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Carolina University

Winston-Salem, NC·Private·https://www.carolinau.edu/

At a Glance

Carolina University is a small private nonprofit university in Winston-Salem, NC. Approximately 460 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 40% acceptance rate. Belews Lake is about 14 miles from campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 91/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

40%
Acceptance Rate
736 applications
Test Optional
Test Policy
No test scores required
$17,575
2024-25 Tuition
$20,828
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$12,400
Room & Board
19 meals/week
460
Undergraduates
Degree-seeking, all years
26%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
22%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity40% · Moderate
Highly SelectiveOpen

This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.

Location

Winston-Salem, NC

Campus Identity

NAIAGreek LifePhD ProgramsVery Safe

Carolina University is a small private nonprofit university in Winston-Salem, NC. Approximately 460 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 40% acceptance rate. Belews Lake is about 14 miles from campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 91/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

Campus Lifestyle

Carolina University is a under 1,000, urban school with NAIA athletics and a greek life dominant Greek scene. The campus is 180 miles from Crescent Beach, SC and 79 miles from Appalachian Ski Mtn..

Athletics

NAIA

CAC

School Size & Setting

Under 1,000

Urban setting

Beach Access

180 miles

Crescent Beach, SC

Ski Access

79 miles

Appalachian Ski Mtn.

Weather

Warm Climate

54°F avg school-year

Greek Life at Carolina University

At Carolina University, 30% of men are in a fraternity and 30% of women are in a sorority. That is a substantial Greek presence: large enough to shape the social scene without being the only way into it. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.

30%

Men in fraternities

30%

Women in sororities

Greek Life Dominant

Greek life scale

Nearby Ski Resorts

Carolina University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Appalachian Ski Mtn., 79 miles away with 6 lifts and 27 skiable acres. All are within 90 miles of campus.

Appalachian Ski Mtn.

North Carolina

79 mi away
27 skiable acres6 lifts
Hawksnest Snow Tubing

North Carolina

88 mi away
Sugar Mountain Resort

North Carolina

90 mi away
125 skiable acres8 lifts

Nearest Beach

Students at Carolina University are 180 miles from Crescent Beach, SC.

Crescent Beach, SC

Ocean access within 180.4 miles

180 mi away

Nearby Lake

Belews Lake is 14 miles from campus, giving Carolina University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Belews Lake

Lake access within 14.0 miles

14 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem has a mild climate, with winters averaging 40°F in Jan and summers peaking around 79°F in Jul.

40°Jan43°Feb50°Mar59°Apr68°May75°Jun79°Jul77°Aug71°Sep60°Oct50°Nov43°Dec

Station: WINSTON SALEM REYNOLDS Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Carolina University in NC earns a composite safety score of 91/100, rated Very Safe among U.S. colleges.

91/100
Very Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety10071100
100/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
71/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
100/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$17,575
Fees
$1,800
Room & Board
$12,400
Total
$31,775
App Fee: $50
Meal Plan: 19 meals/week
$20,828avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

51 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Theological and Ministerial StudiesMaster's
60 grads/yr$51,238
Business Administration, Management and OperationsBachelor's
25 grads/yr
Business Administration, Management and OperationsMaster's
23 grads/yr
Business Administration, Management and OperationsDoctoral
22 grads/yr
Bible/Biblical StudiesBachelor's
10 grads/yr$56,995

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Philosophy
Doctoral grads$115,630
Bible/Biblical Studies
Bachelor's10 grads$56,995
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Master's60 grads$51,238
Theological and Ministerial Studies
Bachelor's grads$38,859
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Bachelor's25 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Master's23 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Doctoral22 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Bachelor's8 grads
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Bachelor's7 grads
Data Science
Master's6 grads

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Carolina University located?

Carolina University is located in Winston-Salem, NC. The main campus address is 420 S. Broad St., Winston-Salem, NC. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Carolina University?

Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 40%, making it selective. Out of 736 applicants, 291 were admitted in the most recent year.

How many students attend Carolina University?

Carolina University enrolls 460 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

How much does it cost to attend Carolina University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Carolina University charges $17,575/year in tuition. Including room and board ($12,400/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $14,400/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $20,828/year — what students actually pay. Use Carolina University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Carolina University?

The undergraduate application fee at Carolina University is $50. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

What NCAA division is Carolina University in?

Carolina University competes in NCAA NAIA, part of the CAC.

What percentage of students at Carolina University are in Greek life?

At Carolina University, 30% of men are in a fraternity and 30% of women are in a sorority. That is a substantial Greek presence: large enough to shape the social scene without being the only route into it. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.

Is Carolina University the right fit for me?

Whether Carolina University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (40% admit rate), avg net price ($20,828/year after aid), campus culture in Winston-Salem, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Carolina University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Carolina University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

Apply NowVisit Official Website

Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
Size
Under 1,000
Degrees Offered
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
NCAA
NAIA
Conference
CAC
School Year Weather
Warm · 54°F avg
App Fee
$50
On Campus Safety Score
91/100
Nearest Airport
Winston Salem, NC (INT) · 4 mialso GSO (18 mi), USA (55 mi)
Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.