Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Montreat, North Carolina
65.6% Acceptance Rate
Montreat College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
65.6%Acceptance Rate
3.07Avg GPA
1125Avg SAT
$45,829Annual Cost
$45,151Grad Salary
40.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
65.6%
Avg GPA
3.07
Avg SAT
1125
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1085–1155
Need-Based Aid
40.4% receive Pell
Montreat College, established in 1916 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is a private Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The college's 112-acre main campus offers breathtaking mountain views and access to outdoor recreation, complementing its academic programs in environmental studies, business, and ministry. Montreat's distinctive 'Commons' curriculum integrates faith, learning, and living through interdisciplinary coursework and service experiences. The college maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes experiential learning through its location in the ecologically diverse Appalachian region.
Montreat's campus features historic stone buildings alongside modern facilities like the Howerton Christian Studies Center. The college's outdoor programs take advantage of the surrounding wilderness, offering unique courses in mountain ecology and adventure education. Montreat Cavaliers compete in NAIA athletics, while campus ministry programs include annual mission trips and local service projects. The college's strong alumni network includes notable Christian leaders and authors, reflecting its legacy of faith-based education in a stunning natural setting.
Montreat College Acceptance Rate
Montreat College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Montreat College is 65.6%. This means that 66 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 65.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.07 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.87 – 3.06
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.62
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Montreat College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Montreat College is 3.07. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A's, B's, and some C's is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.27-3.47 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.77 and 3.07, aim for a strong standardized test score.
Montreat College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Montreat College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.07, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.07 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.87 – 3.06
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.67 – 2.86
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.66
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate approximately 65-66% (IPEDS-based sources); test blind - scores explicitly not considered even if submitted; rolling admissions; no Common App
- NSA/DHS-designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education; cybersecurity is the #1 most popular major by enrollment according to Niche
- 50% six-year graduation rate (Niche); 14-person student-to-faculty ratio; ~699 full-time undergrads; Presbyterian-rooted but broadly interdenominational Christian
- Located in Montreat, NC in a gated cove community; adjacent to Pisgah National Forest; second campus in Black Mountain (72 acres, including National Register Manor House); ~15 minutes from Asheville
- The Rigor Metric: At Montreat College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Montreat College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Montreat College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Montreat College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Montreat College Without SAT or ACT?
Montreat College does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Montreat College Average SAT Score: 1125
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Montreat College is 1125 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1125 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1125 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1155 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Montreat College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1085, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Montreat College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1125 | 1085 | 1155 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1085 then you are below most of the admitted students at Montreat College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1155 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Montreat College with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Montreat College are good but the admission staff at Montreat College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Montreat College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Montreat College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Know That Montreat Is Test Blind - Scores Won't Help You Here
Montreat has a genuine test-blind policy: SAT and ACT scores are not considered for admission even if you submit them. This isn't merely test-optional - sending a 1500 SAT earns you nothing in the admissions office. The file lives and dies on your GPA (average admitted student: ~3.07), high school transcript, and the quality of your application narrative. Redirect the energy you'd spend on retesting into a compelling personal statement and, if you're interested in the cybersecurity or outdoor education programs, a note in your application about why those specific tracks drew you to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Position Yourself as a Cyber Student in a Mountain Setting - That Combination Is Rare
Montreat holds a formal NSA/DHS designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education - a credential most students and parents have never heard of and that very few small liberal arts colleges can claim. If cybersecurity is your path, you're looking at a program built around penetration testing, governance/risk/compliance, and data analytics, with mandatory internships that often convert to permanent roles. The fact that it sits on a 43-acre campus in the Appalachian foothills - with Pisgah National Forest as a literal neighbor - means the co-curricular life most cyber programs can't offer (whitewater, climbing, wilderness expeditions) comes with it.
Apply to the Outdoor Recreation Studies Program With Field Intentions Clear
The ORS program is one of Montreat's most structurally distinctive offerings: it trains Christian outdoor leaders using Pisgah National Forest as a classroom, with access to Class V whitewater, four wilderness areas, and climbing within two hours. The Discovery Wilderness Program runs a 21-day academic credit experience. If this is your track, your application should make your outdoor leadership experience and your understanding of faith-integrated environmental stewardship concrete - not just "I love hiking." Concentrations include Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Education, so name the concentration you want and explain why Montreat's specific geography and mission is the right container for that training.
Maximize the 98% Financial Aid Coverage - Every Traditional Undergrad Qualifies
Montreat reports that 98% of traditional undergraduates receive financial aid through programs like the Keystone Scholarship Fund. With rolling admissions and no supplemental essays required (no Common App - Montreat uses its own application), the path from application to aid offer is relatively streamlined. Visit campus early if you can: the Black Mountain campus includes a 72-acre wooded estate with a Manor House on the National Register of Historic Places, and experiencing the cove setting below Greybeard Mountain is genuinely part of understanding why this school fits the students it fits - or doesn't.
Expert Insight:
Montreat sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, including to McAlister Gymnasium, which was rebuilt and returned to competition by October 2025. Before committing, ask admissions directly which facilities and housing units were affected and what the current status of campus infrastructure is - this is a legitimate question, not an alarmist one, and a well-run admissions office will welcome it.
Montreat College Profile
Full Name
Montreat College
City
Montreat
State
North Carolina
ZIP Code
28757-1267
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Montreat College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Montreat College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Montreat College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Montreat College is $61,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.38%.
How much does a degree from Montreat College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Montreat College is $45,829. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Montreat College is much less than this.
40.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 67.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Montreat College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Montreat College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Montreat College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Montreat College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $45,151. An average Montreat College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Montreat College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Montreat College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Montreat College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Montreat College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Montreat College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Montreat College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $45,151 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $45,829 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
40.4% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Montreat College is 65.6% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.07. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.77, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.77, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.67 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.07, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Montreat College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1125 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1085–1155.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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