Skip to main content
68.1%Acceptance
$33,860Tuition
750Students
41%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$45,151Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Interdenominational

About Montreat College

Montreat College attracts students who want rigorous academics wrapped in Christian faith and mountain adventures. This interdenominational liberal arts college enrolls 750 students in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Asheville. The school has built a reputation around outdoor recreation programs that take full advantage of its stunning North Carolina setting. Founded in 1916, Montreat combines traditional liberal arts education with hands-on learning opportunities in one of the most beautiful college locations in the Southeast.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $26,328 after aid, which is substantial for a small college. Graduates earn a median of $45,151 ten years after graduation, leaving many with monthly loan payments of $274. The median debt of $25,813 is manageable, but the 40.60% six-year graduation rate means many students never finish their degrees. Only 52.38% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans.

Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 489 students competing in 15 varsity sports at the NAIA level. The school awards $6.6 million in athletic scholarships, meaning sports often provide the pathway to affordability. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 62.44% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adjust to the demanding mountain campus environment.

Academics & Faculty

Montreat College operates as a small Christian liberal arts institution where faith intersects with academic exploration. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know students by name and can provide personalized guidance. However, the 41% four-year graduation rate suggests students may struggle to complete their degrees on schedule. The college emphasizes outdoor leadership and recreation programs, taking advantage of its Blue Ridge Mountain setting to offer unique experiential learning opportunities. Business and education programs attract many students seeking practical career preparation. With only 750 students total, class discussions tend to be collaborative rather than lecture-heavy, though some may find the limited course offerings restrictive compared to larger universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
36.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
41.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
40.6%
Retention Rate
62.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,151
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $49,214
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Master $43,319
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $40,853
Psychology, Other. Bachelor $28,960

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Nestled in a small mountain community 20 miles east of Asheville, Montreat College sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus houses 597 students in residence halls, accommodating nearly 80% of the 750-person student body. Students wake up to mountain views and crisp air that demands fleece jackets even in spring and fall.

The college's outdoor recreation programs take full advantage of the surrounding wilderness. Students spend weekends hiking the nearby trails, rock climbing, or participating in the school's robust outdoor adventure offerings. With 489 student-athletes competing across 15 NAIA sports, game days bring the small community together. The 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often join them for outdoor activities. Chapel services and faith-based programming anchor the weekly rhythm at this interdenominational Christian school. When students need city amenities, Asheville's restaurants, music venues, and craft breweries are a quick drive through winding mountain roads.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
597 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1916

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
28°–48°F
July Avg
62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
53.8"
Annual Snowfall
2.1"

Student Demographics

Montreat draws students seeking a close-knit Christian community in a mountain setting. The student body is 56% North Carolina residents, reflecting the college's strong regional ties and reputation among local families. With 40% receiving Pell Grants, Montreat serves many first-generation and working-class students who value affordable Christian education. The 54% male enrollment connects to the school's emphasis on outdoor recreation and adventure programs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students typically choose Montreat for its combination of faith-based learning and mountain lifestyle rather than academic prestige.
Men
54.0%
Women
46.0%
White
60.8%
Black
12.0%
Hispanic
1.2%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
56.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
40.4%

Location

Montreat sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, about 20 miles east of Asheville. The college's 750 students enjoy a mountain campus setting that combines natural beauty with outdoor recreation opportunities. Montreat operates on a semester system in this scenic foothill community. The town itself centers around the college and a historic Christian conference center. Students find themselves surrounded by hiking trails, mountain vistas, and outdoor adventure possibilities year-round. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearby, offering easy access to some of the Southeast's most spectacular mountain scenery. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Montreat College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Montreat, North Carolina 28757-1267

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,151
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,715
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,200
Loan Repayment Rate
52.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$274/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,813

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Montreat College?

Montreat College accepts 68% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The small Christian liberal arts college draws students seeking a faith-based education in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With only 750 students enrolled, the admissions process focuses on finding students who fit the college's close-knit community.

How much does Montreat College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $26,328 after financial aid at Montreat College. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. The college provides institutional grants averaging $17,519 to help make the Christian education more affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Montreat College?

Montreat College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in classes. The small scale allows professors to mentor students individually in their faith and academic journey. This intimate learning environment is central to the college's mission as a Christian liberal arts institution.

What are the graduation rates at Montreat College?

Montreat College has a 41% four-year graduation rate and 41% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,151 ten years after graduation, with strong employment rates of 98%. The college's focus on outdoor recreation and Christian values prepares students for meaningful careers and service.

Where is Montreat College located?

Montreat College sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, about 20 miles east of Asheville. The mountain setting provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure programs. With housing capacity for 597 students, most of the 750 enrolled students live on the scenic campus surrounded by natural beauty.

Does Montreat College have strong athletics programs?

Montreat College fields 15 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA athletics as the Cavaliers. The college has 489 total athletes and provides $6.6 million in athletic scholarships. The mountain location enhances outdoor sports and recreation programs that complement traditional team athletics.