About

See what students say:

Academics

This small North Carolinian regional college (associated with the United Church of Christ) offers students a well-rounded education grounded in the liberal arts, a commitment to environmental sustainability, and classes structured around current events. Preparation for students entering their prospective fields is a focal point, and “professors go out of their way to make sure every student is involved in the learning process.” Strong music, theatre, and environment and sustainability programs are standouts of the seventy available academic fields of study at Catawba, which students say is “a strong community of teachers, faculty, and students with a common goal of excellence in education.” All professors have a genuine passion for their subject matter, “always make sure the students understand the material,” and “enjoy conversing with interested, engaged students both in and out of class.” “Each one was always there when I needed advice or one on one help,” says a student of the faculty, which cultivates a “family-oriented feeling.” Small class sizes allow for close relationships with professors: “I go to class knowing they want me to succeed,” says one student. “The professors at Catawba are fantastic,” says another. “They truly care for your success, not just in the classroom, but in life.” Life at school is “very lively and uplifting,” and Catawba is constantly increasing its offerings to compete with other regional colleges; the school recently added a Winter Term to allow students the option of taking a single class between the fall and spring semesters, often incorporating travel into the curriculum. The buildings are admittedly “getting a little worn down and old,” but renovations and improvements have taken place and continue on an annual basis.

Student Body

Many students here identify as “white, Christian, and southern,” and around 85 percent of freshmen live on campus (though many will go on to live nearby as school progresses). There is an “equal mix of religious and sporty” among the roughly 1,300 students, who say that people tend to divide themselves by their primary field of study and “fit into their own groups but socialize outside of them.” Closely related fields also have a tendency to form ties: “Biology and chemistry majors are often easy friends, as are theatre and English majors.” Athletes are extremely well represented among the student population.

Campus Life

The vibe at Catawba is extremely relaxed (“[the] school is small [so] you’re always on time everywhere”), and the grounds make it evident that “there is time and effort put into this beautiful campus.” The college provides a lot of activities and opportunities for student involvement, and these are well-taken advantage of. “The student activities group is always doing something,” which gives all students the “opportunity to find a place where they can grow.” There is a 189-acre preserve that “encourages students to get out and enjoy nature” (and is also used by professors as a living classroom), and “the college and the town are very active together.” Downtown Salisbury is close enough that students can visit relatively easily (many local businesses offer discounts to Catawba students). Outside of club activities, laying low is the pastime of choice here, and many nights are spent playing board games or watching movies; “going to the entertainment center to play pool or ping pong is also popular.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Mrs. Bonny King
Welome Center Coordinator

Address
Office of Admissions
2300 West Innes Street
Salisbury, NC 28144

Phone
7046374402

Email
admission@catawba.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Center for the Environment
Cannon Field House
Robertson College Community Center
Ketner Hall
Cannon Student Center

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Nearby urban areas of Charlotte and Greensboro.
Verizon Pavillion in Charlotte
Concord Mills Outlet Mall
Salisbury West Square Historic District
NC Transportation Museum in Spencer

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
M-F
8-5
7046374402

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
as scheduled about 4 times per year

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
admission@catawba.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Charlotte-Douglas Airport is a 45 minute drive from campus. Amtrak station is 10 minutes from campus. Catawba College is located just off Interstate 85, midway between Greensboro and Charlotte. Exit from Interstate 85 at exits 75 or 76B. Follow directional signs to Catawba College on West Innes Street.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From East and Northeast Take I-85 South. Exit on I-85 exit 76 (Salisbury, Catawba College). At the stop sign, turn RIGHT on Innes Street. Stay straight through downtown, continuing approximately 3 miles to the Catawba campus. From West and Northwest Take I-40 East to I-77 South. Get off I-77 at exit 49A (Garner-Bagnal Boulevard), turn RIGHT at end of exit ramp onto Highway 70 East. Continue for approximately 30 miles. In Salisbury, 70 East is renamed Statesville Blvd. Continue straight on Statesville Blvd. to intersection with Innes St. Turn LEFT onto Innes St. and continue 4 blocks to Catawba College. From South Take I-85 North to exit 76 (Salisbury, Catawba College). At the stoplight, turn LEFT on Innes Street. Continue straight through downtown, continuing approximately 3 miles to the Catawba campus.

Local Accommodations
Hampton Inn and Best Western are located at exit 75, off Interstate 85. The Marriott Hotel and Comfort Suites is located at exit 76 on East Innes Street. Bed and Breakfast accomodations are available on Fulton Street apprximately one mile from campus.

Admissions

Applicants: 3,125
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Average HS GPA: 3.75





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