About Meredith College
Meredith's 1,288 students benefit from the focused attention that comes with being one of the few remaining women's colleges in the South. The small class sizes foster close mentorship, with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring professors know their students by name. This Raleigh institution has built a reputation for developing confident leaders, exemplified by graduates like legendary basketball coach Kay Yow and former North Carolina First Lady Mary Easley. The campus sits in North Carolina's capital, giving students access to internships and career opportunities while maintaining the intimate feel of a close-knit community.
Students pay an average net price of $20,197 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,539 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,000. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging just $265. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment, suggesting the college's career preparation delivers real results.
The Avenging Angels compete in Division III athletics, reflecting the school's competitive spirit without the pressure of big-time sports. With 88% of students coming from North Carolina, Meredith maintains strong ties to the state while drawing from a diverse student body that's 38% students of color.
Students pay an average net price of $20,197 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,539 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,000. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging just $265. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment, suggesting the college's career preparation delivers real results.
The Avenging Angels compete in Division III athletics, reflecting the school's competitive spirit without the pressure of big-time sports. With 88% of students coming from North Carolina, Meredith maintains strong ties to the state while drawing from a diverse student body that's 38% students of color.
Academics & Faculty
Meredith operates as a private women's liberal arts college where students explore diverse fields while developing critical thinking skills across disciplines. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide individualized mentoring. About 66% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the close-knit academic environment where women support each other's success. The college has built a strong reputation for teacher education, preparing educators who go on to lead classrooms across North Carolina. Business and psychology programs also attract many students. The liberal arts foundation means even pre-professional students take courses in literature, sciences, and arts, creating well-rounded graduates who think broadly about complex problems.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.0%
- Retention Rate
- 81.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,539
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,432 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $44,021 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. | Master | $43,128 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,682 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,166 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $35,274 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
Campus Life
The campus sits in North Carolina's capital city, where mild winters mean you'll need a light jacket but summers require serious air conditioning. With housing capacity for 1,150 students and total enrollment of 1,288, nearly every student can live on campus if they choose. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name.
As a women's college founded in 1891, Meredith maintains strong traditions that bind the community together. Students call themselves Avenging Angels, reflecting the school's competitive spirit in the USA South Athletic Conference. The semester calendar system provides structure, while the city location offers internship opportunities and weekend entertainment options. With 87.90% of students coming from North Carolina, most go home occasionally but campus life remains active. The college's motto "Strong" captures the helping atmosphere where women support each other's academic and personal growth. Students often spend weekends exploring Raleigh's museums, restaurants, and music venues, just minutes from campus.
As a women's college founded in 1891, Meredith maintains strong traditions that bind the community together. Students call themselves Avenging Angels, reflecting the school's competitive spirit in the USA South Athletic Conference. The semester calendar system provides structure, while the city location offers internship opportunities and weekend entertainment options. With 87.90% of students coming from North Carolina, most go home occasionally but campus life remains active. The college's motto "Strong" captures the helping atmosphere where women support each other's academic and personal growth. Students often spend weekends exploring Raleigh's museums, restaurants, and music venues, just minutes from campus.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,150 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1891
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–50°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -773.8"
Student Demographics
Meredith draws women who want the advantages of single-sex education in a supportive Southern setting. Nearly 88% of students come from North Carolina, reflecting the college's deep roots in the Triangle area and strong reputation among local families. The student body is predominantly white at 62%, with growing Hispanic representation at 17%. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing Meredith serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. These demographics align with the college's mission as a traditional women's institution that emphasizes leadership development and close mentoring relationships.
- Men
- 0.0%
- Women
- 100.0%
- White
- 62.3%
- Black
- 9.0%
- Hispanic
- 16.8%
- Asian
- 4.8%
- In-State Students
- 87.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.8%
Location
Meredith College sits in Raleigh, North Carolina's bustling capital city. The campus enjoys access to Research Triangle Park, one of the nation's largest research parks located just 20 miles southeast. Raleigh's population exceeds 470,000, making it the state's second-largest city. The area pulses with energy from North Carolina State University and other nearby institutions. Students benefit from internship opportunities at major corporations like IBM and SAS Institute. The mild climate averages 215 sunny days per year. Raleigh offers cultural attractions including multiple museums and a thriving music scene. The Blue Ridge Mountains lie 150 miles west, while Atlantic beaches sit 120 miles east. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Meredith College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Raleigh, North Carolina 27607-5298
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,539
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,359
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Meredith College?
Meredith College admits 73% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private women's college. Students typically need SAT scores around 1230, though the middle 50% range spans from 1140 to 1320.
How much does Meredith College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Meredith College is $20,197, lower than the full cost of attendance at $57,706. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt.
What are class sizes like at Meredith College?
Meredith maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,288 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in the liberal arts tradition that has defined the college since 1891.
What do Meredith College graduates earn after college?
Meredith graduates earn a median of $51,539 ten years after graduation, with a strong 94% employment rate. The college's 66% four-year graduation rate reflects its focus on helping students complete their degrees efficiently.
Where is Meredith College located and what is campus life like?
Meredith sits in Raleigh, giving students access to North Carolina's capital city while maintaining a close-knit campus community. With housing for 1,150 students and 88% of enrollment from in-state, the Avenging Angels create strong local connections.
Is Meredith College only for women?
Yes, Meredith College enrolls 100% women, continuing its mission as a private women's college since 1891. The student body is 62% white, 17% Hispanic, and 9% Black, reflecting growing diversity in this traditional setting.
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