High Point University

About High Point University

High Point University has transformed itself over the past two decades from a regional Methodist college into a nationally recognized institution that combines traditional liberal arts education with preprofessional programs and an exceptionally student-centered experience. The university enrolls approximately 4,000 students across more than 60 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, with particular strengths in business, communications, health sciences, and education. The transformation under President Nido Qubein's leadership since 2005 has brought hundreds of millions of dollars in new construction and a distinctive philosophy emphasizing student success and life skills. The campus presents a carefully curated environment that feels more like a resort than a traditional college. Manicured gardens, fountains, and artwork appear at every turn, with maintenance staff ensuring pristine conditions year-round. Concierge desks in residence halls offer services typically found in hotels, including dinner reservations and event ticket purchases. Free ice cream trucks circulate campus during warm months, and the university provides complimentary snacks and beverages in multiple locations throughout the day. This level of attention to student comfort is genuinely unique in American higher education. Academic programs operate on a semester calendar with small class sizes that average around 17 students. Faculty members focus primarily on teaching rather than research publication, making themselves available for mentoring and individualized instruction. The university requires first-year students to complete the President's Seminar on Life Skills, a unique course addressing practical topics like financial literacy, professional networking, and personal wellness that most colleges ignore.

High Point University admits approximately 64% of applicants, positioning itself as selective enough to maintain academic quality while remaining accessible to students with solid but not necessarily exceptional credentials. The admissions team reviews applications holistically, considering high school GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional options exist), extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendations. Demonstrated interest in High Point specifically can influence decisions, with campus visits and engagement with admissions staff noted in applicant files. Admitted students typically arrive with high school GPAs averaging around 3.6, with SAT scores in the 1100-1280 range for those who submit. The university attracts students who value the exceptional campus experience and student services alongside academic quality, making "fit" an important consideration in admissions. Students seeking a hands-off college experience where they can blend into a crowd will find High Point's attentive approach jarring, while those craving support and community will thrive. Early Decision and Early Action options allow students to demonstrate strong interest in High Point while learning decisions sooner than Regular Decision applicants. The admissions office recommends campus visits, offering extensive programming for prospective students and families that showcases the distinctive campus environment. Virtual tour options exist for students who cannot travel to North Carolina. Transfer students apply through a separate process that evaluates college-level performance alongside high school records.

High Point's academic structure emphasizes preparing students for life beyond graduation, not just for first jobs. Professional schools within the university include pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and dental studies, providing graduate pathways for students interested in healthcare careers. The School of Communication features a professional television studio and equipment rivaling small market stations. Business students access trading rooms with Bloomberg terminals and simulated trading environments. These investments in facilities reflect High Point's belief that students learn best when using the same tools they will encounter in their careers. The first-year President's Seminar on Life Skills addresses practical topics that most colleges assume students will figure out on their own. Financial literacy, professional networking, personal wellness, and career planning receive structured attention rather than being left to chance. This emphasis on preparing students for life beyond graduation pervades the academic culture, with faculty incorporating real-world applications throughout their courses. Academic advising ensures students progress toward degree completion while exploring interests and preparing for career paths. The First-Year Experience program helps new students transition to college life through peer mentoring, orientation programming, and ongoing support. Tutoring in writing, mathematics, and other subjects is available through the Academic Services Center, while accessibility services coordinate accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Faculty maintain genuine open-door policies, with office hours that students actually use.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Residence halls range from traditional first-year dormitories to apartment-style living for upperclassmen, with facilities and furnishings that exceed typical college housing standards. Dining options extend well beyond cafeteria fare, including steakhouses, sushi restaurants, and coffee shops scattered across campus. The Slane Student Center serves as a social hub, housing recreation facilities, meeting spaces, and entertainment venues. Outdoor areas include a beach volleyball court, hammock gardens, and an enormous putting green, creating spaces for relaxation between classes. Student organizations number over 100, covering academic interests, service opportunities, performing arts, and social activities. Greek life involves a significant portion of students, with fraternities and sororities maintaining houses along Greek Row. NCAA Division I athletics compete in the Big South Conference, with basketball and baseball games drawing enthusiastic crowds. The men's basketball team plays in the state-of-the-art Qubein Arena, which seats over 4,500 fans. Intramural sports and fitness programs serve students not on varsity rosters, with excellent recreational facilities available to all. The campus calendar stays full with concerts, speakers, and events that give students reasons to engage beyond coursework. The Office of Student Life coordinates programs addressing personal development, leadership skills, and community engagement alongside traditional entertainment. Career and professional development services work with students throughout their High Point experience, not just as graduation approaches.

Location & Surroundings

High Point sits in the Piedmont Triad region of central North Carolina, part of a metropolitan area that includes Greensboro and Winston-Salem with a combined population exceeding 1.6 million residents. The city of High Point itself houses about 115,000 people and is known internationally as the "Furniture Capital of the World" due to its history in furniture manufacturing and the massive High Point Market held twice annually. This industrial heritage provides context for the university's emphasis on practical education and career preparation. The campus location places students within a prosperous mid-sized city with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options beyond what the campus provides. Downtown High Point offers dining and cultural attractions, while the larger Greensboro area provides additional options about 20 minutes away. Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city, lies about 90 minutes southwest, accessible for weekend trips or professional networking. The Raleigh-Durham area sits about 80 miles east, providing access to Research Triangle employers and entertainment. North Carolina's climate features four distinct seasons with mild winters and warm, humid summers. The Piedmont location means temperatures rarely reach extremes, though July and August bring heat and humidity requiring adjustment for students from cooler regions. The area provides access to both mountains and beaches within reasonable driving distance, with ski resorts about 90 minutes northwest and Atlantic beaches about four hours southeast.

Costs & Career Outcomes

High Point University carries one of the higher price tags in American higher education, with annual costs exceeding $65,000 including tuition, fees, room, and board. This investment pays for the exceptional facilities, services, and small classes that distinguish High Point from less expensive alternatives. However, the sticker price does not reflect what most students actually pay, as merit scholarships and need-based aid significantly reduce costs for qualifying students. Merit scholarships recognize academic achievement, with awards ranging from several thousand dollars to amounts covering substantial portions of tuition. Presidential Scholarships and Founder's Scholarships represent the most significant merit awards, reserved for students with exceptional academic records. Talent scholarships in areas like music, theater, and art provide additional opportunities. These awards renew automatically when students maintain required GPA standards. Career and professional development services work with students throughout their High Point experience, not just as graduation approaches. The Professional Development Center offers coaching on interviewing, networking, and professional presentation, with staff available for mock interviews and resume reviews. Internship programs connect students with employers in their fields, with many internships leading to job offers. Need-based aid supplements merit awards for families demonstrating financial need through FAFSA completion. Work-study positions provide employment income while connecting students to campus departments.