Rankings & Recognitions

We're very proud to be ranked as one of the best colleges of our type in the nation.

View our current college rankings below:

 

U.S. News & World Report 's Best Colleges

Among Top 10 Colleges in the South

Catawba College has once again been recognized for its outstanding performance in the US News & World Report Best College rankings, further solidifying its position as a premier institution of higher education in the South. Catawba College is ranked among the Top 10 Best Colleges in the South, according to the 2024 edition of "Best Colleges," published by U.S. News & World Report. Catawba was recognized as #6 Best College in the South, #2 Most Innovative Schools in the South, #3 Undergraduate Teaching Programs in the South, #25 Best Value Schools in the South, and #29 Social Mobility Colleges in the South.

 

Colleges of Distinction

Colleges of 2023-2024 / Colleges of North Carolina

Innovative application of high impact educational practices at Catawba College earned the school recognition among the nation's Colleges of Distinction. Already recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its innovative approach to education, Catawba College has also been honored for its expert blending of the liberal arts with professional programming in Business and Education, as well as Career Development and Affordability.

 

 

The Princeton Review's Best Colleges

Princeton Review's The Best 388 Colleges

Catawba College is again cited as one of the nation's best colleges in The Princeton Review's Best 388 Colleges guide 2023 edition. 

 

Affordable College of Distinction

Used for display on the ranking page

Catawba College is recognized as an Affordable College of Distinction for our affordable programming in relation to our peer institutions. This recognitions is selected by Colleges of Distinction based on the quality and breadth of hands-on experiences in lieu of the popular rankings model.

 

The Princeton Review's "Great College Theatre" List

Great College Theatre

Catawba is recognized as one of only 50 institutions included in the The Princeton Review's list of schools with Great College Theater based on student ratings of their campus theater productions. This reflects Catawba’s longstanding recognition by The Princeton Review of our strong theater program.

 

N.C.'s Best Value Colleges

Catawba is ranked 19th among private colleges in North Carolina as one of the 30 best value colleges and universities in the state in 2021 by Online Communications' BestValueSchools.com.

 

Best Colleges in North Carolina

Niche Logo

Niche.com rated Catawba as one of the Best Colleges in North Carolina in its 2022 listing.

 

Best-In-Class Colleges

Best in Class Colleges

Catawba College is recognized as one of the best baccalaureate colleges in the United States by Best-In-Class Colleges. This ranking considers a range of essential metrics, including student retention, on-time graduation, earnings after college, low debt, and more.

 

 

Best RN to BSN Programs

Catawba College's RN to BSN program ranks #4 on the 16 Best RN to BSN programs in North Carolina for 2024 list published by allnurses, based on factors including affordability, duration, flexibility, and more.

 

Best Psychology Degrees

Catawba was ranked among the most affordable small colleges for a psychology degree in the U.S. by Best Psychology Degrees.

 

Most Affordable Sports Management Degrees

Catawba was ranked among the most affordable small southern colleges for a Sports Management degree in the U.S. by Sports-Management-Degrees.com.