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Catawba College vs Meredith College

Catawba College is a private college in Salisbury, NC. Meredith College is a private college in Raleigh, NC. Meredith College admits about 74% of applicants and Catawba College about 75%, making Meredith College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,879 a year at Catawba College after aid, and about $22,488 at Meredith College. About 68% of students graduate at Meredith College, compared with 50% at Catawba College. Ten years after enrolling, Meredith College alumni earn a median of about $51,539, against $48,793 for Catawba College.

Catawba College

Salisbury, NC · Private

Meredith College

Raleigh, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Salisbury, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,235
1,188
Acceptance rate
75%
74%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1300
1098–1348
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,879
$22,488
Full cost / yr
$49,516
$57,313
In-state tuition
$34,300
$45,630
Out-of-state tuition
$34,300
$45,630
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,618
$17,207
$30k - $48k
$17,495
$19,006
$48k - $75k
$15,412
$18,064
$75k - $110k
$17,440
$23,678
Over $110k
$24,420
$29,117
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
68%
Freshman retention
77%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,912
$45,293
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,793
$51,539
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
36%
First-generation students
30%
22%
International students
7%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Oct 30
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jul 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Catawba College or Meredith College harder to get into?
Meredith College is harder to get into. It admits about 74% of applicants, compared with 75% at Catawba College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Catawba College or Meredith College?
Catawba College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,879 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,488 at Meredith College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Catawba College and Meredith College?
Before aid, Catawba College costs about $49,516 a year and Meredith College about $57,313. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Catawba College or Meredith College?
Catawba College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,618 there, against about $17,207 at Meredith College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Catawba College or Meredith College?
Catawba College is the larger of the two, with about 1,235 undergraduates against 1,188 at Meredith College.
Does Catawba College or Meredith College have a better graduation rate?
Meredith College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 50% at Catawba College.
Do graduates of Catawba College or Meredith College earn more?
Meredith College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,539 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,793 for Catawba College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Catawba College and Meredith College require SAT or ACT scores?
Catawba College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Meredith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Catawba College and Meredith College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1300 at Catawba College and 1098–1348 at Meredith College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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