Carolina University Carolina University, founded in 1945 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in biblical values. The campus provides a Christ-centered education with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The university is particularly known for its ministry programs and its School of Professional Studies offering flexible degree options. Campus facilities include the newly renovated Learning Resource Center and the Horton Hall for student housing.
Carolina University takes pride in its commitment to affordable Christian higher education and spiritual formation. Campus life includes chapel services, mission opportunities, and NCCAA athletics. The university has expanded its online programs while maintaining its residential Christian community. Recent initiatives include the Center for Global Studies and upgraded technology infrastructure. Carolina University's combination of academic programs, spiritual emphasis, and small community creates a focused environment for students seeking faith-based education.
Carolina University Acceptance Rate
Carolina University is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 34%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Carolina University Admission Requirements
Carolina University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Carolina University is 3. 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.
If your GPA is between 2.7 and 3, aim for a strong standardized test score.
Carolina University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Carolina University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.00 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 2.80 – 2.99 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.60 – 2.79 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.59 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Carolina University, 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Carolina University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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 2025 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.
Carolina University Profile
Name: Carolina University
City: Winston-Salem
State: North Carolina
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 27101
Campus: Branch Campus
Accredited by: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
How much does a degree from Carolina University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Carolina University is USD: 29965. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Carolina University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
45.62% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 50.66 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Carolina University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Carolina University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Carolina University as your choice in the form.
How much a Carolina University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 32864. An average Carolina University 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 USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- American Sign Language
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Design and Applied Arts
- Education, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Frequently Asked Questions About Carolina University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $32864 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29965 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Carolina University is 34 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: 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 2.7, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.7, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.7 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.6 or less, it may makes 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.
Question: Can I apply to Carolina University if my GPA is below 2.6
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Carolina University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.