About Reinhardt University
Reinhardt University builds its reputation around music, education, and business programs in the rural foothills north of Atlanta. The school enrolls 1,012 students across its Waleska campus. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The university accepts 62% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. Founded in 1883, this United Methodist institution has developed strong programs that blend liberal arts with professional preparation.
Students pay an average net price of $27,769 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,541 ten years after graduation. That creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio with typical student loan payments of $253 per month. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. The total cost of attendance reaches $42,870, but institutional grants averaging $16,110 help 21% of students manage expenses.
Athletics dominate campus culture with 673 student-athletes competing across 19 NAIA sports. That means two-thirds of the student body participates in varsity athletics. The university awards nearly $7.7 million in athletic scholarships annually. Georgia residents make up 92% of the student body, creating a tight-knit community feel. However, the 57% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adjust or afford continuing their education.
Students pay an average net price of $27,769 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,541 ten years after graduation. That creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio with typical student loan payments of $253 per month. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. The total cost of attendance reaches $42,870, but institutional grants averaging $16,110 help 21% of students manage expenses.
Athletics dominate campus culture with 673 student-athletes competing across 19 NAIA sports. That means two-thirds of the student body participates in varsity athletics. The university awards nearly $7.7 million in athletic scholarships annually. Georgia residents make up 92% of the student body, creating a tight-knit community feel. However, the 57% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adjust or afford continuing their education.
Academics & Faculty
Reinhardt University operates as a small private university with deep roots in music, education, and business programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally. However, only 36% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with financial pressures. The university's music program has earned regional recognition, while education majors benefit from hands-on training in local schools. Business students gain practical experience through internships with Atlanta-area companies. With 1,012 total students, class sizes remain small across all disciplines. The Methodist heritage influences campus culture but doesn't restrict academic freedom or student diversity.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 55.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 36.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.6%
- Retention Rate
- 56.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,541
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,309 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
Campus Life
The rolling hills around Waleska create a peaceful setting about 50 miles north of Atlanta. With housing for 715 students and total enrollment of 1,012, about 70% of undergraduates live on campus in this tight-knit community. Georgia's mild climate means light jackets for winter and plenty of warm weather for outdoor activities.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions where professors know your name. With 673 athletes competing in 19 NAIA sports, game days bring energy to the small campus. The Eagles draw loyal crowds despite the rural setting. Students often head to nearby Lake Allatoona for weekend recreation or make the hour drive to Atlanta for city experiences.
The United Methodist heritage shapes campus culture through service opportunities and community values. Music students practice in state-of-the-art facilities, while education majors gain hands-on experience in local schools. The 56.67% retention rate reflects the challenge some students face adjusting to rural campus life. Those who stay appreciate the personal attention and strong alumni network that connects graduates across Georgia.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions where professors know your name. With 673 athletes competing in 19 NAIA sports, game days bring energy to the small campus. The Eagles draw loyal crowds despite the rural setting. Students often head to nearby Lake Allatoona for weekend recreation or make the hour drive to Atlanta for city experiences.
The United Methodist heritage shapes campus culture through service opportunities and community values. Music students practice in state-of-the-art facilities, while education majors gain hands-on experience in local schools. The 56.67% retention rate reflects the challenge some students face adjusting to rural campus life. Those who stay appreciate the personal attention and strong alumni network that connects graduates across Georgia.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 715 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1883
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–47°F
- July Avg
- 66°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 58.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.5"
Student Demographics
Reinhardt draws students who want small-town college life with strong personal attention. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio attracts those seeking close relationships with professors. Nearly 92% of students come from Georgia, showing the university's deep roots in the local community. The student body is 39% Pell Grant recipients, reflecting Reinhardt's commitment to serving working-class families. Men slightly outnumber women at 55%, likely due to the university's strong athletics program with 19 varsity sports. The diverse racial mix includes 57% white students and 21% Black students, representing Georgia's demographics.
- Men
- 54.9%
- Women
- 45.1%
- White
- 57.0%
- Black
- 21.4%
- Hispanic
- 9.3%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 91.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.1%
Location
Reinhardt University sits in Waleska, Georgia, about 50 miles north of Atlanta. The 1,012-student campus occupies rural terrain in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. Cherokee County provides a small-town atmosphere with outdoor recreation opportunities nearby. Lake Allatoona offers boating and swimming just minutes from campus. The rural-fringe setting means students get mountain views without complete isolation from urban amenities. About 92% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong Georgia roots. The semester calendar system fits well with the region's academic traditions. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Reinhardt University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Waleska, Georgia 30183-2981
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,541
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,373
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $253/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,900
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Reinhardt University?
Reinhardt University accepts 62.33% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small private institution. The university draws primarily from Georgia, with 91.78% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Reinhardt University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $27,769 annually, while the full cost of attendance reaches $42,870. About 39.09% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Reinhardt University?
Reinhardt maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,012 enrolled students. The university is known for strong programs in music, education, and business within its small college environment.
What are the graduation outcomes at Reinhardt University?
Only 35.60% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 36.48%. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,541 ten years after enrollment, though the loan repayment rate stands at just 49.27%.
Where is Reinhardt University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in rural Waleska, Georgia, housing 715 students on campus out of its total enrollment of 1,012. The retention rate of 56.67% reflects the challenges some students face adjusting to the rural setting and academic demands.
Does Reinhardt University have strong athletics programs?
Reinhardt fields 19 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA with 673 total athletes, making up about two-thirds of the student body. The university awards $7,700,947 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to sports as both recruitment and retention tools.
