Mars Hill University

Mars Hill, NC Private Website

64.5%

Acceptance Rate

941

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.1

Avg GPA

Mars Hill University is a private-nonprofit university located in Mars Hill, NC. It is a small institution with approximately 1,393 undergraduate students. The university is accessible with an acceptance rate of 64.5%. The average SAT score is 941. Annual tuition for out-of-state students is $25,636. The graduation rate is 38.2%.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 64.5%
SAT Range: 830–1040
ACT Range: 17–23
Avg GPA: 3.1

Campus & Students

Size: Small (1,393 students)
Type: Private
Student:Faculty: N/A
Setting: suburban

Outcomes & Cost

Graduation Rate: 38.2%
Retention Rate: 58.3%
Tuition (In-State): $25,636
Tuition (Int'l): $25,636

Academic Programs

30 programs

STEM

Biology · bachelorsChemistry · bachelorsComputer Science · bachelorsData Science · bachelorsEngineering · bachelorsMathematics · bachelorsPhysics · bachelors

Business

Accounting · bachelorsBusiness Administration · bachelorsEconomics · bachelorsFinance · bachelorsMarketing · bachelors

Arts

Architecture · bachelorsDesign · bachelorsFine Arts · bachelorsMusic · bachelors

Humanities

English · bachelorsHistory · bachelorsLanguages · bachelorsPhilosophy · bachelors

Social Sciences

International Relations · bachelorsPolitical Science · bachelorsPsychology · bachelorsSociology · bachelors

Other

Communications · bachelorsEducation · bachelorsEnvironmental Science · bachelors

Health

Nursing · bachelorsPre-Med · bachelorsPublic Health · bachelors

Key Highlights

Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Mars Hill revolves around the tight community that comes with small enrollment. Most students live on campus in residence halls, with some upperclassmen moving to nearby apartments. Dining options are limited to the main cafeteria, and the meal plan is mandatory for residential students. Athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division II level, with strong traditions in some sports. The football team has produced NFL players despite the school's size. Smaller programs like track and tennis provide participation opportunities for students who might not play at larger schools. Athletic events bring the campus together. Greek life does not exist at Mars Hill. Student organizations include religious groups, academic clubs, and service organizations. The campus hosts regular events, though weekend entertainment options are limited. Many students spend weekends hiking, visiting Asheville, or going home if they live nearby. The social atmosphere is what you would expect at a small religious-affiliated rural college. The party scene is subdued compared to larger state schools. Students looking for nightlife head to Asheville, where bars, music venues, and restaurants provide urban entertainment. Close friendships form easily in the small community.

Location & Surroundings

Mars Hill the town is essentially a college town, with the university as its main institution. A small downtown offers a few restaurants and shops, but students seeking variety head to Asheville, 20 miles south. The drive takes about 30 minutes and opens up everything from farm-to-table restaurants to live music to craft breweries. The Blue Ridge Mountains surround the area, providing exceptional outdoor recreation. Hiking trails are minutes away, with the Blue Ridge Parkway and multiple state parks within easy reach. Ski resorts operate in winter at Wolf Laurel and other nearby locations. The outdoor opportunities are a major draw for students who love nature. Asheville itself has become one of the trendiest small cities in the South, known for arts, food, and liberal politics unusual for the region. The contrast between rural Mars Hill and progressive Asheville gives students exposure to different cultures within a short drive. Weather features four seasons with cold winters at the elevation. Snow falls several times per year, occasionally disrupting campus operations. Fall brings spectacular foliage that draws tourists from across the country. Summers are cooler than lower elevations, making the area pleasant when valleys swelter. Students should prepare for mountain weather variability.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition runs around $32,000 annually, with room and board adding roughly $11,000. The sticker price exceeds $43,000, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The university works to make attendance affordable for students from modest backgrounds. Institutional scholarships, federal grants, and state aid combine to reduce costs. The average student receives substantial financial aid, with many paying under $20,000 annually out of pocket. Some students still accumulate concerning loan debt, and families should carefully evaluate the value proposition. Career outcomes depend heavily on the field of study. Nursing and education graduates find jobs relatively easily in the region, where demand for these professionals remains steady. Business graduates may find fewer local opportunities and might need to relocate to larger markets. The career services office is small but provides personal attention. The alumni network is concentrated in western North Carolina and surrounding Appalachian areas. Graduates who stay in the region find supportive connections. Those who move to distant cities find fewer Mars Hill alumni. The school's reputation is strongest locally, where employers know and respect the institution. Graduate school admission is possible with strong performance, though students pursuing highly competitive programs may face disadvantages compared to peers from more prominent institutions.