High Point University

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.

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