About Chowan University
Chowan University builds tight-knit communities around Baptist values and competitive athletics in rural North Carolina. The school enrolls just 638 students, creating an environment where professors know students by name through a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. Athletics dominate campus culture with 457 student-athletes competing across 17 NCAA Division II sports, meaning nearly three-quarters of students play varsity sports. The Hawks compete in Conference Carolinas and award $2.8 million in athletic scholarships annually.
Students pay an average net price of $16,189 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $38,020. About 61% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,412 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $29,491. The low graduation rates tell a concerning story, with only 28% of students finishing within six years.
The student body reflects regional demographics with 50% Black students and 28% White students in a predominantly male environment. Nearly half the students come from North Carolina, while others are drawn by athletic opportunities. The 86% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 57% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled.
Students pay an average net price of $16,189 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $38,020. About 61% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,412 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $29,491. The low graduation rates tell a concerning story, with only 28% of students finishing within six years.
The student body reflects regional demographics with 50% Black students and 28% White students in a predominantly male environment. Nearly half the students come from North Carolina, while others are drawn by athletic opportunities. The 86% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 57% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled.
Academics & Faculty
Chowan University operates as a small Baptist liberal arts college where personal attention defines the academic experience. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and can provide individualized support. The university is particularly recognized for its teacher education and criminal justice programs, which benefit from the close mentoring relationships. However, the 28.5% six-year graduation rate reflects significant academic challenges that many students face. The small size of 638 students means limited course offerings but creates tight-knit learning communities. Students who thrive here appreciate the family-like atmosphere where faculty invest heavily in their success, though academic rigor varies across programs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 27.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.5%
- Retention Rate
- 56.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,412
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,363 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,366 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $28,366 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | Bachelor | $26,121 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,615 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $23,340 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $21,850 |
Campus Life
Rural Murfreesboro sits 70 miles from Norfolk, Virginia, and two hours from Raleigh. The 638 students find themselves in true small-town North Carolina, where winters require a light jacket and springs arrive early. Campus housing accommodates up to 1,518 students, though many commute from the surrounding farming communities.
Athletics dominates weekend life at this Southern Baptist university. With 457 student-athletes competing across 17 Division II sports, Hawks games draw crowds from the 61% male student body. The Conference Carolinas provides regular competition, and athletic scholarships total nearly $2.8 million. Students often gather at the campus center or head to nearby Chowan River for outdoor activities. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a family atmosphere that extends beyond academics. Chapel services and Baptist traditions anchor campus culture, while the diverse student body - nearly 50% Black students and 28% White students - brings different perspectives to this historic 1848 institution.
Athletics dominates weekend life at this Southern Baptist university. With 457 student-athletes competing across 17 Division II sports, Hawks games draw crowds from the 61% male student body. The Conference Carolinas provides regular competition, and athletic scholarships total nearly $2.8 million. Students often gather at the campus center or head to nearby Chowan River for outdoor activities. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a family atmosphere that extends beyond academics. Chapel services and Baptist traditions anchor campus culture, while the diverse student body - nearly 50% Black students and 28% White students - brings different perspectives to this historic 1848 institution.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,518 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1848
Campus Safety (2023)
44 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–48°F
- July Avg
- 67°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,552.3"
Student Demographics
Chowan draws students from across North Carolina and beyond, with roughly half coming from in-state. The student body is majority African American at nearly 50%, reflecting the university's commitment to diversity and accessibility. Men outnumber women 62% to 38%, largely due to strong athletics programs that attract male student-athletes. About 61% of students receive Pell Grants, showing Chowan serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The small enrollment of 638 creates tight-knit campus community where students know each other and professors personally.
- Men
- 61.6%
- Women
- 38.4%
- White
- 28.1%
- Black
- 49.8%
- Hispanic
- 4.6%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 46.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 60.8%
Location
Chowan University sits in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, a small town about 75 miles northeast of Raleigh. The campus occupies a rural setting in the state's northeastern coastal plain region. Murfreesboro has roughly 3,000 residents, making it smaller than the university's housing capacity of 1,518 students. The town centers around the historic Chowan River, which flows through this agricultural area known for peanut and cotton farming. Students find themselves in classic small-town North Carolina, where the nearest shopping and entertainment requires a drive to larger cities. The rural-remote setting means 46.64% of students come from within North Carolina, drawn to the intimate campus atmosphere. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Chowan University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Murfreesboro, North Carolina 27855
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,412
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,832
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $313/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $29,491
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Chowan University?
Chowan University accepts 86.68% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. The average SAT score of 983 reflects the university's commitment to providing opportunities for students with diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Chowan University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,189 annually after financial aid. About 60.75% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make this small Baptist university affordable for low-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Chowan University?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 with just 638 total students enrolled. This intimate environment allows for the close mentoring relationships that Chowan University is known for among its faculty and students.
What are the graduation rates at Chowan University?
Only 28.50% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 27%. The retention rate of 56.74% suggests many students struggle to persist, though graduates earn a median of $38,412 ten years after graduation.
Where is Chowan University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Murfreesboro, North Carolina, with housing capacity for 1,518 students. The student body is 61.60% male and diverse, with 49.84% Black students making up the largest demographic group.
How strong are athletics at Chowan University?
The Hawks compete in NCAA Division II with 17 varsity sports and 457 total athletes. The university awards $2,764,104 in athletic scholarships annually, reflecting its serious commitment to sports programs that define much of campus culture.
