Raleigh, NC 
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From William Peace
William Peace University has been enrolling students since 1871, starting with two-year degrees for women. We’ve gone through a lot of changes over the years, adding bachelor’s degrees, a few name changes, and going co-ed.
What hasn’t changed is our passion for meeting students where they are and taking them where they need to be.
That’s because our professors care about what they do. We don’t have teaching assistants and you won’t find a lecture hall full of 300 others. Your professors are here to teach and mentor. With class sizes of around 15, they’ll know your name and help you when you need it. And they don’t drone on for hours of lecture: here, we’re all about immersive learning, which means finding ways inside and outside of the classroom for you to learn by doing and through experiences.
Our campus is in downtown Raleigh, often named one of the most livable U.S. cities. Our students get the best of a serene campus just steps away from downtown and its opportunities for fun, nightlife, and internships.
Find out more about the Peace Community and how it can take you where you want to be.
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City
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
640
Pell Grant 36%
Undergrad Students Over 25 17%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 10%
Percent Male / Female 53% / 47%
Ethnic Diversity at WPU
54% White
24% Black
13% Hispanic
5% Multiracial
2% Asian / Pacific Islander
1% International / Non-Citizen
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
11:1
Graduation Rate
43%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
20%
20% of graduates
Social Sciences
16%
16% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
16%
16% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
9%
9% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
9%
9% of graduates
Psychology
9%
9% of graduates
Education
6%
6% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
3%
3% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
3%
3% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
2%
2% of graduates
Legal Studies
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Affordability Overview
From WPU
Affordable WPU: A Private Education at a Cost Comparable to a Public
Nearly 100% of our traditional undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. So the price you see listed as tuition isn’t the price most people pay. After factoring in merit and need-based scholarships, many of our students pay as low as $20,000 per year for tuition, (which includes books, tutoring, and printing).
For some students, that ends up on par with area public universities. We encourage you to check out our cost compare chart below.
A bachelor’s degree is an investment in your future, but it’s one you want to make sure generates a return. Our financial aid team is thrilled to help you with any questions about paying for college.
Scholarships Overview
From WPU
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$23,476
Using State Grants at WPU
If you're a North Carolina resident with demonstrated financial need, be sure to look into state grants to help pay for WPU. The state offers two major need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays. If you meet the requirements and the funds have not been exhausted, you will receive the money.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more North Carolina scholarships
William Peace University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at William Peace University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for William Peace University is 002953.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Pell Grants at William Peace University
38% of students at William Peace University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to William Peace University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
WPU students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions Overview
From WPU
Applying to universities can be time-consuming, but at WPU, we have streamlined the process. Each applicant is personally reviewed and evaluated by our team with a holistic approach. We look not just at GPA but evaluate a student’s strengths and accomplishments. You’ll be on a first-name basis with your admission counselor, and can ask any question, big or small, about WPU or college in general.
We are Test Optional: Students have the choice to submit SAT/ACT scores or to showcase their individual strengths in other ways.
We offer Rolling Admissions: We do not have an admissions deadline, though we encourage you to apply by May 1 for the easiest transition to university.
Admissions Snapshot
63%
24
Is WPU test-optional?
William Peace University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
Rolling deadline at WPU
William Peace University accepts applications on a rolling basis. That means that the earlier you submit your application, the better chance you have of gaining admission and strong financial aid. Many schools with rolling admissions have priority deadlines, which means that students that submit their application before these dates have a better chance of receiving financial aid. Be sure to check WPU's website to become familiar with their admissions dates.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$46,643
Median Debt $22,250
Debt 10 years after graduation $236
Graduation Rate 43%
What is the graduation rate at William Peace University?
43% of students who start at William Peace University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 15% less than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of William Peace University go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at William Peace University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $46,643. This is $3,748 less than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at WPU take out in loans?
Graduates of WPU have to take out a median of $22,250 in federal student loans. This is $8,750 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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William Peace University
