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53.6%Acceptance
$14,685Tuition
1,818Students
41%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,087Earnings
#17 in MississippiPrivate nonprofit4-yearResearch UniversityNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Baptist

About William Carey University

William Carey University builds healthcare professionals and teachers in the pine belt of southern Mississippi. This Baptist institution enrolls 1,818 students across its Hattiesburg campus, where nursing and education programs draw the strongest reputations. The university accepts 54% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1185. Students here tend to be career-focused, often pursuing degrees that lead directly to employment in high-demand fields.

The financial picture looks manageable for a private Christian university. Students pay an average net price of $17,052 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $43,087 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average $221, and median debt sits at $20,832. The 4-year graduation rate of 41% suggests many students take longer to finish, but the employment rate of 96.8% shows strong job placement for those who complete their programs.

Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and education. The Crusaders compete in 20 NAIA sports with 309 total athletes. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and 80% retention rate, the campus maintains a close-knit feel where professors know their students personally.

Academics & Faculty

William Carey University built its reputation as a Christian university with particularly strong programs in nursing, education, and music therapy. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the school's commitment to personalized attention in smaller classes. However, the 41% four-year graduation rate suggests students often need extra time to complete degrees, possibly due to the demanding nature of its health science programs or students balancing work with studies. The university operates on a quarter system, allowing for accelerated learning in some programs. Students pursuing careers in healthcare and education benefit from hands-on training opportunities and clinical partnerships throughout Mississippi. The school's Baptist foundation influences its approach to integrating faith with academic disciplines.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
37.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
41.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
40.8%
Retention Rate
80.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,087
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Bioethics/Medical Ethics. Doctoral $91,744
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $81,702
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $56,415
Medicine. Doctoral $51,788
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $50,465
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $43,622
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $39,774
Special Education and Teaching. Master $38,072
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Master $36,221
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $33,993

View all 60 programs →

Campus Life

William Carey sits in Hattiesburg, a small city about 80 miles from Jackson and 100 miles from the Gulf Coast. With housing for 876 students and total enrollment of 1,818, roughly half the student body lives on campus. The Baptist-affiliated university draws 64.57% of students from Mississippi, creating a tight-knit Southern community feel.

Mississippi's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both sunscreen and a light jacket. Summers are hot and sticky, while winters stay mild with occasional cold snaps. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss chapel. With 309 athletes competing in 20 NAIA sports, game days bring campus energy. The 67.16% female student body includes many nursing and education majors, reflecting the university's focus on health sciences and teaching programs. Students often gather at local spots like the center City or attend campus events. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly, while the Crusaders athletics program provides weekend entertainment for a community where faith and academics intertwine naturally.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
876 beds
Calendar System
Quarter
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1906

Campus Safety (2023)

12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 0 0 0 3
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 1
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 2
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 2
Stalking 0 0 0 2
Rape 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
37°–59°F
July Avg
71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
120.8"
Annual Snowfall
0.5"

Student Demographics

William Carey draws heavily from Mississippi, with nearly two-thirds of students calling the state home. The student body reflects the university's mission to serve diverse communities, with significant representation from both white and Black students. Women make up about two-thirds of enrollment, which aligns with the school's strong programs in nursing, education, and health sciences. The Baptist university attracts students seeking a faith-based education close to home. Nearly one in four students receives Pell Grants, demonstrating the school's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working-class families across the region.
Men
32.8%
Women
67.2%
White
59.7%
Black
28.0%
Hispanic
2.4%
Asian
0.9%
In-State Students
64.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
24.6%

Location

Hattiesburg sits in southeastern Mississippi, about 90 miles northeast of New Orleans and 110 miles southeast of Jackson. The city has around 45,000 residents and serves as a regional center for education and healthcare in the Pine Belt region. With 1,818 students, William Carey represents a significant presence in this college town that's also home to the University of Southern Mississippi. The area features rolling hills covered in longleaf pine forests, giving the region its nickname. Hattiesburg offers small-city amenities while maintaining a collegial atmosphere shaped by its two universities. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare William Carey University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401
WilliamCareyUnivTraditionCampus
WilliamCareyUnivTraditionCampus
William Carey University, Tradition Campus
William Carey University, Tradition Campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,087
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,397
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$34,000
Loan Repayment Rate
53.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$221/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,832

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at William Carey University?

William Carey University accepts 53.58% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian institution. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1050-1320 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on providing quality Christian education to students with solid academic preparation.

How much does William Carey University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $17,052 annually at William Carey University. The school keeps costs relatively affordable for a private institution, with the same $14,685 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, though only 24.58% of students receive federal financial aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at William Carey University?

William Carey University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,818 students. This Baptist-affiliated university emphasizes personalized attention in its health sciences, education, and ministry programs, operating on a quarter system that allows for intensive, focused coursework.

What are the graduation rates at William Carey University?

William Carey University has a 40.80% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median of $43,087 ten years after enrollment. The university's strong health sciences programs, particularly nursing and pharmacy, help explain why 96.8% of graduates find employment despite the modest graduation rate.

Where is William Carey University located and what is campus life like?

William Carey University sits in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, housing 876 students in on-campus facilities. The Crusaders compete in 20 NAIA varsity sports with 309 total athletes, creating a tight-knit Christian community where women comprise 67.16% of the student body.

Does William Carey University have strong athletics programs?

William Carey University awards $3,663,595 in athletic scholarships across 20 NAIA sports programs. The Crusaders have built a reputation for competitive athletics at the NAIA level, with nearly 17% of the student body participating in varsity sports, fostering school spirit in this small Christian university setting.