Livingstone College: 63.8% Acceptance Rate

63.8%Acceptance

$18,296Tuition

798Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,600Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIData: 2023-24HBCUAfrican Methodist Episcopal Zion

About Livingstone College

Livingstone College serves 798 students in Salisbury, North Carolina, a suburban setting about an hour northeast of Charlotte. This historically black college has been educating students since 1879 and maintains strong ties to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The college accepts about 64% of applicants with an average SAT score of 880, making it accessible to students who may not have thrived in high school but are ready to grow in college. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name and can provide the personal attention many need to succeed.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $15,662 after aid, with 84% receiving financial assistance. However, graduates earn a median of $32,600 ten years after graduation while carrying $31,125 in debt. The low loan repayment rate of just 16% suggests many graduates struggle to manage their monthly payments of $330. Families earning less than $48,000 get significant help, paying around $11,000-$16,000 per year.

The Blue Bears compete in NCAA Division II with 244 student-athletes across 14 sports, creating a tight campus community where 89% of students are Black. The 27% graduation rate reflects real challenges, but the 96% employment rate shows that those who finish find work.

Academics & Faculty

Livingstone College operates as a historically black liberal arts college that focuses on preparing students for careers in business, education, and social services. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name and can provide personal attention. However, the 27% six-year graduation rate shows that many students struggle to complete their degrees, often due to financial challenges rather than academic ability. The college is particularly known for its teacher preparation programs and criminal justice studies. With 84% of students receiving Pell Grants, most come from low-income families and work while attending classes, which can make finishing on time difficult but builds real-world experience.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 80.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.1%
Retention Rate: 77.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,600
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$32,711
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$25,194
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$24,035
Social Work.	Bachelor	$20,687

View all 25 programs →

Campus Life

Livingstone College sits in Salisbury, a mid-sized North Carolina city about 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte. With 798 students and housing for 880, most Blue Bears live on the compact campus where you'll know faces quickly. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name, and with 89% of students being Black, this HBCU creates a tight community where academic and cultural identity connect.

North Carolina's mild climate means light jackets in winter and plenty of outdoor time between classes. Students gather in the student center or participate in one of 14 varsity sports programs. The Blue Bears compete in NCAA Division II, and athletic events bring campus energy, especially football games in the fall. With 244 total athletes out of just 798 students, sports culture runs deep here. Weekend activities often center around campus events, trips to nearby Charlotte for shopping and entertainment, or Greek life activities. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion tradition shapes campus life through chapel services and community service projects that connect students to Salisbury's broader community.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 880 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1879

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	2	0
Rape	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–50°F
July Avg: 68°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.0"
Annual Snowfall: -774.2"

Student Demographics

Livingstone College draws students who need affordable access to higher education, with 84% receiving Pell Grants and strong financial aid bringing costs down for families earning under $48,000. The student body is 89% Black, reflecting the college's mission as an HBCU rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church tradition. About half the students come from North Carolina, showing the school's local impact, while the rest travel from other states seeking the supportive community and cultural identity that HBCUs provide. Men slightly outnumber women at 59% to 41%.

Men: 58.7%
Women: 41.4%
White: 1.4%
Black: 89.1%
Hispanic: 0.5%
Asian: 0.1%
In-State Students: 52.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 83.9%

Location

Livingstone College sits in Salisbury, North Carolina, a city of about 35,000 people located roughly 45 miles northeast of Charlotte. The campus occupies 272 acres in this historic Piedmont region town, which blends small-city amenities with easy access to North Carolina's largest metropolitan area. Salisbury maintains a strong sense of community and Southern charm, with local festivals, historic districts, and affordable living costs that appeal to college families. The area offers internship and job opportunities in Charlotte's banking and business sectors while maintaining the close-knit feel that helps explain the college's 77.57% retention rate. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Livingstone 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): $32,600
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,216
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 15.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $330/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $31,125

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Livingstone College?

Livingstone College accepts 63.77% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The average SAT score is 880, reflecting the college's mission to provide opportunities for students who may not excel on standardized tests but show potential for growth.

How much does Livingstone College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Livingstone College is $15,662 per year. With 83.93% of students receiving financial aid and many qualifying for Pell Grants, this HBCU works hard to make education affordable for low-income families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Livingstone College?

Livingstone College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 798 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that are hallmarks of the HBCU experience.

What are the graduation rates at Livingstone College?

The six-year graduation rate is 27.10% and the four-year rate is 26.44%. While these numbers are low, graduates earn a median of $32,600 ten years after graduation, and the college's strong alumni network provides valuable career connections.

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

Livingstone College sits in Salisbury, North Carolina, a large suburban setting about an hour from Charlotte. The campus houses 880 students and fields 14 varsity sports teams known as the Blue Bears, competing in NCAA Division II.

What is Livingstone College's religious affiliation and history?

Founded in 1879, Livingstone College is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The student body is 89.10% Black, reflecting its proud heritage as an HBCU that has served the African American community for nearly 150 years.