Overview
Catawba College is a less selective private four-year institution in Salisbury, North Carolina. The school accepts 67.1% of applicants and enrolls 1,127 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 67.1%
- Average SAT
- 1,105
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,000–1,210
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 23
- Total Enrollment
- 1,127
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Catawba College operates on rolling admissions, so apply early to secure housing and scholarship consideration before spots fill up. Your application gets stronger when you connect your interests directly to specific programs like the Shuford Center for Entrepreneurial Studies or the college's partnership with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College for pre-nursing students.
The college sits in historic downtown Salisbury, creating a tight-knit campus where professors know your name and career services connects you directly with local businesses and regional employers. Students here balance academics with strong athletic programs and Greek life without the intensity of larger universities. You'll find a mix of North Carolina natives and out-of-state students who want personal attention from faculty.
Write about specific faculty research or programs rather than generic interest in your major. The business program connects students with real companies through consulting projects, while education majors get classroom experience starting freshman year. The theatre department produces several shows annually in the Robertson College-Community Theatre, giving students professional-level experience.
Catawba requires supplemental essays that ask directly about your fit with the college community. Skip the generic "small college" responses and mention specific clubs, research opportunities, or downtown Salisbury internship possibilities. The admissions committee wants to see you've researched beyond the website basics.
Campus visits matter here since the college tracks demonstrated interest. Schedule your visit during the academic year when you can sit in on classes and meet with professors in your intended major. The college offers overnight visits where you stay with current students.
Your recommendations carry extra weight at Catawba since the admissions team reads every application thoroughly. Choose recommenders who can speak to your character and work ethic, not just academic performance. The college looks for students who will contribute to campus life through leadership, service, or creative activities.
Apply for the Honors Program separately if you want smaller seminars and priority class registration. Honor students complete a senior thesis project and receive additional mentoring from faculty members.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $18,210/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $33,400
- Students Receiving Aid
- 39%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.1%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,793/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 73.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Catawba College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Catawba College is test-optional for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Catawba College?
Catawba College has rolling admissions with no strict deadline. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so applying earlier improves your chances of acceptance and scholarship consideration.
How many transfer credits does Catawba College accept?
Catawba College accepts up to 64 credit hours from community colleges and up to 90 credit hours from four-year institutions. Transfer students must complete at least 30 credit hours at Catawba to graduate.
Does Catawba College offer early decision or early action programs?
Catawba College does not offer early decision or early action programs. The college uses rolling admissions, which means applications are processed throughout the year as they are received.