Carolina University logo

Carolina University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private Nonprofit

Visit Website →
34.0%
Acceptance (Fall 2023)
N/A
SAT
$24,180
Sticker Price
$17,315
Net Price*
$34,596
Earnings 10 yrs after enrolling
547
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Carolina University's acceptance rate?

Down 0.5 percentage points since 2018

With a 34.0% acceptance rate, Carolina University is considered very selective. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Carolina University?

Carolina University received 547 applications in 2023, up 10% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 64% is exceptionally high for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Carolina University?

Business Administration, Management and Operations leads as the most popular major at Carolina University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2016–2024

How has tuition changed at Carolina University?

Tuition has increased by 6% since 2016. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 26% from $19,240 to $24,180.

Tuition Total Cost

How much do Carolina University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Bible/Biblical Studies earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $29,685 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Median two years after graduating, for graduates of each program — not the same measure as the headline earnings figure above, which covers everyone who enrolled, ten years after starting. Source: College Scorecard field-of-study file, June 2026.

Bible/Biblical Studies $29,685 18 grads · small sample
$18,309 $52,107
Religious Education $19,227 17 grads · small sample
$18,309 $52,107
This school National avg

What do Carolina University graduates actually earn?

The median tells one story, but outcomes vary widely. Here's the full range of earnings 10 years after enrollment for graduates of Carolina University.

25th: $21,044 Median: $34,596 75th: $48,773

Earnings range for graduates 10 years after enrollment. The green bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile). Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release.

How do Carolina University earnings grow over time?

Median earnings from 1 year after completion through 11 years after enrollment. Early-career earnings show what graduates earn soon after graduating, while later years reflect career growth and advancement.

Do Carolina University earnings vary by family income?

Median earnings of graduates grouped by their family income when they enrolled. Research shows family income can influence post-graduation outcomes through networking, unpaid internship access, and career choice flexibility.

Gender earnings gap at Carolina University

Median earnings comparison between male and female graduates. The gap reflects differences in major choice, industry, and broader labor market patterns — not necessarily pay discrimination for the same role.

Carolina University Admissions Statistics (2016–2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 547 186 34.0% 64.0%
2022 471 245 52.0% 36.7%
2021 536 248 46.3% 38.3%
2020 461 229 49.7% 32.8%
2019 412 118 28.6% 61.9%
2018 496 171 34.5% 67.8%
2017 256 93 36.3% 69.9%
2016 101 36 35.6% 77.8%

Is Carolina University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
Payback Period --

Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

Get a Personalized ROI Comparison

Compare net cost and ROI across your college shortlist — tailored to your family income and major.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

What do Carolina University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,596
Median Earnings (6 years)
$28,038
Median Debt
$14,500
6-Year Graduation Rate
46.2%

How much does Carolina University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Carolina University is approximately $24,180 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$12,600
Fees
$1,980
Room & Board
$9,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,180

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price is what aided families paid after grants and scholarships, averaged within each income band. Your own cost depends on income, assets and the school's aid policies, so treat these as a floor rather than a quote. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families because of generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $13,205
$30-48k income $12,853
$48-75k income $17,315
$75-110k income $20,800
$110k+ income $17,542
No aid $24,180

These averages cover only students who received federal financial aid — a Pell Grant, a federal loan or work-study. Families who pay their own way are not included, so the higher brackets understate what a full-paying family is billed. The "no aid" row is the published cost of attendance.

Which majors pay the most?

  • Bible/Biblical Studies $29,685
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies N/A
  • Religious Education $19,227
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas N/A
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods N/A

Who attends Carolina University?

Carolina University enrolls 893 students, with 37% from outside the United States. Women make up 37% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 893
Retention Rate 56%
International 37%
Women 37%
Race/Ethnicity
White 32%
Black 16%
Hispanic 9%
Asian 1%

How much financial aid is available?

97% of students receive some form of financial aid at Carolina University. About 46% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 97%
Avg: $10,244 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 46%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 51%
Avg: $6,684
School's Own Grants 99%
Avg: $9,091 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Carolina University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

Page updated 2026. Admissions and cost figures are the latest IPEDS release (2023); earnings are College Scorecard median 10-year post-enrollment, June 2026 release. Sources: IPEDS, College Scorecard.