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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](/media/catawba-college/site-assets/images/logos/badge-top10.png)
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
Catawba College is recognized among the nation's 2024-2025 Colleges of Distinction for an unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education and its dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes. Already recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its innovative approach to education, Catawba College has also been recognized for its commitment to affordability compared to other institutions, its strong undergraduate degrees in business and education, and in the area of Career Development for its commitment to helping students advance in their desired careers.
The Princeton Review's Best Colleges
![Princeton Review's The Best 388 Colleges](/media/princetonreviewbest-388-book-cover2022-1-150x198.jpg)
Catawba College is again cited as one of the nation's best colleges in The Princeton Review's Best 388 Colleges guide 2023 edition.
Recognitions and Achievements in Sustainability
![Gold STARS Rating](/media/catawba-college/site-assets/images/AASHE-Gold24-200x200.png)
Catawba College is proud to share the successes and recognitions we have achieved from our sustainability efforts and commitment. View our rankings and achievements in the area of Sustainability below:
Affordable College of Distinction
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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.
STARS Gold Rating For Sustainability Achievement
![Gold STARS Rating](/media/catawba-college/site-assets/images/AASHE-Gold24-200x200.png)
Catawba College has earned a STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability work from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.
The Princeton Review's "Great College Theatre" List
![Great College Theatre](/media/catawba-college/site-assets/images/logos/badge-theatre.png)
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
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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 Online College and Degrees by Forbes Advisor
Catawba College is recognized by Forbes Advisor as one of the best colleges in 2024 in multiple categories:
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Top Schools for Online Master’s Degrees
![onlinemastersdegrees.org badge](/media/catawba-college/site-assets/images/icons/OMD-badge24.png)
Catawba is recognized as one of the best schools for online master’s degrees in 2024 by OnlineMastersDegrees.org in the following subject areas:
Best Colleges in North Carolina
![Niche Logo](/media/catawba-college/site-assets/images/logos/niche-logo.png)
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](/media/catawba-college/site-assets/images/logos/Web-Use-Best-In-Class-Colleges-2023b.png)
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 Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling
Catawba College is ranked #1 for Best Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs, according to BestColleges.com.
Best Psychology Degrees
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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
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Catawba was ranked among the most affordable small southern colleges for a Sports Management degree in the U.S. by Sports-Management-Degrees.com.