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Mars Hill University

Mars Hill, NC·Private nonprofit·995 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

78%
Accept
995
Students
$20,313
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$33,800
Earnings
10 yr
$18,172
Debt

About This School

Mars Hill University is a private nonprofit institution located in Mars Hill, North Carolina with approximately 995 undergraduate students enrolled. Mars Hill University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 78%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,313 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $33,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Mars Hill University is a private Christian liberal arts university in Mars Hill, North Carolina, United States. The university offers 35 undergraduate majors and includes a school of nursing and graduate schools in education, criminal justice, and management. From 1859 to 2013 the school was called Mars Hill College; in August 2013 it officially changed its name to Mars Hill University.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 42% graduation rate and 61% freshman retention rate suggest that a significant portion of students don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the upside, the average net price of $20,313/year and relatively low median debt of $18,172 keep costs manageable, and the small Christian liberal arts environment in the NC mountains suits students who want a tight-knit campus with programs like nursing and education. That said, median earnings of $33,800 a decade out are modest, so this is worth considering mainly if the specific programs, faith-based community, or financial aid package make it the right personal fit — not for a generic college experience.

Founded
1856
Setting
Fringe rural

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing16%
Health Professions12%
Biological Sciences9%
Psychology9%
Education7%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Social Sciences3%
Physical Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

David Price

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$37,270
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,270
Avg Net Price
$20,313
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants42%
Median debt at graduation$18,172

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
61%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$33,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,172
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,172
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$33,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White63%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (995 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Mars Hill University

100 Athletic St

Mars Hill, NC 28754

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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