
2300 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144-2488, USA


Catawba College holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award bachelor's and master's degrees. This regional accreditation is recognized as a mark of academic quality and institutional integrity, ensuring that the college meets established standards for higher education institutions in the southern United States.
Additionally, specific programs at Catawba College have received specialized accreditations, reflecting the institution's commitment to meeting professional standards in various fields. These targeted accreditations demonstrate that certain programs maintain rigorous curricula and prepare students adequately for careers or further study.
Prospective students should consider these accreditations as indicators of the college's credibility and the potential transferability of credits, as well as qualification for professional licensure in some cases. Accredited status also impacts eligibility for federal financial aid, an essential factor for many applicants.
Prospective students seeking admission to Catawba College must have completed secondary school with a required grade point average and submit an official secondary school record. A General Educational Development (GED) diploma is accepted in lieu of a traditional high school diploma. While admission is not open to all applicants automatically, achieving college program prerequisites is necessary. Applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency through a required TOEFL score. Submission of other standardized test scores is recommended but not mandated.
Catawba College requires an application fee for prospective students who wish to apply for admission. However, the college offers fee waivers to eligible applicants to ease the financial burden associated with the application process. These waivers are typically available to students who demonstrate financial need or participate in specific programs that support college access.
The fee waiver eligibility may be confirmed through submission of appropriate documentation or by meeting criteria established by the admissions office. This policy ensures that applicants facing economic challenges have the opportunity to pursue admission without the obstacle of application costs.
Catawba College does not have its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Students interested in participating in ROTC programs would need to enroll through cooperating host institutions that offer these programs.
Catawba College admits transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms. The college accepts transfer credits, including those earned through CLEP General and CLEP Subject exams as well as DANTES credits, facilitating smoother transitions for students coming from other institutions. The level of difficulty for gaining admission as a transfer student is described as minimally difficult, suggesting an accessible transfer process.
Catawba College offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips, and summer sessions in various international locations. Students can choose from destinations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, allowing for diverse exposure depending on their academic interests and language skills.
The college emphasizes integrating study abroad experiences with the students' chosen fields of study, often connecting coursework directly with the host country's culture and environment. Additionally, Catawba provides support through scholarships and advising to help students navigate the logistics and costs associated with studying abroad.
The programs range from language immersion and cultural studies to internships and service learning, offering hands-on experiences that aim to develop global competence and professional skills.
Median composite SAT score
1070Median composite ACT score
22Percent of students submitting ACT scores
33%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
14%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer