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86.2%Acceptance
$40,196Tuition
2,462Students
47%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,649Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Wingate University

Wingate University builds pharmacists and athletes in equal measure. The 2,462 students on this suburban North Carolina campus know the school for its respected pharmacy program and competitive Division II sports teams. With an 86% acceptance rate, Wingate welcomes students who scored around 1080 on the SAT. The Bulldogs field 20 varsity sports and award nearly $6.6 million in athletic scholarships annually.

Students pay an average of $21,371 after financial aid, despite the $40,196 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $52,649 ten years out, making the typical $25,000 in student debt manageable with monthly payments around $265. The school delivers strong financial aid, with institutional grants averaging $36,262 for those who receive them.

Nearly half of students never finish their degree, with only a 47% six-year graduation rate. Those who do graduate find work easily, with a 97% employment rate. The student body is 58% women and diverse, with 25% Black students and 10% Hispanic students. Athletes make up nearly one-third of the campus, creating a sports-focused culture where game days matter as much as class days.

Academics & Faculty

Wingate built its reputation around pharmacy education, housing one of North Carolina's top pharmacy schools that draws students from across the Southeast. The university operates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing close mentorship that's especially valuable in rigorous health sciences programs. About half of students graduate within four years, reflecting the demanding coursework in pharmacy, nursing, and business programs. The school has expanded beyond its pharmacy roots to include strong undergraduate programs in education and communications. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct faculty access, though the 47% six-year graduation rate suggests the academic rigor challenges some students to stay on track.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
50.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
46.8%
Retention Rate
67.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,649
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $116,828
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $105,376
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $84,653
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $81,333
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $56,867
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $51,482
Marketing. Bachelor $39,369
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Bachelor $38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $38,289
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $37,671

View all 44 programs →

Campus Life

Wingate sits 25 miles southeast of Charlotte, giving students access to a major city while maintaining its small-town feel. The campus houses 2,112 students in residence halls, meaning most of the 2,462 total enrollment lives on campus. North Carolina's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but can expect plenty of warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities.

With 784 student-athletes competing in 20 varsity sports, game days energize the campus atmosphere. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division II, and athletic events draw strong crowds from the tight-knit community. Students often head to Charlotte on weekends for internships, shopping, or entertainment, though many stay on campus for intramural sports and campus events. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates a collegial environment where professors know students by name. Greek life and student organizations provide social outlets, while the pharmacy program's rigorous coursework means many students spend evenings in study groups at the library or residence halls.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
2,112 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1896

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 10 10 0 0
Fondling 4 4 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 0 0 0
Rape 3 2 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
30°–53°F
July Avg
68°–91°F
Annual Precipitation
47.8"
Annual Snowfall
2.1"

Student Demographics

Wingate draws a regional student body with 59% coming from North Carolina, reflecting its solid reputation across the Southeast. Women make up 58% of the 2,462 students, typical for a university strong in health sciences and pharmacy. The student body is diverse, with Black students comprising nearly 25% of enrollment and Hispanic students at 10%. With over 40% receiving Pell Grants, Wingate serves many first-generation college students from working-class families who see pharmacy and healthcare as paths to economic mobility.
Men
42.3%
Women
57.7%
White
41.4%
Black
24.8%
Hispanic
10.1%
Asian
1.9%
In-State Students
58.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
41.4%

Location

Wingate sits in south-central North Carolina, about 25 miles southeast of Charlotte. The university enrolls 2,462 students in a suburban setting that maintains a small-town feel despite its proximity to the major metro area. The campus housing capacity of 2,112 beds means most students can live on campus in this close-knit community. Nearly 59% of students come from within North Carolina, drawn to the rural charm and access to both outdoor recreation and urban opportunities. The South Atlantic Conference athletic programs give the town a college atmosphere. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Wingate University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Wingate, North Carolina 28174-0159
Irwin Belk Stadium at Wingate University
Irwin Belk Stadium at Wingate University

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,649
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,638
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,000
Loan Repayment Rate
60.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wingate University?

Wingate University accepts 86.15% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980-1180 on the SAT. This Baptist-affiliated university prioritizes developing the whole person over pure selectivity.

How much does Wingate University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,371 after aid, less than the $53,122 sticker price. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, and institutional grants average $36,262 for those who qualify. The school works hard to make its pharmacy and health science programs affordable for middle-class families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wingate University?

Wingate maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,462 students. The university emphasizes hands-on learning in its nationally recognized pharmacy program. Small classes allow professors to provide personalized attention that helps students succeed in competitive health science fields.

What are graduation rates like at Wingate University?

About 47% of students graduate within six years, while 51% finish in four years. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,649 ten years after enrollment. The university's strong pharmacy and business programs help explain why 97% of graduates find employment or continue their education.

Where is Wingate University located and what is campus life like?

Wingate sits in a large suburban setting in North Carolina, with housing for 2,112 students on campus. The Bulldogs compete in 20 NCAA Division II sports with 784 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total over $6.5 million, reflecting the university's commitment to competitive sports alongside academics.

Is Wingate University known for any particular programs?

Wingate built its reputation on a highly respected pharmacy program that draws students nationwide. The university also emphasizes undergraduate research and internships across its health science disciplines. Founded in 1896 as a Baptist institution, it maintains a focus on service and ethical leadership in healthcare fields.