PrivateRuralMars Hill University
Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — close-knit campus
Mars Hill University is a private institution in Mars Hill with particular strength in business and health sciences.
A small campus of 995 undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
42% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $44,781 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,313.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Day Hall on College Street, on the university campus Mars Hill University was founded in 1856, and it is the oldest college or university in western North Carolina.
- •In 1859, the university changed its name to Mars Hill, in honor of the hill in ancient Athens on which the Apostle Paul debated Christianity with the city's leading philosophers.
- •From 1897 to 1938 the university, under the leadership of Robert Moore, enjoyed substantial financial and physical growth.
- •In 1921 Mars Hill became an accredited junior college.
- •Hoyt Blackwell served as president from 1938 to 1966, and under his leadership Mars Hill became an accredited four-year college in 1962.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
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
37.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,172
Programs (42)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
61%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
5
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from NC state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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