William Peace University
The Vibe Check
William Peace University feels like a tight-knit academic family nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh. The historic campus buildings blend with modern facilities, creating an intimate, supportive atmosphere where students are known by name. It's a place where you're encouraged to find your voice and purpose in a bustling urban setting.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Academic life is defined by small, discussion-based classes with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention from professors. The university emphasizes experiential learning through internships and community engagement, particularly in its top programs like Business and Visual & Performing Arts. While research opportunities exist, they are more accessible and undergraduate-focused compared to larger research institutions.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Raleigh
Students enjoy direct access to Raleigh's thriving downtown scene, including museums, coffee shops, and the Raleigh Amphitheater for concerts and events. The university's location means you're minutes away from the State Capitol, Pullen Park, and a diverse food scene. For outdoor fun, nearby greenways and Lake Johnson Park offer easy escapes for running and kayaking.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($46,643):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a vibrant, well-lit downtown area with a dedicated campus security team that patrols 24/7. Raleigh is generally considered a safe city, and the university provides safety resources like emergency call boxes and a mobile safety app.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Prime downtown Raleigh location provides unmatched internship and job opportunities.
- ✓ Small class sizes (12:1 ratio) ensure personalized attention and strong mentorship from professors.
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for a quality private education.
- ✓ Historic campus with modern facilities offers a unique and inspiring learning environment.
Cons
- ✗ The 43.6% graduation rate is significantly below the national average, which can be a concern for student success.
- ✗ Retention rate of 61% suggests some students may struggle to adapt or find the right fit.
- ✗ Limited on-campus housing and traditional college town feel compared to larger universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
William Peace University is known for its intimate, discussion-based learning environment in the heart of downtown Raleigh. It specializes in undergraduate education with strengths in Business, Visual & Performing Arts, and Social Sciences, emphasizing real-world experience through internships and community partnerships. The historic campus, featuring iconic buildings like the iconic Peace College legacy, blends a classic liberal arts feel with modern urban access.
No, William Peace University is not hard to get into, with a high acceptance rate of 97.36%. This makes it a very accessible option for most applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1198, and while test scores are optional, a solid GPA (typically 3.4 or higher) and a demonstrated interest in the university will strengthen your application.
Campus life is intimate and close-knit due to the small enrollment of just 661 students, meaning you'll know most of your classmates and faculty. Students are highly engaged in downtown Raleigh, from internships at state government offices to enjoying local music and food scenes. While on-campus social events exist, much of the student life spills into the city, offering a more mature, urban college experience.
The value depends heavily on your major and career goals. While the net price is lower than the sticker price, the 10-year median earnings of $46,643 are below the national average for college graduates. However, for students pursuing fields like business or arts in Raleigh, the urban location and internship access can provide a strong return on investment if you actively network and graduate on time.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,071
- In-State Tuition $33,150
- Zip Code 27604
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price of $33,150, the net price of $21,728 is more manageable, especially with over a third of students receiving Pell Grants. However, the 10-year median earnings of $46,643 are modest, suggesting that the return on investment depends heavily on the chosen major and career path. The value is strongest for students who leverage the intimate setting for networking and secure internships in the growing Raleigh job market.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.