About Winthrop University
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. Students pay an average net price of $16,353 after aid, making this full university surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $47,185 ten years out, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,975. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to economic diversity.
Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 65.65%, creating a distinctive campus active. The Eagles compete in Division I athletics across 12 sports in the Big South Conference. With 89.63% of students coming from South Carolina, Winthrop maintains deep roots in the Palmetto State while attracting talent from beyond state borders.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.2%
- Retention Rate
- 72.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,185
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $56,641 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,724 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Certificate | $43,240 |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,123 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $41,565 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $40,368 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,269 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,074 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. | Master | $38,829 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,700 |
Campus Life
With housing for 1,779 students on a campus of 3,424, about half live on-campus, creating a tight-knit residential feel. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the well-regarded education and performing arts programs. Eagles athletics compete in Division I, and students pack the gym for basketball games. Weekends often center around Charlotte trips for shopping or concerts, though campus traditions like the annual Spring Fling keep plenty of students on campus. The 73% retention rate reflects students who find their groove here, though the 61% graduation rate suggests some transfer closer to home or struggle with the academic transition.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,779 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1886
Campus Safety (2023)
42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 11 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–53°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 34.4%
- Women
- 65.7%
- White
- 50.9%
- Black
- 31.9%
- Hispanic
- 7.7%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 89.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.6%
Location
- Address
- Rock Hill, South Carolina 29733
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,185
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,666
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,975
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Winthrop University?
Winthrop accepts 69.76% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980 and 1195 on the SAT. This public comprehensive university draws primarily from South Carolina, with 89.63% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Winthrop University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,353 annually after aid. In-state tuition runs $15,956 while out-of-state students pay $30,286. About 38.63% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based aid distribution.
What academic programs is Winthrop University known for?
Winthrop built its reputation on teacher education programs and performing arts. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across all programs. The university operates on a semester system and maintains strong connections to South Carolina's educational and cultural communities.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Winthrop University?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 61.20%, with graduates earning a median salary of $47,185 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95.5% for recent graduates. Students typically graduate with $26,975 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $286.
Where is Winthrop University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a small city setting that houses 1,779 students on campus. Women comprise 65.65% of the 3,424 total enrollment. The student body is 50.91% white and 31.89% Black, reflecting South Carolina's demographics.
Does Winthrop University compete in Division I athletics?
Winthrop Eagles compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big South Conference. The university fields 12 varsity sports with 304 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $3,697,841, supporting student-athletes across multiple sports programs.