Catawba College

Catawba College is located in Salisbury, NC, 28144, set within a suburban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #4 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Catawba College has an acceptance rate of 75%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1030-1300 and ACT scores of 17-25. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.8. Applications are due by Aug. 15, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

With just 1,263 undergraduates, Catawba College provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 58% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 39%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Catawba College include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (23% of students, median early-career salary: $64,539), Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology (22% of students, median early-career salary: $45,156), and Health Professions and Related Programs (12% of students). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

The published tuition and fees are $35,500 per year. Room and board adds approximately $13,500. However, the average net price after financial aid is $18,677, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $34,604 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Catawba College's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Catawba College combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Catawba College is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.