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Montreat College

Montreat, NC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1916
Founded
Private college
Type
750
Total Students
$10M
Endowment
$34K
Tuition (In-State)
$34K
Tuition (Out-State)
$26K
Avg Net Price
66%
Acceptance Rate
41%
Graduation Rate
6-year
62%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Paul Maurer

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Montreat College

Montreat College: A Christian education nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains since 1916.

Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Montreat College stands as a private institution deeply rooted in Christian principles. Established in 1916, it has a rich history tied to the broader Mountain Retreat Association, an interdenominational initiative aimed at fostering Christian work and living. Montreat College is known for its commitment to providing a holistic educational experience that nurtures both intellect and spirit within a close-knit community.

The college's origins are unique, evolving from a vision to utilize the Mountain Retreat Association's facilities year-round for educational purposes. What began as Montreat Normal School, dedicated to providing Christian education for girls and training future teachers, quickly adapted to the changing landscape of higher education. Throughout its history, Montreat College has demonstrated resilience, transitioning from a junior college to offering four-year curricula and even graduate programs, always upholding its foundational mission.

Today, Montreat College continues to build on its legacy, offering diverse academic programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. With a student body of nearly 1,000, students benefit from a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and spiritual development. The college's historical connections, including the long-standing support of figures like evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth Graham, underscore its enduring commitment to Christian education and community engagement.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1916 as Montreat Normal School, evolving from the interdenominational Mountain Retreat Association.
  • A private Christian college serving 972 students.
  • Offers comprehensive four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate programs.
  • Benefitted from significant support, including a $150,000 gift from evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth Graham.
  • Its unique origin was to create a school to make year-round use of facilities previously used only for summer conferences.
  • Currently led by President Paul Maurer, who took office in 2014 following a $6 million anonymous gift.

Timeline

1897
Mountain Retreat Association formed with an interdenominational purpose
1916
Montreat Normal School opened, dedicated to Christian education and teacher training
1934
Montreat College officially became a junior college
1967
The Town of Montreat was founded, separating municipal functions from the Mountain Retreat Association
1975
Montreat College and the Mountain Retreat Association conference center formed two separate organizations
1980
Expanded again to offer a four-year curriculum (approximate)
1990
Expanded the number of class sites and introduced online offerings (approximate)
2014
Paul Maurer became president after a $6 million anonymous gift stabilized the college
🏛️
110 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Paul Maurer
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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