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Carolina University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A
ACT RangeN/A
Average GPA3.00
Acceptance Rate39.5%

Carolina University’s average entering GPA is around 3.0, but a 39.5% admit rate means you should still give admissions a clear academic signal. Even though the school is test-optional, submitting an SAT or ACT score above its typical range can strengthen your case and help distinguish you from similar-GPA applicants.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Carolina University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Carolina University is a small urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 470 students. Carolina University has a freshman retention rate of 56% and a 6-year graduation rate of 21%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.

Location

Winston-Salem, NC

Undergrad Enrollment470
Freshman Retention56%
SettingUrban
Student to Faculty Ratio17:1
Graduation Rate21%
Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key Carolina University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because Carolina University is test-optional, use this timeline only if you choose to submit scores. Take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for superscore-focused retakes that will arrive by the Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

Carolina University is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $16,000, with 91% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $2,708. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$16,000
Room and Board$12,400
Average Merit Award$2,708
Application Fee$50
Students on Aid91%
Average Aid Package$8,055
Average Debt at GradN/A

Carolina University’s listed cost of attendance is about $28,400, including $16,000 in tuition and fees and $12,400 for room and board. Financial aid is common, with 91% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $8,055. The average merit award is $2,708, which can help reduce costs for qualifying students.

Student life at Carolina University

Activities and Organizations
Drama and theater
Choral groups
Housing

12% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: No guarantee

Men only
Women only
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

Similar schools

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Acceptance rate: 90.1%

SAT: 1140–1270

ACT: 21–27

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Acceptance rate: 88.6%

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Barton College

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Acceptance rate: 94.2%

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