Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
William Peace University is a private institution in Raleigh with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1198, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 661 undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
44% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $46,643 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,728.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
William Peace University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1198
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
37.7%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,145
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
4
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (31)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
61%
- •61% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History The institution that eventually became William Peace University was founded in 1857 as "Peace Institute" by a group of men within the Presbyterian Synod of North Carolina.
- •The leading donation of $10,000 (equivalent to $345,500 in 2025) came from William Peace, a prominent local merchant and a founding member of the First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh.
- •Peace is believed to have been in the first class of the University of North Carolina, and was a longtime proponent of education as a benefactor of Raleigh Academy, a school primarily for boys.
- •The Civil War and Reconstruction Era delayed the opening of the school, but Peace Institute opened in January 1872.
- •The first president was John Burwell, assisted by his son Robert.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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