
PO Box 370, Mars Hill, NC 28754, USA


Mars Hill University was founded in 1856, making it one of the older institutions in the region with a long-standing commitment to education. Initially established as a small teachers' school, it has evolved significantly over the decades to meet the changing needs of students and society. Throughout its history, the university expanded its academic programs beyond teacher preparation, embracing a variety of liberal arts disciplines and professional studies.
The institution underwent several transformations, including changes in name and status, reflecting its growth and broadened mission. These developments allowed Mars Hill University to position itself as a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Key moments in its history highlight a dedication to adapting educational offerings and facilities to provide students with diverse opportunities.
Despite its growth, Mars Hill University has preserved its foundational values centered on student engagement and academic excellence. The university's history is marked by steady progress toward becoming a dynamic learning environment that balances tradition with innovation, aiming to prepare students for both professional success and civic responsibility.
Mars Hill University offers a variety of academic programs organized into several faculties and departments designed to cater to diverse student interests and career aspirations. The university's academic structure includes the College of Arts and Sciences, which provides foundational studies in the liberal arts along with specialized disciplines spanning humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
The institution also hosts a School of Education, emphasizing the preparation of future educators through comprehensive coursework and practical experiences aimed at meeting certification requirements and enhancing teaching skills.
For those inclined toward business careers, Mars Hill University features a Department of Business Administration that covers key areas such as management, marketing, and finance, blending theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Additionally, the university places focus on health-related fields through its Department of Health Sciences, which offers programs intended to prepare students for roles in healthcare settings, promoting both academic rigor and practical competencies.
Mars Hill University is situated in Mars Hill, North Carolina, a small town in the southern region of the state. The university's postal address is PO Box 370, Mars Hill, NC 28754. For transportation, Asheville Regional Airport is the nearest major airport, providing access to regional and national flights. Local contact can be reached via the phone number 648-4968. The town offers a quiet setting that may appeal to students seeking a focused academic environment away from larger metropolitan areas.
Mars Hill University aims to provide a transformative educational experience that develops students intellectually, personally, and professionally. The university focuses on cultivating critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical decision-making among its students. Its mission emphasizes preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions through a comprehensive liberal arts education.
Central to the university's vision is the commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment that encourages lifelong learning and personal growth. Mars Hill University envisions itself as a dynamic institution where innovative teaching and scholarship promote student success and societal advancement.
Name of the institution
Mars Hill UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Rural: FringeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1856
Certificate of less than 1 year
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$34,637Criminal Justice and Corrections
$25,836Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$58,645Social Work
$31,048Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$33,795