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William Peace University

Raleigh, NC·Private nonprofit·661 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.

97%
Accept
661
Students
$21,728
Net Price
44%
Grad Rate
$36,900
Earnings
10 yr
$15,145
Debt

About This School

William Peace University is a private nonprofit institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina with approximately 661 undergraduate students enrolled. William Peace University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 97%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,728 per year. The graduation rate is 44%, and the typical graduate earns $36,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

William Peace University is a private college in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, it offers undergraduate degrees in more than 30 majors and accelerated bachelor's degrees through Peace Online for working adults. The institution adopted its current name in 2012, concurrent with its decision to begin admitting men to its day program; it was previously a women's college known as "Peace Institute", "Peace Junior College", and "Peace College".

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 97% acceptance rate and small campus of just 661 students means you'll get personal attention in Raleigh, but only 44% of students graduate on time, and just 61% of freshmen return for sophomore year — signs worth taking seriously. The debt load is manageable at $15,145, but median earnings of $36,900 a decade out are modest, so think carefully about your intended major and career path before committing. Worth considering if you want a small, accessible private college with real community ties, but ask hard questions about student support and what's driving that retention gap.

Founded
1857
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing28%
Visual & Performing Arts12%
Social Sciences10%
Biological Sciences9%
Psychology7%
Communications5%
Education3%
Health Professions2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Fortune FeimsterGail GodwinJacqueline Novogratz

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1198
Reading 75th %ile640
Math 75th %ile640

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$33,150
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,150
Avg Net Price
$21,728
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$15,145

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
44%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
61%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,145
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,145
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.4x

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

White54%
Black20%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (661 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

William Peace University

15 E Peace St

Raleigh, NC 27604-1194

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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