 55.3%
- Black
- 21.0%
- Hispanic
- 9.8%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 65.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.4%
Location
Catawba College sits in Salisbury, North Carolina, about 45 miles northeast of Charlotte. The campus draws 65% of its students from within North Carolina. Salisbury serves as a historic railroad town with a population around 35,000, offering that classic small college town atmosphere. The Piedmont region provides rolling hills and four distinct seasons. Students enjoy easy access to both the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Atlantic coast three hours east. The area blends Southern charm with proximity to Charlotte's internship and job opportunities. Downtown Salisbury features antique shops, local restaurants, and community theater that complements the college's strong performing arts reputation. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Catawba College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Salisbury, North Carolina 28144
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,793
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,080
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Catawba College?
Catawba College admits 67% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1105. This makes it moderately selective for a small liberal arts college, attracting students who want the benefits of close faculty relationships with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.
How much does Catawba College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,210 despite the $47,350 sticker price. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000.
What is Catawba College known for academically?
Catawba is well-known for its theater and music programs, particularly its summer stock theater productions. The college maintains small class sizes with 1,127 total students and strong liberal arts foundations across its programs.
What are the career outcomes for Catawba College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $48,793 ten years after graduation with a 96.8% employment rate. However, only 52% of students graduate within six years, which is below the national average for four-year colleges.
Where is Catawba College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Salisbury, North Carolina, housing 688 students on campus out of 1,127 total enrollment. About 65% of students come from North Carolina, creating a regional community feel in this suburban setting.
Does Catawba College have strong athletics programs?
Catawba competes in NCAA Division II with 19 varsity sports and 600 total athletes. The college awards over $5.6 million in athletic scholarships annually, making sports a significant part of campus culture for this small liberal arts school.
