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:
The Princeton Review's Best Colleges
Catawba College is again cited as one of the nation's best colleges in The Princeton Review's Best 390 Colleges guide 2025 edition, based on various student-centered metrics, including cost, value, academics, and quality of life.
Catawba College is also included on their Green Colleges list.
#5 Best College in the South by U.S. News & World Report
Catawba College is ranked number 5 among the 2025 Best Colleges in the South, according to the 2025 edition of "Best Colleges," published by U.S. News & World Report. Catawba was recognized as #5 Best College in the South, #23 Best Value Schools in the South, and #35 Social Mobility Colleges in the South.
“A” Rating in Forbes Financial Grades Ranking
Catawba College received an “A” rating in the 2024 Forbes College Financial Grades ranking. This annual rankings assess the operational viability and balance sheet strength of over 900 private colleges across the United States.
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.
Recognitions and Achievements in Sustainability
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:
STARS Gold Rating For Sustainability Achievement
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.
Affordable College of Distinction
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.
Washington Monthly’s Annual College Guide and Rankings
Catawba was ranked among the nation's Best Bachelor’s Colleges by Washington Monthly’s 2024 College Guide and Rankings based on factors including graduation rate, earnings gap, net price of attendance, social mobility, research, and service.
It was also among the 2024 Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: Southeast.
The Princeton Review's "Great College Theatre" List
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
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
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.com rated Catawba as one of the Best Colleges in North Carolina in its 2022 listing.
Best-In-Class Colleges
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.
Most Affordable RN to BSN Programs
Catawba College's RN to BSN program is one of the most affordable RN to BSN programs for 2025, according to the list published by Intelligent, based on factors including tuition costs, faculty, reputation, student resources, and admission, retention, and graduation rates.
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
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
Catawba was ranked among the most affordable small southern colleges for a Sports Management degree in the U.S. by Sports-Management-Degrees.com.
