Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Salisbury, North Carolina |
| Online | catawba.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in Salisbury, North Carolina, approximately 45 miles northeast of Charlotte, Catawba College is a private liberal arts institution situated on a 276-acre campus known for its mix of Georgian-style architecture and modern facilities. Founded in 1851 by the German Reformed Church, Catawba maintains its affiliation with the United Church of Christ while operating as a nonsectarian college. The college offers undergraduate programs with particular strengths in theater arts, music, environmental science, and business administration, along with pre-professional programs in medicine and law. Students typically reside in one of five residence halls on the main campus, where most academic and student life activities are centered. The Catawba Indians compete in NCAA Division II athletics as members of the South Atlantic Conference, with notable programs in baseball and football.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Catawba College is rated within the lower 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Catawba College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#659 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#440 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Colleges in North Carolina
#10 in Best Private Colleges in North Carolina
#31 in Best Value Colleges in North Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1010/1186 |
| ACT | 20/25 |
| GPA | 3.64 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $12,550 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,449 |
| Total One Year Cost | $50,799 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 32% |
| Education | 20% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 12% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 9% |
| Communication | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Catawba College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=198215 IPEDS survey data for Catawba College.
Current students may use the Catawba College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025