Private nonprofit Institution

Catawba College — Salisbury, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $33,400

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 77.7%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,127

Active Students

Avg. Salary $48,793

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Salisbury, North Carolina

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/19/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Catawba College stands as a pillar of higher education in Salisbury, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,127 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Catawba College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Catawba College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

22.5%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation

15.3%

Enrollment Share

Education

11.2%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

10.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

Enrollment Share

Natural Resources

6.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Catawba College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Catawba College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Natural Resources College

The Natural Resources program at Catawba College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Catawba College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 77.7%

Difficulty Low

Catawba College maintains an acceptance rate of 77.7%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 48.3%

Women Enrollment 51.7%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 500 - 593

SAT Mathematics 510 - 593

ACT English 19 - 24

ACT Mathematics 17 - 25

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Catawba College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $33,400

Out-of-State Tuition $33,400

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 39.4%

Median Student Debt $25,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $33,400, graduates see a median starting salary of $48,793, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can Catawba College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $48,793

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 52.1%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $18,210

Median Salary (6yr) $36,912

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Catawba College in Salisbury?

1,127 Students

Gender Comparison

48.3% Men

51.7% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

73.5%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.4%

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

1.2%

Black

21%

White

55.3%

Unknown

3.2%

Hispanic

9.8%

Two or More Races

3.2%

International

5.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 29.9%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 56.2%

💍

Married Students 8.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$60,564
Average Family Income	$62,351
Median Family Income	$48,930

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

41%

59%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Salisbury Campus Environment

Located at 2300 W Innes St, Catawba College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Catawba College compare?

Direct Comparison Catawba College vs Livingstone College →

Direct Comparison Catawba College vs Rowan-Cabarrus Community College →

Direct Comparison Catawba College vs Hood Theological Seminary →

Common Questions about Catawba College

Is Catawba College a good college in Salisbury, North Carolina?

Catawba College is a recognized institution in Salisbury with an enrollment of 1,127 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in North Carolina based on Department of Education data.

Is Catawba College worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Catawba College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $48,793. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Catawba College cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Catawba College is approximately $33,400. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $33,400. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Catawba College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Catawba College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 56.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Catawba College good for Business & Marketing and Parks & Recreation programs?

Catawba College is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Parks & Recreation programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Catawba College?

Graduates of Catawba College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $48,793, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Catawba College?

Catawba College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Catawba College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Catawba College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Catawba College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Catawba College earn a median salary of $48,793 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Catawba College a good investment compared to other NC colleges?

Catawba College stands out as a high-value investment in North Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Catawba College located and what is the campus like?

Catawba College is located at 2300 W Innes St in Salisbury, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,127 learners.

Who typically attends Catawba College in Salisbury, NC?

The student body at Catawba College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 29.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Catawba College with other leading institutions in North Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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