# Catawba College

Salisbury, NC. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/catawba-college

Catawba College is a private nonprofit college in Salisbury, NC with 1,235 undergraduates. It admits 75% of applicants, and admitted students average 1096 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $15,993 per year ($11,010 for families earning under $30,000). 48% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $52,260 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 75% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 2,547 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 1,979 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 520–650 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 510–650 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 17–25 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $50,684 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $15,993 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $11,010 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $14,529 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $11,608 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $19,816 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $23,035 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 1,235 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 48% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $52,260 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,181 (FY2024) |

## What Catawba College considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Catawba College's acceptance rate?**

Catawba College admits 75% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Catawba College?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 520–650 on SAT Reading and Writing and 510–650 on SAT Math; the average total is 1096.

**What ACT score do you need for Catawba College?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 17–25.

**Is Catawba College test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Catawba College?**

In Fall 2023, 2,547 students applied to Catawba College and 1,979 were admitted; 308 enrolled.

**Does Catawba College consider legacy status?**

Yes. Catawba College reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Catawba College require an essay?**

Catawba College reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Catawba College cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $50,684 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $15,993.

**What is Catawba College's graduation rate?**

48% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 198215. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology
