Catawba College vs. Converse University

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, NC with Converse University in Spartanburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Converse University is larger than Catawba College based on total student enrollment (1,787 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Catawba College is located in Salisbury, NC (Distant Town setting); Converse University is in Spartanburg, SC (Small City setting).
• Catawba College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Converse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Catawba College 13:1; Converse University 12:1.

Catawba College vs. Converse University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College or Converse University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Catawba College than Converse University ($18,447 vs. $19,061).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Converse University are 1.4% lower than at Catawba College ($13,380 vs. $13,565).
• Catawba College is 35.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Converse University (about $9,060 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at Catawba College than at Converse University (about $9,060 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at Converse University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Catawba College students is 65.9% larger than aid received by Converse University students ($30,808 vs. $18,575).

Catawba College vs. Converse University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College or Converse University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Converse University and Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Catawba College (1170) is 40 points higher than at Converse University (1130).
• Incoming Converse University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Catawba College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; Converse University 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; Converse University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Test optional; Converse University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027; Converse University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Converse University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Catawba College (3.64).
• Catawba College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Converse University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 12% at Converse University.

Catawba College vs. Converse University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College and Converse University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Converse University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Catawba College's (54%).
• Graduates from Catawba College earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Converse University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $33,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Catawba College graduates have a $1,952 lower median loan debt than Converse University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,952).
• Among borrowers, Catawba College graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Converse University graduates ($258 vs. $278).
• More Catawba College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Converse University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 58%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.