Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in North Carolina
Christian colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.
Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in North Carolina3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.
How this list is made
- Schools in North Carolina.
- Christian undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Faith grade B or better (Faith score 70 or higher). Cost and outcomes never change a grade.
- Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by retention rate, highest first.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
- 2
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC · Private nonprofitHonor Roll- 55% of freshmen return
- 55% graduate
- 3
Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Elizabeth City, NC · Private nonprofit- 32% of freshmen return
- 21% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chowan University | $14,086 | $29,491 | $38,412 | 30% |
| Gardner-Webb University | $17,674 | $24,222 | $48,039 | 55% |
| Mid-Atlantic Christian University | $18,328 | $27,000 | $38,342 | 21% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.