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83.5%Acceptance
$41,140Tuition
1,011Students
48%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$47,590Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Friends

About Guilford College

Guilford College builds its identity around Quaker values of peace, social justice, and hands-on learning. The college enrolls 1,011 students in Greensboro, a large North Carolina city that provides internship and job opportunities. Founded by the Religious Society of Friends in 1837, Guilford emphasizes experiential education and community engagement over traditional lecture-based learning. Notable graduates include former U.S. Representative Howard Coble and AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson.

Students pay an average net price of $21,200 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $55,510. About 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating solid support for middle and lower-income families. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,590 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a manageable burden for most graduates in their career fields.

The student body reflects North Carolina's diversity, with 46% white students, 27% Black students, and 16% Hispanic students. Nearly three-quarters of students come from in-state. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 48% four-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete their degrees. Division III athletics field 17 varsity teams without athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

Guilford College operates as a Quaker-founded liberal arts college where social justice and experiential learning define the academic experience. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship, though the 48% four-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to complete degrees. The college built its reputation on peace studies and conflict resolution programs that reflect its Quaker values of non-violence. Students engage in hands-on learning through internships, research projects, and community partnerships. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and social responsibility across disciplines. Many students pursue studies in education, business, and the sciences, with faculty encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to solving real-world problems.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
56.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
48.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
47.7%
Retention Rate
65.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$47,590
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $49,214
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $46,790
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $45,305
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $37,748
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. Bachelor $35,416
History. Bachelor $33,993
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $30,926
Psychology, General. Bachelor $28,870
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. Bachelor $28,598
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $28,236

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Guilford's 340-acre campus sits in Greensboro, North Carolina's third-largest city with easy access to the Research Triangle. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as temperatures range from the 30s in January to the upper 80s in summer. About 98% of students live on campus in residence halls that can house 990 students total, creating a tight-knit community where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.

Weekend life revolves around the Quaker values that have shaped campus culture since 1837. Students gather for Meeting for Worship on Sundays and organize social justice events throughout the year. With 357 student-athletes competing in 17 NCAA Division III sports, Quakers games draw crowds to support teams in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. The campus emphasizes consensus-building and community service, reflecting its Friends heritage. Many students volunteer in Greensboro or participate in outdoor activities at nearby Guilford Lake. The honor code runs deep here, with students often leaving belongings unattended without concern.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
990 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1837

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 0 0 4
Burglary 3 1 2 0
Rape 3 1 2 0
Robbery 2 0 2 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
29°–48°F
July Avg
69°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
42.2"
Annual Snowfall
7.5"

Student Demographics

Students at this small Quaker college reflect its social justice mission and strong North Carolina roots. Nearly three-quarters come from in-state, showing Guilford's deep local reputation. The student body is diverse, with students of color making up over 45% of enrollment. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the college's commitment to economic accessibility. The slightly female-majority enrollment aligns with liberal arts colleges that emphasize social work, education, and peace studies. These demographics create a community focused on service, activism, and collaborative learning rooted in Quaker values.
Men
48.5%
Women
51.5%
White
46.2%
Black
27.2%
Hispanic
15.9%
Asian
2.3%
In-State Students
73.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
43.6%

Location

Guilford College sits in Greensboro, North Carolina, a city of 300,000 residents in the Piedmont region. The campus lies about 90 minutes from Charlotte and three hours from the Research Triangle. Greensboro anchors the Triad area alongside Winston-Salem and High Point, creating a college-friendly environment with multiple universities nearby. The city blends urban amenities with Southern charm, featuring historic downtown districts and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 73.12% of students coming from North Carolina, many appreciate staying close to home while experiencing college life in a mid-sized city. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Guilford College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Greensboro, North Carolina 27410-4108
Guilfordcollegewalkway
Guilfordcollegewalkway
Appenzeller Field at Armfield Athletic Center
Appenzeller Field at Armfield Athletic Center

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$47,590
Median Earnings (5 years)
$48,340
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,700
Loan Repayment Rate
51.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Guilford College?

Guilford College admits 83.51% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1045, with middle-50% scores ranging from 910 to 1180. This Quaker-founded institution values well-rounded admissions that align with its social justice mission.

How much does Guilford College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $21,200, lower than the sticker price of $55,510. About 44% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Guilford College?

Guilford maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,011 total students. This small liberal arts environment emphasizes hands-on learning and experiential education programs. The intimate setting allows students to work closely with professors on social justice and peace studies initiatives.

What are the graduation rates at Guilford College?

The six-year graduation rate is 47.70%, with a four-year rate of 48.63%. The 65.85% retention rate suggests some students struggle to persist through their first year. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $47,590, with 94.8% finding employment.

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

The campus sits in Greensboro, North Carolina, housing 990 students in residential facilities. About 73% of students come from North Carolina, creating strong regional ties. The student body is 27% Black and 16% Hispanic, reflecting the college's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Does Guilford College offer athletic scholarships?

Guilford offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. The Quakers field 17 varsity sports with 357 total athletes competing. This approach aligns with the college's Quaker values of equality and focus on academic rather than athletic recruitment.