Meredith College logo

Meredith College

Accept Rate
74.66%
Grad Rate
66.4%
Enrollment
1,288
Avg SAT
1224
Tuition
$43,936
Median Salary
$51,539
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Meredith College offers a close-knit, empowering environment where students are encouraged to lead with confidence and creativity. The campus feels like a supportive community where every student is known by name, yet it sits just minutes from the bustling energy of downtown Raleigh.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

74.66%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 122475th Pctl
11101260
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2330
1122436

Admissions Tips

["As a test-optional school, highlight your strengths through a strong portfolio, essay, or extracurricular leadership if you choose not to submit test scores.","Emphasize your interest in Meredith's unique community and mission in your application, as they value students who will contribute to campus life."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1224
40080012001600
School range: 1110โ€“1260

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

Academics & Majors

Meredith excels in business, the arts, and the sciences, with a curriculum that blends liberal arts foundations with hands-on learning. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from dedicated faculty, and students gain real-world experience through strong internship programs and undergraduate research.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
19.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
17.7%
Biology & Biomedical
12.1%
Psychology
9.9%
Social Sciences
6.5%
Mathematics & Statistics
5%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.3%
Family & Consumer Science
4.3%
Communications
4%
Health Professions
3.7%
Public Administration
3.4%
English & Literature
1.6%

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

By The Numbers

66.4%
Graduation Rate
81%
Retention Rate
1,288
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
$43,936
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,197
After financial aid
Total Cost
$55,557
Cost of attendance/year
32.8%
Receive Pell Grants
54.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Raleigh

Students enjoy easy access to Raleigh's vibrant arts scene, diverse restaurants, and major tech and bioscience companies for internships. For fun, they explore the nearby North Hills shopping district, attend festivals, and cheer on the NC State Wolfpack or Carolina Hurricanes.

Local Rent Check

$1,466 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Raleigh
Explore Raleigh

Reality Check

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

$175,744
$0Est. 4 Years: $175,744

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($51,539):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, established residential neighborhood and features a comprehensive campus safety program with 24/7 patrols. The surrounding area is well-lit and considered one of the safer parts of Raleigh.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prime location in Raleigh provides easy access to internships, jobs, and a vibrant city life.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and a dedicated faculty ensure personalized attention and mentorship.
  • โœ“ A strong focus on female leadership development and professional preparation.
  • โœ“ Beautiful, safe, and walkable campus with a tight-knit community feel.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high for a private institution, making financial aid crucial.
  • โœ— The graduation rate, at 66.4%, is lower than some comparable private colleges.
  • โœ— The campus size is small, which may feel limiting for students seeking a large university experience.

Notable Alumni

Shaundra B. Bragg
Associate Director of the National Science Foundation and a leader in STEM education.
Michele R. Williams
A NASA engineer who has worked on critical space exploration projects.
Jennifer M. G. Miller
A successful entrepreneur and founder of a prominent design and branding firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meredith College is known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences, with top programs in Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, and Psychology. It is particularly recognized for its mission to empower women through education in a supportive, close-knit environment while preparing them for successful careers.

Meredith College has an acceptance rate of 74.66%, making it generally accessible. While not highly selective, successful applicants typically present a strong academic record, with an average SAT score of around 1224. The admissions process values a holistic review of the student's achievements, essays, and involvement.

Campus life at Meredith is defined by a strong sense of community and involvement. With a small enrollment of 1,288 students, the campus feels intimate, and students often form close bonds. There are over 60 student organizations, a focus on leadership development, and a vibrant arts scene, all within a safe, urban setting just minutes from downtown Raleigh.

For many students, Meredith College is a worthwhile investment. While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $20,197 makes it more affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of over $51,000 ten years after graduation, and the college's location in Raleigh provides a strong job market, helping to ensure a positive return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Red Hat SAS Institute WakeMed Health & Hospitals GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Duke University Health System
Smart Start Score
60

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,423
  • In-State Tuition $43,936
  • Zip Code 27607

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 0% โ™€ 100%

The Money Talk

While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $20,197 significantly reduces the cost for most students after grants and scholarships. With a 10-year median earnings of $51,539, the degree offers a solid return on investment, especially when leveraging Raleigh's strong job market.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Chatham University

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 $43,936
Housing (12 mo) $17,592
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $68,728
With avg financial aid:
$20,197/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.