William Peace University
William Peace University has an acceptance rate of 94.2%, annual tuition of $34,176, average net price of $21,649, and a national rank of #1316 (Grade B-), with a 44.8% six-year graduation rate, about 666 undergraduates, and median earnings of $39,738 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
William Peace University is a private nonprofit university in Raleigh, NC. Students most often pursue Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 73.6% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -54.1%, roughly 139.4 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is William Peace University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
William Peace University graduates 44.8% of students within six years and keeps 73.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use William Peace University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $34,176 |
| Books and Supplies | $0 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,606 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,980 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $49,362 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 34.2% of William Peace University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,779 to $30,565 depending on family income. Use William Peace University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,046/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,565/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $39,738
- 10-Year Median Earnings $39,738
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,145
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 44.7%
- Employment Rate 84.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for William Peace University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
William Peace University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how William Peace University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes William Peace University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While William Peace University graduates earn $39,738 median, the -54.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 545-630
- SAT Math 535-595
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 666
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.6%
- Graduation Rate 44.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into William Peace University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: William Peace University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 94.2%, William Peace University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 94.2% acceptance rate, William Peace University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1080 and 1225 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among William Peace University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 21.5%
- Psychology, General 11.5%
- Biology, General 8.4%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 7.9%
- Design and Applied Arts 6.8%
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 4.7%
See more majors
- Criminology 4.7%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $66,362
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $51,640
- 3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $51,057
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $44,835
- 5. Criminology $41,509
- 6. Biology, General $39,710
- 7. Design and Applied Arts $33,536
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other grads earn $66,362—98% more than Design and Applied Arts ($33,536). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for William Peace University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (21 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Anthropology
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- International/Global Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- History
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Human Resources Management and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 666
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 50.3%
- Female Students 49.7%
- Caucasian 53.4%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 13.8%
- Black 20.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects William Peace University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of William Peace University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does William Peace University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at William Peace University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does William Peace University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at William Peace University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
William Peace University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -54.1% ROI. Ranked #1316 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,649 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $39,738 median earnings. With 44.8% graduating within six years and 73.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: William Peace University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1316 ranking, William Peace University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,649 annually, William Peace University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 73.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,154 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -54.1% ROI and $39,738 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,649+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: William Peace University ranks #1316 of 6101 institutions, with 1181 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 44.8% six-year graduation rate sits 17.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.6% first-year retention is 3.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -54.1% return on investment is 139.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $39,738 run about 9% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,649 is roughly $4,252 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.5% employment rate within three years sits 16.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,649 is about $4,252 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 34.2% trails the national share by 4.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Raleigh, NC, William Peace University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1316 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 73.6% retention and 44.8% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -54.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,649 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $49,362.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,713 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,145 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $39,738 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 9% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 84.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -54.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
94.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the William Peace University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is William Peace University's acceptance rate?
William Peace University's acceptance rate is 94.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does William Peace University cost?
At William Peace University, listed tuition and fees are $34,176 per year, and the average net price after aid is $21,649. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is William Peace University's ranking?
William Peace University ranks #1316 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is William Peace University's graduation rate?
At William Peace University, the six-year graduation rate is 44.8%, and first-year retention is 73.6%.
What are William Peace University's job outcomes?
Graduates of William Peace University report median earnings of $39,738 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is William Peace University's student population?
William Peace University enrolls about 666 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Raleigh, NC 27604-1194
- Website www.peace.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$49.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate38.2%