Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Aerial view of Carolina University
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Christian college

Carolina University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Nondenominational and Interdenominational

Real cost

Average price after aid $20,828 a year

Median debt at graduation: $20,287 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Carolina University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, holds a weekly chapel that main-campus undergraduate residents, commuters and student-athletes must attend, as its 2026-27 student handbook describes. Its general education core requires one Christian religion course, it offers a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, and it publishes a statement of faith.

Faith life at a glance

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Chapel attendance is required and monitored for main-campus undergraduate residents, commuters and student-athletes, with 10 sessions each semester.

Source: carolinau.edu
What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Fridays starting at 10:45 a.m. at Salem Baptist Church.

Source: carolinau.edu
Where do I find community?

Hall Huddles are held five times a semester for each residential hall.

Source: carolinau.edu

Academic Excellence

C+Academic Excellence: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
39 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.40%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.56%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.17 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$3,977

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Partly researched

We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.

  • Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders): In every hall (Each residence hall floor has a Resident Assistant responsible for discipleship of residents, and Hall Huddles are held for each residential hall.)
  • Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian mission: Yes (The Director of Student Life provides leadership and oversight for spiritual life.)
  • Chapel services during the week: Once a week (Chapel is held once a week, on Fridays, in the Fall and Spring semesters (2026-27 handbook and the chapel page).)
  • Chapel attendance expected of students: Required, with a set number of services each term (Chapel attendance is required for main-campus undergraduate residents, commuters and student-athletes; there are 10 sessions each semester, two absences are allowed, and fines apply after that.)
  • Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer: 1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)
  • Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students: 1 course (The bachelor's general education core requires one Christian religion course, BT100 Introduction to Christianity. The other Bible courses in the Arts/Humanities group are options (see T2). A full list of courses for each of the 63 programs was not reviewed.)
  • Required courses include study of the Old and New Testaments: One choice among others (Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey are among the Arts/Humanities options; students choose two courses from that group; neither is required of all.)
  • Bible, theology or ministry major offered: Yes
  • A published statement of faith: Yes
N/AWorship and chapel: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (Chapel is held once a week, on Fridays, in the Fall and Spring semesters (2026-27 handbook and the chapel page).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held weekly throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.”
      Chapel is held once a week during the fall and spring semesters.
    2. Chapel | Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/convocation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Friday Mornings: 10:45-11:45”
      The chapel page lists Friday mornings from 10:45 to 11:45 at Salem Baptist Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Chapel attendance is required for main-campus undergraduate residents, commuters and student-athletes; there are 10 sessions each semester, two absences are allowed, and fines apply after that.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel attendance is required and monitored for all Main Campus undergraduate residents, commuters, and all student-athletes.”
      Chapel attendance is required for main-campus undergraduates, commuters and student-athletes.
      “There will be 10 sessions in the Fall and 10 sessions in the Spring.”
      Ten chapel sessions are held each semester.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
CBible and theology: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

62 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students1 course (The bachelor's general education core requires one Christian religion course, BT100 Introduction to Christianity. The other Bible courses in the Arts/Humanities group are options (see T2). A full list of courses for each of the 63 programs was not reviewed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Courses | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/policies/gened · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Religion (Required)”
      The general education program for bachelor's degrees requires a Christian religion course, BT100 Introduction to Christianity.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsOne choice among others (Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey are among the Arts/Humanities options; students choose two courses from that group; neither is required of all.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Courses | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/policies/gened · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BO101 - Old Testament Survey (3 Credit Hours)”
      Old Testament Survey is one of the Arts/Humanities options.
      “BN102 - New Testament Survey (3 Credit Hours)”
      New Testament Survey is one of the Arts/Humanities options.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Programs | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies”
      A Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is offered.
    2. BIST - Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/programs/S8wf0GikE2ISG4vTLVrB · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biblical Studies program provides students with a foundational preparation for ministry”
      The Biblical Studies B.A. prepares students for ministry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Doctrinal Statement | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/about/doctrinal-statement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “That the Bible is the inspired Word of God and without error.”
      The catalog publishes the university's statement of faith.
    2. University Profile | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/about/university-profile · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Carolina University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning”
      The university describes itself as a Christ-centered institution.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 2 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (Each residence hall floor has a Resident Assistant responsible for discipleship of residents, and Hall Huddles are held for each residential hall.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “discipleship of all residents”
      Resident Assistants are responsible for the discipleship of all residents.
      “Hall Huddles are held five times a semester for each residential hall.”
      Hall Huddles are held in every residence hall.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Director of Student Life provides leadership and oversight for spiritual life.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Director of Student Life at Carolina University provides leadership and oversight for”
      The Director of Student Life oversees spiritual life.
N/AMissions and service: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Missions and service

Not enough information · 0 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Strengths

  • Chapel attendance is required and monitored for main-campus undergraduate residents, commuters and student-athletes.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel attendance is required and monitored for all Main Campus undergraduate residents, commuters, and all student-athletes.”
      Chapel attendance is required for main-campus undergraduates, commuters and student-athletes.
  • The university publishes a doctrinal statement and offers a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.
    Sources (2)
    1. Doctrinal Statement | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/about/doctrinal-statement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “That the Bible is the inspired Word of God and without error.”
      The catalog publishes the university's statement of faith.
    2. Programs | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies”
      A Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is offered.
  • Each residence hall floor has a Resident Assistant responsible for the discipleship of residents.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each residence hall floor has a Resident Assistant (RA) chosen by the Office of Campus Life.”
      Every residence hall floor has a Resident Assistant chosen by Campus Life.
      “discipleship of all residents”
      Resident Assistants are responsible for the discipleship of all residents.

Concerns

  • Chapel meets once a week, not several times a week.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel is held weekly throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.”
      Chapel is held once a week during the fall and spring semesters.
  • The Old and New Testament surveys are options rather than required of every student; the bachelor's core requires one Christian religion course.
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Courses | Carolina University Catalogcatalog.carolinau.edu/policies/gened · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian Religion (Required)”
      The general education program for bachelor's degrees requires a Christian religion course, BT100 Introduction to Christianity.
      “BO101 - Old Testament Survey (3 Credit Hours)”
      Old Testament Survey is one of the Arts/Humanities options.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Office of Campus Life

  • Address: 420 South Broad Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  • Distance from campus: less than 0.1 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

Source: carolinau.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, carolinau.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The Director of Student Life at Carolina University provides leadership and oversight for”
    The Director of Student Life oversees spiritual life.
    “Any meeting or activity scheduled during Chapel must be approved by the Director of Student Life no less than 24 hours in advance.”
    Campus Life oversees chapel and required events.

Christian clubs and student life

2 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 0 off campus, 1 location not published

Faith formation 1

  • Hall HuddlesOn campus
    Five times a semester per residence hall
    Required hall meetings led with Resident Assistants.
    carolinau.edu, carolinau.edu

Worship and prayer 1

  • Chapel
    Fridays 10:45 AM, Fall and Spring semesters
    Weekly chapel services with speakers from ministry and other professions, held at Salem Baptist Church.
    carolinau.edu, carolinau.edu, carolinau.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Friday10:45 AMSalem Baptist Church · Chapel in the Fall and Spring semesters. The 2026-27 handbook gives an end time of 11:30 a.m. the chapel page says 11:45 a.m. The start time matches both.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Student Handbook 2026-2027, Carolina Universitycarolinau.edu/sites/default/files/2026-07/student%20handbook%202026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel services will be held at Salem Baptist Church every Friday from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.”
    Chapel is held at Salem Baptist Church on Fridays from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$17,738
$30,001–$48,000$17,560
$48,001–$75,000$22,993
$75,001–$110,000$23,597
Over $110,000$24,152

Full cost of attendance before aid: $32,680 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
424
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 57% · Women 43%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
33%
Total students893
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$20,828
Cost of attendance (per year)$32,680
Median federal debt at graduation$20,287
Graduation rate: all students who enroll, within 8 years
Most students here study online, so this counts everyone who enrolls, not only first-time, full-time students. Share who earn an award within 8 years (federal Outcome Measures).
40%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
10%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
9%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
60%
First-year retention56%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$32,864
Admission rate40%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$25
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,082 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants37%

Value index: 41 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Bible/Biblical Studies$56,995
Theology$38,859

Also offered (no earnings published yet): American Sign Language, Business (general), Business administration, Clinical and counseling psychology, Computer science, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, Design, Educational leadership, Ethnic and gender studies, Interdisciplinary studies, Psychology, Public health, Religious Education, Religious Music and Worship, Secondary education, Social sciences, Sociology, Teacher education.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Business35%
Area and ethnic studies19%
Criminal justice and security13%
Psychology11%
Interdisciplinary studies6%

Campus facts

SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates4%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older19%
On-campus room and board (per year)$12,400
SportsNAIA · Continental Athletic Conference
Students per faculty member17 to 1
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time41%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$4,179IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 53% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline servicePiedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)About 17 miles away · about 35 minutes by car
Nearest major airportCharlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)About 72 miles away
Town population252,037Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreWinston-SalemIn or next to this city
Typical weather40°F in January · 79°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Winston Salem Rynlds Airport, NC, about 4 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Carolina University a Christian college?
Yes. Carolina University is a Christian college.
Where is chapel held at Carolina University?
Chapel is listed at Salem Baptist Church. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 489937
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (small programs)
  • Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Non-Denominational
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

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