About William Peace University
William Peace University has built a reputation around small classes and personalized attention in the heart of North Carolina's capital. This private liberal arts institution enrolls just 661 students, creating an intimate environment where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name. The school maintains its Presbyterian heritage while offering both coeducational and women's-only programs, a distinctive feature that attracts students seeking supportive academic environments. Nearly 90% of students come from North Carolina, giving the campus a strong local connection within Raleigh's active city setting.
The financial picture shows both challenges and opportunities for families. Students pay an average net price of $21,728 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $15,206. Graduates typically earn $46,643 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $22,250 with monthly payments around $236. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment for students who complete their degrees.
Academic persistence presents the biggest hurdle here. Only 44% of students graduate within six years, and the retention rate sits at 61%. Students who thrive tend to benefit from the close faculty relationships and small class sizes, but the school requires strong self-motivation to succeed in this environment.
The financial picture shows both challenges and opportunities for families. Students pay an average net price of $21,728 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $15,206. Graduates typically earn $46,643 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $22,250 with monthly payments around $236. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment for students who complete their degrees.
Academic persistence presents the biggest hurdle here. Only 44% of students graduate within six years, and the retention rate sits at 61%. Students who thrive tend to benefit from the close faculty relationships and small class sizes, but the school requires strong self-motivation to succeed in this environment.
Academics & Faculty
William Peace University operates as a small liberal arts college where students work closely with faculty in a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university maintains its Presbyterian heritage while offering both traditional coeducational programs and women-only degree options in select fields. Students can choose from liberal arts majors alongside professional programs in business, education, and communications. The 44% graduation rate reflects the challenges many small private colleges face with student retention. Academic programs emphasize hands-on learning and internship opportunities throughout Raleigh. Faculty members know students by name and provide individualized attention that larger universities cannot match. The college particularly focuses on preparing students for careers in education, business, and social services.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.3%
- Retention Rate
- 61.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,643
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,789 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $40,467 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,140 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,228 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $27,488 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,187 |
Campus Life
The Raleigh campus sits in North Carolina's capital city, giving students access to internships and jobs without leaving town. With 89.58% of students coming from in-state, you'll find a tight-knit community where most people know each other by name. The student-faculty ratio of 12:1 means professors actually remember your presentations and writing style.
About 74% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 491 total students. This creates a residential feel where weekend plans often revolve around campus events and downtown Raleigh adventures. You'll need both a winter jacket for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the 80s. The 267 student-athletes competing in 16 Division III sports bring energy to campus, especially during basketball season when the Pacers take center court. Students frequently head to nearby coffee shops, explore Raleigh's food truck scene, or catch concerts at Red Hat Amphitheater just minutes away.
About 74% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 491 total students. This creates a residential feel where weekend plans often revolve around campus events and downtown Raleigh adventures. You'll need both a winter jacket for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the 80s. The 267 student-athletes competing in 16 Division III sports bring energy to campus, especially during basketball season when the Pacers take center court. Students frequently head to nearby coffee shops, explore Raleigh's food truck scene, or catch concerts at Red Hat Amphitheater just minutes away.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 491 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1857
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–51°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 4.5"
Student Demographics
The student body draws primarily from North Carolina families, with 90% staying close to home for college. William Peace attracts a balanced mix of men and women seeking the benefits of a small liberal arts education. The school serves a diverse community where one in five students is Black and many come from working-class backgrounds. A 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. The compact enrollment of 661 creates an intimate campus where building genuine relationships matters more than blending into crowds.
- Men
- 51.6%
- Women
- 48.4%
- White
- 53.6%
- Black
- 19.7%
- Hispanic
- 13.0%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 89.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.5%
Location
William Peace University sits in Raleigh, North Carolina's downtown core. The campus occupies just a few city blocks in the state capital, putting students within walking distance of government buildings, museums, and internship opportunities. Raleigh anchors the Research Triangle, home to over 1.2 million residents and major universities like NC State and Duke. The city blends Southern charm with tech industry growth, offering everything from food truck festivals to minor league baseball. With 89.58% of students coming from North Carolina, most know the area well before arriving. Students have easy access to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic beaches, each about three hours away. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare William Peace University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1194
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,643
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,415
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at William Peace University?
William Peace University admits 63.18% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1092. This small liberal arts university in downtown Raleigh values a well-rounded approach to admissions beyond just test scores.
How much does William Peace University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $21,728, lower than the sticker price of $33,150. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $15,206 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at William Peace University?
With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and only 661 total students, classes remain intimate and personalized. This Presbyterian-affiliated university emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
How do William Peace University graduates perform in the job market?
Graduates earn a median salary of $46,643 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 92.7%. The 44.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face at this small private institution.
Where is William Peace University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in downtown Raleigh with housing for 491 students out of 661 total enrollment. Students benefit from the active capital city setting while maintaining the close-knit feel of a small campus community.
Does William Peace University offer single-gender education options?
The university maintains its historical tradition of offering single-gender education alongside coed programs, dating back to its 1857 founding. With 51.59% men and 48.41% women, the student body reflects this unique educational approach among modern liberal arts colleges.
