Meredith College
Meredith College has an acceptance rate of 74.2%, annual tuition of $45,630, average net price of $22,488, and a national rank of #436 (Grade B+), with a 70.1% six-year graduation rate, about 1,188 undergraduates, and median earnings of $45,293 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Meredith College is a private nonprofit university in Raleigh, NC. Students most often pursue Biology and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 79.4% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -49.6%, roughly 134.9 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Meredith College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Meredith College graduates 70.1% of students within six years and keeps 79.4% 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 Meredith College'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 | $45,630 |
| Books and Supplies | $850 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,280 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,570 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $57,313 |
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 35.9% of Meredith College students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $17,207 to $29,117 depending on family income. Use Meredith College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,678/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $29,117/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,293
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,293
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,066
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 66.1%
- Employment Rate 84.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Meredith College 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.
Meredith College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Meredith College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Meredith College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Meredith College graduates earn $45,293 median, the -49.6% 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 588-668
- SAT Math 510-680
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,188
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 79.4%
- Graduation Rate 70.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Meredith College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Meredith College 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 74.2%, Meredith College 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 74.2% acceptance rate, Meredith College 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 1098 and 1348 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Meredith College undergraduates. Psychology, General, Biology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 11.8%
- Biology, General 8.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.1%
- Design and Applied Arts 5.5%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 4.0%
- Social Work 4.0%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.0%
- English Language and Literature, General 3.5%
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. Biology, General $67,687
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $56,889
- 3. Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations $55,955
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Communication and Media Studies $53,649
- 5. Human Resources Management and Services $50,635
- 6. Social Work $49,032
- 7. Psychology, General $47,943
- 8. Design and Applied Arts $46,268
- 9. Marketing $45,883
- 10. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $41,250
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $104,506
- 2. Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services (Master's Degree) $54,133
- 3. Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $43,620
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Legal Support Services (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $40,694
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Biology, General grads earn $67,687—64% more than Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services ($41,250). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $104,506 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Meredith College. 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
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 40 graduates)
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services (Master's Degree, 35 graduates)
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 33 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 (37 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Design and Applied Arts
- Social Work
- Marketing
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Sociology
- Public Health
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Dance
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Computer Science
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- History
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- International/Global Studies
- Criminology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)â–¼
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (7 programs)â–¼
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Legal Support Services
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,188
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 100.0%
- Caucasian 60.0%
- Asian 4.6%
- Hispanic 19.1%
- Black 8.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 35.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Meredith College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Meredith College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Meredith College 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 Meredith College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 100.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Meredith College 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 Meredith College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Meredith College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -49.6% ROI. Ranked #436 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,488 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $45,293 median earnings. With 70.1% graduating within six years and 79.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Meredith College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #436 ranking, Meredith College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,488 annually, Meredith College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 79.4% 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 $15,742 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -49.6% ROI and $45,293 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,488+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Meredith College ranks #436 of 6101 institutions, with 1038 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
- 70.1% six-year graduation rate sits 7.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.4% first-year retention is 2.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -49.6% return on investment is 134.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,293 run about 4% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,488 is roughly $5,091 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.9% employment rate within three years sits 16.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,488 is about $5,091 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 35.9% trails the national share by 3.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Meredith College is a private nonprofit university based in Raleigh, NC and earns a B+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #436 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.
79.4% of learners come back after year one while 70.1% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -49.6% 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 $22,488 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $57,313.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $34,825 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,066 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 35.9% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,293 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 4% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 84.9%.
The ROI comes in near -49.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
74.2% 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 Meredith College 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 Meredith College's acceptance rate?
Meredith College's acceptance rate is 74.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Meredith College cost?
At Meredith College, listed tuition and fees are $45,630 per year, and the average net price after aid is $22,488. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Meredith College's ranking?
Meredith College ranks #436 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Meredith College's graduation rate?
At Meredith College, the six-year graduation rate is 70.1%, and first-year retention is 79.4%.
What are Meredith College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Meredith College report median earnings of $45,293 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Meredith College's student population?
Meredith College enrolls about 1,188 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Raleigh, NC 27607-5298
- Website www.meredith.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$130.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.9%