About Piedmont University
Piedmont University built its reputation around small classes and personal attention in the foothills of North Georgia. The university enrolls 1,235 students in a town-distant setting that feels removed from urban distractions. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors accessible. The school maintains its United Church of Christ roots while welcoming students of all backgrounds. Most students come from Georgia, with 81.53% choosing to stay in-state for their education.
Students pay an average net price of $20,893 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $30,680. Graduates earn a median of $49,130 ten years after leaving school. The typical graduate carries $25,000 in debt with monthly payments around $265. Nearly 68% of students take federal loans to cover costs. The employment rate hits 97.6%, showing most graduates find work quickly.
Women make up 68.10% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus. The Lions compete in NCAA Division III with 19 varsity sports and 466 total athletes. The 44.82% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to finish their degrees. About 77% of first-year students return for sophomore year.
Students pay an average net price of $20,893 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $30,680. Graduates earn a median of $49,130 ten years after leaving school. The typical graduate carries $25,000 in debt with monthly payments around $265. Nearly 68% of students take federal loans to cover costs. The employment rate hits 97.6%, showing most graduates find work quickly.
Women make up 68.10% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus. The Lions compete in NCAA Division III with 19 varsity sports and 466 total athletes. The 44.82% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to finish their degrees. About 77% of first-year students return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Piedmont University operates as a small liberal arts institution where students work closely with faculty in a 12:1 student-teacher environment. The university has built a reputation for its education and nursing programs, which attract many of the 1,235 enrolled students. However, academic support appears inconsistent given the 41.50% six-year graduation rate. The school's United Church of Christ affiliation influences its liberal arts curriculum, emphasizing service learning and community engagement. Small class sizes mean professors know students personally, but the relatively low retention rate of 77.08% suggests some students struggle to find their academic fit. Most graduates earn around $49,130 ten years after graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.5%
- Retention Rate
- 77.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,130
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $72,134 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $60,481 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,047 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,192 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $42,615 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $41,342 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,140 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,648 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,249 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,459 |
Campus Life
Piedmont sits in the foothills of north Georgia, about 90 minutes from Atlanta. The small town of Demorest gives this campus a close-knit feel where everyone knows each other. With just 1,235 students and housing for 1,023, most students live on campus and form tight bonds. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here - Georgia's four seasons mean chilly mornings in January and sweltering afternoons in August.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions rather than lecture halls. With 466 students playing varsity sports across 19 teams, athletics drive much of the weekend social scene even without scholarships. The Lions compete in Division III, so games feel more like community gatherings than major events. Women make up 68% of the student body, creating a campus active that many describe as collaborative rather than competitive. The United Church of Christ affiliation influences the school's service-minded culture. Students often head to nearby Lake Lanier or venture into the North Georgia mountains for hiking when they want to escape campus.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions rather than lecture halls. With 466 students playing varsity sports across 19 teams, athletics drive much of the weekend social scene even without scholarships. The Lions compete in Division III, so games feel more like community gatherings than major events. Women make up 68% of the student body, creating a campus active that many describe as collaborative rather than competitive. The United Church of Christ affiliation influences the school's service-minded culture. Students often head to nearby Lake Lanier or venture into the North Georgia mountains for hiking when they want to escape campus.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,023 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 2000
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–49°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 58.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.6"
Student Demographics
Piedmont draws primarily Georgia residents who value small-class learning in a faith-based environment. Women outnumber men more than two to one, reflecting strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that historically attract female students. The student body includes a significant number of first-generation college students, with over 40% receiving Pell Grants. This creates a campus culture focused on accessibility and support rather than exclusivity. Students typically come from middle-class backgrounds seeking personalized attention, with most choosing Piedmont for its close-knit community and United Church of Christ values.
- Men
- 31.9%
- Women
- 68.1%
- White
- 67.9%
- Black
- 11.4%
- Hispanic
- 11.3%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 81.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.5%
Location
Piedmont University sits in Demorest, Georgia, about 90 minutes northeast of Atlanta in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus draws 81.53% of its students from Georgia, reflecting its strong regional appeal. Demorest is a small town of fewer than 2,000 residents where the university serves as a central presence in the community. The setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities with nearby hiking trails and lakes, while still maintaining reasonable access to Atlanta's job market. The mountainous terrain and rural character create a close-knit campus environment. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Piedmont University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Demorest, Georgia 30535-0010
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,130
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,613
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Piedmont University?
Piedmont University accepts 64.35% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1095. The admissions process is moderately selective for this private liberal arts university in North Georgia.
How much does Piedmont University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,893 after aid, with families earning under $48,000 paying around $17,000-$18,000. The university charges the same $30,680 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Piedmont University?
Piedmont maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,235 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close faculty relationships and personalized attention in classes.
What are the graduation rates at Piedmont University?
Only 41.50% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 44.82%. These lower completion rates reflect challenges common at smaller institutions with limited resources and support systems.
Where do Piedmont University graduates work and how much do they earn?
Graduates earn a median of $49,130 ten years after graduation with a 97.6% employment rate. Most students carry $25,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $265, which is manageable given the strong job placement record.
Does Piedmont University have a religious affiliation?
Piedmont University maintains ties to the United Church of Christ and was founded in 2000. The campus serves 1,235 students with 68.10% women and draws primarily from Georgia with 81.53% in-state enrollment.
