
Catawba College
Salisbury, North Carolina
About Catawba College
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1851, Catawba College is a 4-year college serving students in Salisbury, North Carolina. With a tradition of academic excellence, Catawba College prepares graduates for success in Business, Parks & Recreation, Education, and more.
A Diverse Community in Salisbury
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. Campus housing options foster community and connection among students. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
Catawba College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $15,892, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This need-aware policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
Catawba College emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for Catawba College students
| Graduation rate (within 6 years) | 48% |
|---|---|
| Graduation rate (within 4 years) | 39% |
| First-year retention rate | 73% |
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $43,359 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $48,793 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at Catawba College
| Total enrollment | 1,377 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 1,263 |
| Graduate students | 114 |
| International students | 7% |
| First-generation students | 30% |
What you can study at Catawba College
50 programs, most of them in these fields:
Education (8)
Drama and Dance Teacher Education, Elementary Education and Teaching, Environmental Education, and more
Visual and Performing Arts (6)
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General, Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other, Music Performance, General, and more
Business Management Marketing Support (4)
Accounting, Business Administration and Management, General, Management Information Systems, General, and more
Parks Recreation Leisure Fitness (4)
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General, and more
Social Sciences (4)
Economics, General, Political Science and Government, General, Public Administration, and more
Communication Journalism (3)
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing, Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Health Professions (3)
Exercise Science and Kinesiology, Mental Health Counseling/Counselor, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
Multi Interdisciplinary Studies (3)
General Studies, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
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