William Peace University
Peace
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1194
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
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
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
38.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.0%/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%
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.
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
Estimated from NC state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
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