High Point University
High Point University is a private institution of higher education located in High Point, North Carolina, affiliated with the United Methodist Church and emphasizing values-based learning and professional preparation.[1] Founded in 1924 as High Point College through the efforts of the Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, it transitioned to university status in 1991 following periods of growth and adaptation.[2] Under the leadership of President Nido R. Qubein since 2005, the university has invested more than $3 billion in campus infrastructure, including new academic buildings, athletic facilities, and residential halls, transforming it from a smaller regional college into a modern campus serving over 6,300 students as of fall 2024.[3][4] High Point University offers 66 undergraduate majors and 68 minors across schools in business, health sciences, education, and the liberal arts, alongside graduate programs in areas such as physician assistant studies and pharmacy.[5] It has garnered top regional rankings, including #1 Best Regional College South, #1 Most Innovative Regional College South, and #1 Best Undergraduate Teaching Regional Colleges South by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years, as well as #1 Best-Run College nationally by The Princeton Review for the second straight year.[6][7] These accolades reflect its focus on student outcomes, with reported high graduation rates and post-graduate employment, though critics in online forums question the comparability of its regional metrics to national research universities.[8][9]History
Founding and Early Years
High Point College was established on September 15, 1924, as a cooperative venture between the Methodist Protestant Church and the City of High Point, North Carolina, succeeding the earlier Yadkin College chartered in 1856, which many regard as its spiritual predecessor.[2] [10] The initiative was championed by Rev. Joseph F. McCulloch, who had advocated for a Methodist Protestant institution in the region since the late 1890s through publications like the Methodist Protestant Herald.[10] The city contributed 60 acres of land and $100,000 to secure the college over competing bids from Winston-Salem and Greensboro.[11] [10] Classes commenced that fall with 122 students and nine faculty members, operating initially from three partially completed buildings while construction continued; the first permanent structures were finished by 1927.[11] [2] Under founding president Dr. J. H. Millard (1924–1934), the institution focused on liberal arts education aligned with Methodist principles, incorporating symbolic elements like the Yadkin College bell as a "victory bell."[2] [10] The Great Depression posed severe challenges, including delayed faculty salaries for up to 15 years, tuition payments in goods, and institutional bankruptcy leading to reorganization in 1934.[11] Dr. C. C. Weaver, president from 1934 to 1945, navigated these difficulties alongside World War II, during which the campus hosted U.S. Army Air Force training programs; enrollment reached approximately 500 students by the 1940s.[2] Debt was fully cleared by 1945, setting the stage for post-war expansion.[11] Postwar growth accelerated with the GI Bill and baby boom, tripling enrollment and prompting infrastructure additions like a library, gymnasium, athletic stadium (aided by Works Progress Administration funds), and four residence halls between 1953 and 1968.[11] The college achieved accreditation in 1951, solidifying its regional standing amid these developments.[11]Challenges and Transition to University
High Point College faced significant financial hardships during the Great Depression of the 1930s, including faculty salary arrears extending up to 15 years and student tuition payments often made in barter goods such as chickens, pigs, and vegetables.[11][12] Budgetary restraints led to salary cuts and mounting indebtedness, culminating in the institution's bankruptcy and reorganization in 1934 to alleviate debt burdens.[13][11] These challenges were compounded by the college's early reliance on fundraising, church affiliations, and municipal support, with classes commencing in September 1924 amid ongoing construction of foundational buildings.[10] The institution persisted through World War II under successive administrations, liquidating remaining debts by 1945.[11] Postwar recovery was aided by the GI Bill and the baby boom generation, tripling enrollment and enabling facility expansions, including accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1951.[11][13] By the 1980s, further infrastructure developments—such as the Smith Library in 1984 and a new men's residence hall in 1987—signaled stabilization and growth, laying groundwork for programmatic diversification.[13] On October 9, 1991, the Board of Trustees officially renamed High Point College as High Point University, reflecting the introduction of graduate-level offerings including master's degrees in business administration, management, and educational administration.[11][12][13] This transition marked a shift toward comprehensive university status, with subsequent additions like physical education facilities in 1992 underscoring expanded academic and extracurricular ambitions.[13]Transformation Under Nido Qubein
Nido R. Qubein assumed the presidency of High Point University in January 2005, inheriting an institution with approximately 1,400 students on a 91-acre campus and annual freshman applications of about 1,000.[14][3] Under his direction, the university launched a $2 billion initiative to overhaul its academic offerings, infrastructure, and operations, reversing prior stagnation marked by high attrition rates exceeding 20% annually.[15][14] Enrollment expanded substantially, rising 322% from 2005 to 2024 and adding over 5,000 students overall, with total figures reaching 6,335 in fall 2024 and a record 6,400 projected for fall 2025.[16][3] Freshman applications surged to 22,000 annually, reflecting heightened selectivity and appeal.[16] Concurrently, full-time faculty numbers increased 365% to support academic growth, including the expansion of schools from 3 to 14, encompassing new programs in fields such as dental medicine and law set to open in summer 2025.[16][17] The campus footprint grew 515% in acreage to 580 acres by 2025, accompanied by a 746% rise in square footage through extensive construction of residence halls, academic buildings, and amenities like the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center.[16][3] Plant, property, and equipment assets escalated 862%, bolstering the university's endowment from $42 million to $240 million.[16] Total employment rose 502%, contributing to an annual economic impact of $850 million on the local area.[16] These developments elevated retention and graduation rates, transforming High Point University from a regional commuter school into a residential institution emphasizing experiential learning and student success.[18]
Leadership
Nido Qubein and Administrative Vision
Nido R. Qubein, a Lebanese-American businessman and motivational speaker, assumed the presidency of High Point University on January 1, 2005, as its seventh president. Prior to this role, Qubein had built a career as an author and consultant, delivering over 7,500 presentations worldwide, and served as chairman of the Great Harvest Bread Company and president of the Big South Conference.[19][20] Qubein's administrative vision centers on transforming High Point University from "an ocean of sameness to a small pool of distinction" through values-based, experiential education that prepares students "not for the world as it is, but as it will be." He emphasizes Premier Life Skills—such as critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making—integrated into the curriculum, including his personal instruction of "The President’s Seminar on Life Skills" for all freshmen. This approach prioritizes student success by defining a clear vision, developing executable strategies, and interpreting value in all decisions, often applying business principles to higher education challenges.[17][19] Under Qubein's leadership, this vision has driven substantial institutional growth, evidenced by undergraduate enrollment tripling since 2005, campus acreage expanding from 90 to 520 acres, and full-time faculty increasing by 365%. The university's endowment rose from $42 million to $240 million, with total assets in plant, property, and equipment growing 862%, reflecting a $2 billion transformation in facilities and programs. Qubein attributes these outcomes to consistent execution and direct engagement with students, faculty, and staff, resulting in a 99% graduate employment or graduate school placement rate within 180 days—14 points above the national average.[16][21][17] In his 2024 book Extraordinary Transformation, Qubein outlines lessons from nearly two decades at HPU, advocating innovative strategies like facilities-driven enrollment growth and fiscal discipline to counter higher education's enrollment declines. By August 2025, Qubein became North Carolina's longest-serving active college president, having led HPU to 13 consecutive years as the #1 Regional College in the South by U.S. News & World Report. His compensation, reaching $2.1 million in 2022, aligns with the scale of these achievements amid a period of aggressive expansion.[22][23][17][14]Campus and Facilities
Expansion and Infrastructure Development
Under the leadership of President Nido Qubein since 2005, High Point University has pursued aggressive infrastructure expansion to support rapid enrollment growth from approximately 3,000 students to over 6,000, transforming a modest campus into a 525-acre facility with more than 100 buildings.[24] This development has included $1.6 billion in investments by 2019, encompassing the construction or acquisition of 90 structures focused on academic, residential, and recreational amenities.[24] In September 2019, the university unveiled a 10-year growth plan committing $1 billion to further enhancements, including academic facilities and student housing, announced alongside community leaders and faculty.[25] A key phase materialized in March 2022 with a $400 million expansion program, featuring 32 new off-campus houses costing $10 million to house 140 students, the $80 million Panther Commons dining and retail hub at the campus core, and additional residential and recreational infrastructure, all targeted for completion by 2025 in alignment with the university's centennial.[26] Complementing this, the $170 million Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center opened in 2021, providing a 4,500-seat venue for athletics, events, and a connected hotel.[27] By July 2024, $100 million in active construction projects were progressing ahead of the September centennial celebration, incorporating two new academic buildings, dormitory renovations, and expanded dining options.[28] These efforts extended into 2025 with nearly $200 million invested in completing the Workman School of Dental Medicine—a three-story, 77,500-square-foot facility with simulation labs and a functional dental practice, ribbon-cut on September 10—and the adjacent law school building, opened September 11 with remarks from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.[29][30][31] Since 2005, an additional $500 million has targeted STEM infrastructure along the half-mile Innovation Corridor, including labs and research spaces.[32]Amenities and Student Experience Features
High Point University provides extensive recreational facilities to support student wellness and leisure activities, including multiple fitness centers equipped with weight training, cardio machines, and group exercise studios offering over 40 classes weekly such as yoga, spin, and HIIT.[33] The campus features a 25-meter six-lane indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool with a 14-person jacuzzi, and a gymnasium containing two multi-purpose courts and a 1/10-mile indoor track.[34] Outdoor amenities encompass three lighted multi-purpose athletic fields for sports like soccer and lacrosse, lighted courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball, as well as specialty areas including a high ropes course, zipline, laser tag arena, low ropes team-building course, and a trail system.[34] Dining options at the university exceed 20 venues, ranging from casual eateries like the Café and Point Sports Grille serving chicken wings to fine dining establishments featuring teppanyaki and steak house experiences.[35] These facilities cater to diverse preferences with coffee-focused cafes and concession stands, integrated into campus life to provide convenient access for students.[35] Student experience is enhanced through entertainment venues such as the Bertram L. Podell Extraordinaire Cinema for film screenings and The Point Arcade within the R.G. Wanek Center, alongside complimentary events including weekly movies, food trucks, annual concerts, and Last Day of Classes (LDOC) celebrations organized by the Campus Activities Team.[36] The university maintains nearly 100 clubs and organizations, fostering social engagement, while additional perks like an on-campus car wash and ice cream truck contribute to a resort-like atmosphere designed to encourage students to remain on campus.[37] [38] Outdoor spaces, including Hayworth Park and an arboretum with botanical gardens, offer serene areas for relaxation and exploration.[39] Housing communities feature shared amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, living rooms, and study areas to support communal living.[40]Academics
Programs and Schools
High Point University structures its undergraduate offerings across a College of Arts and Sciences and seven professional schools, providing 73 majors and 70 minors designed to integrate liberal arts foundations with career-oriented training.[1] Programs emphasize experiential learning, internships, and life skills development to prepare students for professional entry or advanced study.[5] The Congdon School of Health Sciences delivers majors in areas such as exercise science, athletic training, physician assistant studies, and nursing, with facilities including simulation labs for clinical practice.[41] The Stout School of Education, nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, offers teacher licensure programs in elementary education, special education, and middle grades, requiring annual field experiences in K-12 settings.[42] The David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design includes degrees in graphic design, interior design, studio art, fashion merchandising, music, theater, and dance, supported by professional studios and performance venues.[43] The Wanek School of Natural Sciences provides programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science, with research opportunities in modern laboratories.[5] Additional professional schools encompass the Congdon School of Entrepreneurship, launched in 2024 as North Carolina's first private institution dedicated to entrepreneurial education, offering coursework in business innovation and startup management; the Webb School of Business, focusing on accounting, finance, marketing, and management; and the School of Communication, with majors in strategic communication, media production, and public relations.[44][5] Graduate education falls under the Norcross Graduate School, which administers master's programs including the MBA in healthcare management and supply chain management, M.Ed. degrees in elementary education, special education, and educational leadership, and M.A. in strategic communication.[45] Doctoral offerings include the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), with high employment outcomes reported at 99.5% for master's recipients and 100% for doctoral graduates.[45] Select undergraduate alumni qualify for tuition-free enrollment in certain master's programs, such as those in education and business, contingent on maintaining a minimum GPA and timely application.[46]Rankings and Recognition
High Point University has received consistent top rankings in categories emphasizing undergraduate teaching quality, institutional innovation, and operational efficiency among regional colleges in the South. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" edition, the university ranked #1 in Regional Colleges South for the 14th consecutive year, reflecting strong performance in metrics such as graduation rates, faculty resources, and student selectivity.[47] It also earned #1 rankings for Most Innovative Regional College in the South and Best Undergraduate Teaching in the South, the latter for the third straight year, based on peer assessments of academic programs and faculty engagement.[6] The Princeton Review recognized High Point University as the #1 Best-Run College in the Nation in its 2026 edition of "The Best 391 Colleges," marking the second consecutive year for this distinction; the ranking draws from administrator and student surveys evaluating leadership, facilities management, and overall institutional effectiveness.[48] In August 2025, LinkedIn ranked the university #7 nationally for strongest alumni networks among higher education institutions, analyzing alumni presence and influence at top U.S. companies.[49] User-driven platforms like Niche have highlighted student satisfaction in specific areas, with High Point University ranking #9 for Best College Dorms in America, #25 for Best College Food, and #34 for Best College Campuses as of 2025, derived from verified student reviews on housing, dining, and aesthetics.[50] These recognitions underscore the university's focus on experiential learning and campus amenities rather than research output, positioning it as a leader in regional undergraduate education.Faculty Resources and Research Initiatives
High Point University emphasizes undergraduate research through faculty-student collaborations facilitated by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Works, which connects participants via the ForagerOne platform for matching research interests and provides internal HPU Grants for projects.[51][52] The office also supports summer research programs, involving approximately 75 students and 40 faculty members across diverse topics as of July 2024, and publishes the annual HPU Journal: Innovation, showcasing undergraduate creative and scholarly works.[53][54] The Research Administration and Sponsored Programs (RASP) office promotes faculty development as "teacher-scholars," offering resources such as free profiles in funding opportunity databases tailored to individual needs for federal and non-federal grants.[55][56] Faculty access these tools to pursue sponsored programs, with RASP advocating for expanded research capacity university-wide.[55] Specialized facilities bolster faculty-led initiatives, including the Physics Undergraduate Research Lab, which enables innovative departmental approaches to student preparation; the Beacon Lab, equipped with biosensors for measuring brain activity, perspiration, and eye tracking in behavioral studies; and the Human Biomechanics & Physiology Lab, supporting interdisciplinary work in physical therapy, exercise science, and athletic training.[57][58][59] The Institute for Human Health and Sports Science Research (H2S2) focuses on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement through biomechanics and interdisciplinary collaboration.[60] These resources integrate into experiential learning, with faculty publishing and presenting findings, as evidenced by community recognitions for research contributions in 2022.[61]Admissions and Enrollment
Admissions Process and Selectivity
The admissions process at High Point University for incoming freshmen is holistic, with the Admissions Committee reviewing applications based on high school academic performance, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and optional standardized test scores.[62] Applications are submitted online via the Common Application, Coalition with Scoir, or the university's proprietary portal, requiring an official high school transcript, a counselor report, and one recommendation from a teacher or counselor.[62] [63] High Point recommends a strong preparatory curriculum, including four units each of English and mathematics (through Algebra II), three units each of laboratory science, social studies, and foreign language.[62] The university operates on a test-optional policy for general admission, allowing applicants to submit SAT (code 5293) or ACT (code 3108) scores if desired, though submission is mandatory for competitive merit programs like Presidential or Honors Scholarships.[62] Deadlines for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle include Early Decision I (November 1, 2025, with decisions by November 24), Early Action (November 15, 2025, decisions by December 15), Early Decision II (February 1, 2026, decisions by February 15), and Regular Decision (March 1, 2026).[62] Early Decision applicants receive priority consideration for housing and course registration.[62] High Point University exhibits moderate selectivity, with an acceptance rate of 77% based on recent application cycles involving over 15,000 applicants annually.[64] [65] For the Class of 2029, admitted students recorded an average unweighted GPA of 3.53, an average SAT score of 1280, and an average ACT composite of 27, with 69 students achieving a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA; among those submitting test scores, the middle 50% SAT range is 1110-1320 and ACT range is 24-33.[66] [67] Approximately 56% of the class applied via Early Decision, reflecting a commitment-oriented applicant pool.[66]Student Body Demographics and Growth
High Point University's enrollment has expanded substantially under its current administration, reaching a record total of 6,550 students in fall 2025, up 3.4% from 6,335 the previous year.[68] This growth continued a trend of increases, including a nearly 5% rise from 6,040 in fall 2023 to 6,335 in fall 2024, contrasting with national declines in college enrollment.[69] The fall 2025 incoming class included a record 1,780 new undergraduates, an 8% increase over the prior year.[70] Overall, since 2005, the university's traditional undergraduate and graduate enrollment has grown by 322%.[71] Undergraduate enrollment totaled 5,135 students in fall 2024.[47] The student body skews female, with 55.5% women and 44.5% men overall; the incoming class of 2029 was 62% female and 38% male.[47][66] Racial and ethnic composition reflects limited diversity, with White students comprising the large majority. Based on 2023 enrollment data, the breakdown was as follows:| Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.8% |
| Black or African American | 9.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7.34% |
| Asian | 2.66% |
| Two or More Races | 0.991% |
| Other/Unknown | ~6% |
Student Life
Residential Life and Housing
High Point University mandates on-campus housing for first-year students, with 97% of freshmen living in university-provided accommodations.[74] Across the student body, 93% reside in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, reflecting a residential campus model that emphasizes community integration.[75] Housing options span traditional residence halls, suite-style buildings, apartment complexes, tiny homes, and university-owned single-family houses, catering to undergraduates and graduates with configurations from single rooms to shared doubles or multi-occupant units.[40] Key facilities include Belk Residence Hall, offering suite-style living with shared bathrooms in a central campus location; Panther Commons, the newest hall equipped with integrated retail spaces, laundry, and communal study areas; and North Hall, designated for first-year students to foster transitional support.[40] Upperclassmen access premium options such as fully furnished university-owned houses, while graduate students occupy University Village, which houses 116 residents in one- or two-bedroom apartments shared by two to five individuals.[76][77] All residential buildings feature full furnishings, central heating and air conditioning, high-speed wireless internet, cable television, and on-site laundry facilities, with the entire campus maintaining comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage to support academic and social activities.[77][78] First-year housing selection assigns students to designated buildings for the 2025-2026 academic year, prioritizing community-building environments, while returning undergraduates engage in a timed process starting with housing deposit notifications in January and a required $750 deposit due February 13.[79][80] The university promotes residential life through structured tiers differentiating incoming, returning, and graduate accommodations, though specific tier criteria emphasize progression from shared freshman halls to independent upper-level options.[81] Student feedback and external assessments highlight high satisfaction with housing quality, citing modern amenities like granite countertops, full-size appliances, and resort-like designs as factors in national rankings for top dorms.[82][83]Greek Life and Organizations
High Point University's fraternity and sorority community comprises 17 active chapters governed by four councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), College Panhellenic Council (PHC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and United Greek Council (UGC).[84] Approximately 30% of the undergraduate student body, or 1,414 members, participate in Greek life, with chapters emphasizing leadership, academic achievement, service, and philanthropy in alignment with their national organizations' standards.[84] The average GPA for Greek members stands at 3.2, exceeding the all-undergraduate average in recent reports.[84] The IFC oversees five men's fraternities focused on personal development, brotherhood, and campus involvement: Beta Theta Pi, Delta Chi, Kappa Alpha Order, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Pi Kappa Phi.[85] The PHC governs six women's sororities dedicated to scholarship, service, and sisterhood: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Gamma Delta, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Zeta Tau Alpha.[85] These councils conduct formal recruitment periods in late summer, requiring participants to register by August 31 and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 for college students or 2.50 for incoming freshmen, with no active disciplinary sanctions.[84] The NPHC represents five chapters from the "Divine Nine," historically Black Greek-letter organizations promoting cultural awareness, community service, and academic excellence: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.[85] Membership intake occurs variably by chapter and semester, prioritizing demonstrated interest and prior academic performance.[84] The UGC supports multicultural and service-oriented groups, including Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. (Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad) and Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, the latter chartered recently to expand inclusive leadership opportunities.[85] Chapters across all councils engage in philanthropy, raising funds for local and national causes, and participate in university traditions such as Bid Day on September 6.[84] The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life provides resources for chapter governance, risk management, and educational programming to ensure compliance with institutional policies.[86]Extracurricular Activities and Traditions
High Point University maintains nearly 100 registered clubs and organizations, categorized into academic, cultural and political, service, non-social fraternities and honor societies, and others, fostering student involvement in diverse interests.[37][87] These groups, overseen by the Student Government Association, include the student-run HPU Dance Company, which performs in the community and offers classes such as yoga and stretching to participants; the Panther Motor Club, focused on automotive enthusiasm and welcoming environments for car-related activities; and Kappa Delta Pi, an international education honor society chapter established in 1965.[88][87][89] Additional opportunities encompass club sports like those listed on the university's club athletics site, intramural programs, volunteering, and leadership roles, all designed to complement academic pursuits.[90][91] The Office of Student Engagement coordinates complimentary campus programming, including weekly movies, food trucks, and annual events such as Last Day of Classes (LDOC) celebrations and concerts, enhancing community building among the student body.[36] Public-facing events through the Cultural Enrichment Series feature art, music, theatre performances, and guest speakers, often tied to broader campus life.[92] Campus traditions emphasize school spirit and milestones. Welcome Week, held annually at the start of the fall semester, incorporates student organization fairs, community service, late-night socials, informational sessions, and spirited activities to integrate new students.[93] Homecoming and Reunion Weekend serves as an annual gathering for alumni, faculty, staff, and students, featuring tailored schedules of events.[94] For seniors, traditions include a brunch at 1924 Prime with timed slots from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a class toast honoring the graduating cohort.[95] A distinctive visual tradition involves displaying over 140 American flags across campus, symbolizing institutional values.[96]Athletics
Teams, Conferences, and Achievements
The High Point Panthers sponsor 17 varsity athletic teams that compete at the NCAA Division I level.[97] Men's teams include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, and indoor and outdoor track and field.[97] Women's teams consist of basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball.[97] Most Panthers teams compete in the Big South Conference.[98] The men's lacrosse program participates in the Atlantic 10 Conference, while women's rowing competes primarily in the Eastern Association of Women's Rowing Conferences.[99] High Point has achieved notable success within the Big South, including a four-peat as George F. "Buddy" Sasser Cup champions from 2022 to 2025, recognizing the conference's top overall athletic department based on combined regular-season and tournament performances across sports.[100] The men's basketball team won the 2025 Big South Tournament championship with an 81-69 victory over Winthrop, earning the program's first NCAA Division I tournament berth, where it faced No. 1-seed Longwood in the First Four.[101][102] Both men's and women's basketball teams qualified for postseason play in 2025, with the women advancing to the Women's National Invitation Tournament.[103] The men's soccer team secured its third consecutive Big South regular-season title and sixth in nine seasons as of 2025, along with the program's first NCAA tournament victory.[104][98] The women's lacrosse team won the National Lacrosse Conference championship in its inaugural 2011 season.[105] In baseball, a program-record nine players earned All-Big South honors in 2025.[105] The department consistently ranks in the top 20 nationally among non-football Division I programs in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings and posted a 98.7% Academic Progress Rate for 2023-24.[106]Career Outcomes
Employment and Placement Statistics
High Point University reports that 99.2% of the Class of 2024 graduates were employed or pursuing further education within 180 days of graduation, exceeding the national average by 14 percentage points.[107][108] Similar outcomes include 98.9% for the Class of 2022 and 98% for the Class of 2021, based on university surveys tracking graduates' status six months post-graduation.[109][110] These figures encompass full-time employment, part-time roles, military service, or enrollment in graduate programs, but exclude outcomes for non-respondents to the surveys, potentially inflating rates if unresponsive graduates face lower success.[111] The university's methodology relies on direct outreach to alumni via email and phone, with data aggregated by the Office of Career & Professional Development; however, independent verification is limited, and the overall six-year graduation rate stands at 68%, suggesting the employment metric applies only to degree completers.[112] Median earnings for alumni approximately five years post-graduation are reported at $47,613, below national medians for private institutions but aligned with regional benchmarks in North Carolina.[112]| Graduation Class | Placement Rate (Employed or Further Education within 180 Days) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 99.2% | University Report[107] |
| 2022 | 98.9% | University Report[109] |
| 2021 | 98% | University Report[110] |