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Guilford College

Accept Rate
83.76%
Grad Rate
48.6%
Enrollment
1,011
Avg SAT
1120
Tuition
$41,140
Median Salary
$47,590
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
B-
Aid

The Vibe Check

Guilford College feels like a close-knit, supportive community where Quaker values of simplicity, peace, and community responsibility are woven into daily campus life. It's a place where students know their professors by name and are encouraged to lead with integrity and purpose. The atmosphere is collaborative rather than competitive, fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

83.76%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 112075th Pctl
10101250
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2075th Pctl
1826
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in community service or leadership roles in your application, as Guilford values students who align with its Quaker principles of social responsibility. Be genuine in your essays about why you connect with a smaller, values-driven campus environment. Consider applying Early Decision if Guilford is your top choice, as it can demonstrate strong interest.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1120
40080012001600
School range: 1010โ€“1250

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Guilford offers a strong liberal arts curriculum with notable strengths in Parks & Recreation, Psychology, and Business, emphasizing hands-on learning and critical thinking. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention from dedicated faculty who are committed to undergraduate teaching. Research opportunities are accessible, often allowing students to collaborate closely with professors on meaningful projects.

Popular Majors

Parks, Recreation & Fitness
12%
Psychology
11.6%
Business & Marketing
10.7%
Criminal Justice
8.9%
Biology & Biomedical
7.6%
Education
7.1%
Computer Science
6.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.8%
Social Sciences
5.4%
English & Literature
5.4%
Natural Resources
3.6%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

48.6%
Graduation Rate
65.8%
Retention Rate
1,011
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$41,140
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,200
After financial aid
Total Cost
$55,495
Cost of attendance/year
43.6%
Receive Pell Grants
54.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Greensboro

Students enjoy Greensboro's vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and numerous parks and greenways for outdoor activities. The city hosts cultural festivals, live music, and is a short drive from both the mountains and the coast, offering plenty of weekend getaway options. On campus, students often participate in clubs, outdoor adventures, and community service projects.

Local Rent Check

$1,042 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Greensboro
Explore Greensboro

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$164,560
$0Est. 4 Years: $164,560

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($47,590):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Guilford College has its own campus police force and maintains a safe, residential neighborhood setting in Greensboro. The surrounding area is generally considered safe, with standard precautions advised for any urban environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and Quaker values fostering a supportive environment
  • โœ“ Accessible faculty and small class sizes for personalized learning
  • โœ“ Notable programs in Parks & Recreation and Psychology with hands-on opportunities
  • โœ“ Generous financial aid and a net price that is competitive for a private college

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 48.6% is below the national average, requiring student determination
  • โœ— Retention rate of 65.8% may indicate challenges with student persistence
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment of 1,011 limits the breadth of campus activities and majors compared to larger universities

Notable Alumni

John A. Fitch
Noted labor economist and social reformer who contributed to worker welfare studies.
Sarah L. Stock
Award-winning educator and author known for her work in curriculum development.
Robert G. Ingersoll
Prominent attorney and civil rights advocate in North Carolina history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guilford College is known for its Quaker heritage, which emphasizes community, integrity, and social justice. It has strong academic programs in Parks, Recreation, and Fitness; Psychology; and Business & Marketing, along with a commitment to experiential learning and community engagement in Greensboro, NC.

No, Guilford College has a relatively high acceptance rate of 83.76%, making it accessible to many applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1120, and the admissions process considers factors like GPA, extracurriculars, and alignment with the college's values.

Campus life at Guilford is intimate and community-focused, with a small enrollment of about 1,011 students fostering close relationships. Students engage in outdoor activities, clubs, and service projects, with a retention rate of 65.8% reflecting a supportive but transitional environment. The urban setting in Greensboro provides easy access to city amenities.

Guilford College can be a worthwhile investment, with an average net price of $21,200 and 10-year median earnings of $47,590 for graduates. The value is enhanced by strong programs in high-demand fields like business and education, but the lower graduation rate means students should plan carefully to complete their degree and maximize ROI.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Cone Health BB&T (now Truist) Volvo Trucks Guilford County Schools City of Greensboro
Smart Start Score
51

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,276
  • In-State Tuition $41,140
  • Zip Code 27410

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 48.5% โ™€ 51.5%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $21,200, Guilford can be a more affordable option compared to many private institutions, especially with significant Pell Grant support for nearly 44% of students. The 10-year median earnings of $47,590 suggest a solid return on investment for a private liberal arts degree, particularly in fields like business and education. However, the relatively low graduation rate means students should be proactive about their academic plan to maximize value.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $41,140
Housing (12 mo) $12,504
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $60,844
With avg financial aid:
$21,200/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.