Wingate University
Wingate University has an acceptance rate of 91.1%, annual tuition of $41,636, average net price of $20,748, and a national rank of #1160 (Grade B-), with a 46.4% six-year graduation rate, about 2,668 undergraduates, and median earnings of $43,992 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Wingate University is a private nonprofit university in Wingate, NC. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 70.5% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -47.0%, roughly 132.3 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Wingate University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Wingate University graduates 46.4% of students within six years and keeps 70.5% 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 Wingate 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 | $41,636 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,062 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,454 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $57,473 |
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 44.2% of Wingate University students receive Pell Grants — above 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 $18,772 to $24,759 depending on family income. Use Wingate University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,651/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,759/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $43,992
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,992
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 60.4%
- Employment Rate 88.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Wingate 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.
Wingate University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Wingate University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Wingate University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Wingate University graduates earn $43,992 median, the -47.0% 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 510-610
- SAT Math 500-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,668
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 70.5%
- Graduation Rate 46.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Wingate University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Wingate 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 91.1%, Wingate 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 91.1% acceptance rate, Wingate 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 1010 and 1210 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Wingate University undergraduates. Biology, General, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Biology, General 13.1%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 12.7%
- Psychology, General 8.5%
- Human Services, General 7.4%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 6.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.7%
See more majors
- Marketing 5.5%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.6%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $77,175
- 2. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $60,460
- 3. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $56,061
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $55,688
- 5. Criminal Justice and Corrections $54,532
- 6. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $53,681
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $51,686
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $51,437
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $51,005
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $48,211
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $137,864
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $127,702
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $116,430
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $94,157
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree) $73,520
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $41,320
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $77,175—60% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,211). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $137,864 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Wingate 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
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 80 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 60 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree, 41 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 39 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 (23 programs)â–¼
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Music
- Journalism
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Sociology
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,668
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.4%
- Female Students 58.6%
- Caucasian 39.9%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 10.2%
- Black 21.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 44.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Wingate University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Wingate University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wingate University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Wingate University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Wingate University has a diverse student body, with 39.9% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wingate University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Wingate University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Wingate University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -47.0% ROI. Ranked #1160 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,748 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $43,992 median earnings. With 46.4% graduating within six years and 70.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Wingate University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1160 ranking, Wingate University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,748 annually, Wingate University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 70.5% 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 $14,524 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -47.0% ROI and $43,992 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,748+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Wingate University ranks #1160 of 6101 institutions, with 927 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
- 46.4% six-year graduation rate sits 16.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.5% first-year retention is 6.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -47.0% return on investment is 132.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $43,992 run about 1% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,748 is roughly $3,351 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.8% employment rate within three years sits 20.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,748 is about $3,351 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Wingate University, a private nonprofit university in Wingate, NC, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1160 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.
About 70.5% of first-year students return, and roughly 46.4% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -47.0% for this program.
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 $20,748 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $57,473.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $36,725 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 44.2% 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 $43,992 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 1% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 88.8% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -47.0% 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
91.1% 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 Wingate 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 Wingate University's acceptance rate?
Wingate University's acceptance rate is 91.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Wingate University cost?
At Wingate University, listed tuition and fees are $41,636 per year, and the average net price after aid is $20,748. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Wingate University's ranking?
Wingate University ranks #1160 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Wingate University's graduation rate?
At Wingate University, the six-year graduation rate is 46.4%, and first-year retention is 70.5%.
What are Wingate University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Wingate University report median earnings of $43,992 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Wingate University's student population?
Wingate University enrolls about 2,668 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Wingate, NC 28174-0159
- Website www.wingate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$125.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate37.9%