Skip to main content
63.3%Acceptance
$17,280Tuition
161Students
43%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,342Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalData: 2023-24Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

About Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Mid-Atlantic Christian University prepares students for ministry and Christian service through biblical education in a small town setting. With just 161 students, this Christian university focuses on training future pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The school operates on Christian Churches and Churches of Christ principles, emphasizing practical ministry training alongside traditional academics. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally and get individual attention in your biblical studies and ministry preparation courses.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $25,876 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $38,342 ten years after graduation. With typical debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286, the economics work better for students planning careers in full-time ministry rather than high-paying secular fields. About 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating many come from lower-income families seeking affordable Christian education.

The student body is 70% male, reflecting the school's focus on pastoral training where men traditionally dominate. The 43% four-year graduation rate and 48% retention rate suggest the academic demands and ministry focus aren't right for everyone. Seven varsity sports teams compete as the Mustangs, with 91 total athletes receiving $103,700 in athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

Mid-Atlantic Christian University focuses on preparing students for Christian ministry and service careers through Bible-centered programs. The school offers degrees in biblical studies, Christian education, youth ministry, and music ministry, drawing students who want to combine their faith with their career goals. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention from professors who often serve as mentors in both academic and spiritual growth. However, the 43% four-year graduation rate and 48% retention rate suggest that many students struggle to complete their degrees, possibly due to the school's demanding blend of rigorous biblical scholarship and practical ministry training that requires strong self-discipline and clear career focus.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
37.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
43.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
42.6%
Retention Rate
47.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,342
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. Bachelor $36,141
Bible/Biblical Studies. Bachelor $18,309

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

Mid-Atlantic Christian University sits in Elizabeth City, a small town about 50 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia. With only 161 students total, everyone knows everyone on this tiny campus. The school can house 236 students in dorms, which means most of the student body lives on campus and creates a close-knit community feel. You'll definitely need a winter coat for North Carolina's chilly winters, though summers get hot and humid.

The student body is 70% male and heavily focused on ministry preparation, so expect lots of chapel services, Bible studies, and faith-based discussions. With 91 total athletes across 7 sports, about half the school plays varsity athletics for the Mustangs. Weekends often revolve around basketball games, outdoor activities near the Pasquotank River, or trips to Virginia Beach (about an hour away). The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. Social life centers around dorm activities, intramural sports, and church events since Elizabeth City doesn't offer much nightlife for college students.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
236 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1948

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–50°F
July Avg
70°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
95.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.1"

Student Demographics

Mid-Atlantic Christian University draws students who want faith-based education without traveling far from home, with 63% coming from North Carolina. The student body is 70% male, reflecting the school's strong programs in ministry and Christian leadership that traditionally attract more men. About half the students are white and 35% are Black, making this one of the more diverse Christian colleges in the region. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves families who value affordable Christian education and see ministry as a calling rather than just a career.
Men
70.2%
Women
29.8%
White
49.1%
Black
35.4%
Hispanic
6.2%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
62.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
46.6%

Location

Mid-Atlantic Christian University sits in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, a small town about 50 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia. Elizabeth City has around 18,000 residents and sits near the Pasquotank River in northeastern North Carolina. The area is part of the Albemarle region, known for its waterways and historic small towns. Students are about an hour from Virginia Beach and two hours from Raleigh. With 62.86% of students coming from North Carolina, most know they're choosing a quiet, small-town college experience rather than big-city campus life. The setting gives students access to outdoor activities like boating and fishing while staying close to larger cities. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Mid-Atlantic Christian University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27909-4054
Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Mid-Atlantic Christian University
RBC North Campus
RBC North Campus
RBC Heritage Hall
RBC Heritage Hall

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,342
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,795
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$24,900
Loan Repayment Rate
40.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Mid-Atlantic Christian University?

Mid-Atlantic Christian University accepts 63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian institution. The school draws students seeking a faith-based education in ministry and biblical studies. With only 161 total students, admissions decisions focus heavily on commitment to Christian values alongside academic preparation.

How much does Mid-Atlantic Christian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,876 after aid, despite tuition being set at $17,280 for all students regardless of residency. The university is known for its affordability among Christian colleges, though 47% of students receive Pell Grants indicating significant financial need. Room and board adds $10,800 to the total cost of attendance.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mid-Atlantic Christian University?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 9:1, reflecting the intimate learning environment this Christian university provides. Faculty members often serve as mentors in both academic and spiritual development. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention in ministry preparation and biblical studies programs.

What are the graduation rates at Mid-Atlantic Christian University?

Only 43% of students graduate within four years, with the six-year rate at 43% as well, below national averages. The retention rate of 48% suggests many students transfer or leave after their first year. Graduates who complete their programs typically enter ministry roles or continue theological education.

Where is Mid-Atlantic Christian University located?

The campus sits in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, a small town in the northeastern part of the state near the Outer Banks. About 63% of the 161 students come from within North Carolina, drawn to this quiet setting for focused religious study. The town-distant location provides a peaceful environment for spiritual and academic growth away from major urban distractions.

What is unique about the student body at Mid-Atlantic Christian University?

Men comprise 70% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong emphasis on training male church leaders and ministers. The racial composition includes 49% White and 35% Black students, showing meaningful diversity within the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ denomination. With only 91 total athletes across 7 sports, the Mustangs prioritize spiritual development over athletic competition.