Suggested Focus: For this type of institution, we recommend prioritizing the Outcomes Score (B) which measures graduation and job placement rates — the most relevant metrics for career programs.
Graduation Rate: 52%
Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Catawba College, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 51% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 38th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (NC wage index 0.87). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Catawba College
Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $70,522 | — | — | — | — | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,068 | $60,718 | -11% | #771 of 1176 | #621 | $23,250 |
| Biology | — | $52,583 | -8% | #608 of 841 | #489 | $25,863 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,071 | $48,982 | +3% | #295 of 680 | #201 | $19,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,323 | $48,181 | -15% | #501 of 660 | #413 | $24,625 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,305 | $44,296 | -19% | #558 of 610 | #520 | $25,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $27,389 | $42,505 | -23% | #259 of 265 | #244 | $22,268 |
| Music | $23,577 | $39,633 | -8% | #192 of 268 | #155 | $27,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
The Catawba College Town Property Report
- Avg home value near campus: $234,972
- Avg rent near campus: $1,522/mo — vs ~$817/mo campus room rate
- Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 27014 (6.5% cap, Cooleemee)
Get the free 1-page report: rent-vs-dorm math, the 3 best nearby ZIPs by yield, and the “kiddie condo” strategy parents use.
Free — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $33,400 | $33,400 |
| Room | $7,350 | |
| Board | $5,200 | |
| Total Cost (On-Campus) | $50,799 | $50,799 |
Financial Aid
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Catawba College's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Catawba College?
How much does it cost to attend Catawba College?
What is the graduation rate at Catawba College?
Is Catawba College a good school?
- Outcomes (B): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (F): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (C+): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (A): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (F): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Catawba College?
Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Catawba College — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →
🎓 Similar Colleges to Catawba College
Compare with other 4-Year private non-profit institutions of similar size.
Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology