Meredith College

Statistics

School Says - General Information
Meredith was chartered in 1891. Today Meredith is an independent private women's college - one of the largest in the U.S. Meredith offers a comprehensive education with an emphasis on an innovative liberal arts curriculum.

At the undergraduate level, Meredith offers 32 programs of study. The Meredith academic experience is enhanced by a commitment to hands-on learning, international education and leadership development, all within the context of a community that is both challenging and supportive. An extensive Undergraduate Research Program encourages student/faculty research in every discipline, while service-learning expands the College's longtime commitment to community service.

Meredith also offers numerous opportunities for graduate and professional study and lifelong learning. Through the John E. Weems Graduate School, Meredith offers coeducational graduate programs in business, nutrition and education. In addition, Meredith offers post-baccalaureate Dietetic Internship and Paralegal Programs.

The Meredith community is diverse, spirited and culturally engaged. Campus life is shaped by almost 2,000 students from 35 states and 45 countries. Students advance their leadership skills by participating in more than 100 clubs and organizations, playing NCAA Division III sports, producing campus-wide events, taking leadership roles in the community and joining in college traditions.

School Says - Student Body
Meredith sponsors a Presidential Lecture Series, juried student exhibitions, an active concert schedule, visiting artists and exhibitions featuring professional artists.

Students participate in four theatre and dance performance troupes, three choral groups and four musical ensembles.

Meredith students advance their leadership skills in programs such as the Emerging Leader Seminar Series, Sloan Family Student Leadership Program, Sophie Lanneau Women's Leadership Development Program and the LeaderShape Institute. Meredith was the first women's college in the country to become a campus-based site for LeaderShape.

Meredith athletes compete in six NCAA Division III sports as a member of the USA South Athletic Conference: basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, softball and cross-country. Meredith athletes were conference tournament champions in tennis and soccer for the 2008-09 season.

School Says - Academics
Honors and Teaching Fellows programs are offered. Meredith is one of six private colleges participating in the N.C. Teaching Fellows program.

Internships and Cooperative Education are available in all areas of study.

The Cooperating Raleigh Colleges consortium allows students to take courses at other Raleigh colleges and universities. Meredith offers a dual degree program with NC State University's College of Engineering.

The Undergraduate Research Program supports student/faculty partnerships in the pursuit of research and creative activity in all fields. College funds support these projects and underwrite travel costs for students presenting their work at conferences.

School Says - Admissions
Freshman Applicants
Meredith expects applicants to have taken a challenging academic program, including honors, advanced placement or international baccalaureate level work. Applicants should present a solid grade report with at least a C average in English, foreign language, mathematics, history and natural sciences, and have successfully completed standardized tests including the SAT or ACT. In recent years, the middle 50 percent of enrolling students at Meredith scored between 970 and 1170 on the SAT (Math and Verbal) and 19 and 24 on the ACT. Recommendations from a school official and teacher are also required.

Freshman Admission Programs
Meredith offers two freshman admission programs: Early Decision and Regular Decision.
- Early Decision is designed for students who are ready to withdraw applications to other schools and enroll at Meredith.
- Regular Decision candidates should apply during fall and early winter of their senior year.

Decisions begin on a rolling basis in mid-October. Applicants are invited to come for a visit and experience life as a Meredith student. Schedule a visit online, or call 1-800-MEREDITH or email requests to admissions@meredith.edu.

School Says - Campus Life
Meredith College is located in Raleigh, North Carolina's capital city. Meredith students are part of the more than 108,000 college students who reside in the Research Triangle Park area, the country's premiere research and development hub.

School Says - Cost Aid
Tuition for full-time undergraduate students in 2010-11 is $26,200, with room and board at $7,450, for a total of $33,700. Cost for part-time students is $675 per credit hour, with a graduated fee schedule. Each full-time undergraduate student receives a laptop.

Tuition for graduate students in 2010-11 is $440 per credit hour and $637 per credit hour for MBA students.Financial aid programs are available for students with demonstrated need. These grant programs, which do not need to be repaid, include Federal Pell Grants that range from $400 to $4,700; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants that range from $100 to $4,000; Meredith College grants; and the North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant that is available to full-time students who are legal residents of the state, currently about $1,850.

To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You do not have to wait until you are formally accepted by Meredith to apply.

The Office of Financial Assistance uses the FAFSA form to determine a student's eligibility for grants, loans, scholarships and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Printed copies are available from the Office of Financial Assistance or from a high school guidance counselor. FAFSA forms should be sent directly to the Federal Student Aid Programs by March 1 each year. Meredith College's FAFSA code is 002945. Students must apply for financial aid annually.

Students Say - Academics
"Meredith College is "a community of young women coming together in pursuit of fun and learning." Home to more than 2,100 "dedicated students" from 28 states and 15 foreign countries, Meredith's students describe their Raleigh, NC campus as "a small community of women who achieve big goals" with a touch of "Southern hospitality." Meredith's "outspoken," "fearless," "aware," and "independent" women are "active about doing something in their lives and in the world." This "very tight-knit group of students" regard their education as an opportunity to "push your mind and your conventions" and "make your own way in life." "

Students Say - Campus Life
"According to students, "Meredith College is a place where women are given the tools and the confidence necessary to make an impact and do what they love (and not what they think they must settle for)." The "amazing faculty" is comprised of "wonderful professors who are driven to help you prepare for anything life may throw at you." The "intensive coursework" challenges students "to become the best critical thinkers they can be so that they are prepared for the world outside of school," and "teaches young women how to be competitive in the world of today and tomorrow." Students feel that their education provides them with the "tools to become successful in both life and their career of choice." As one student put it, "Meredith College is about creating and encouraging an atmosphere where students can thrive, prosper, and learn how to become citizens and leaders on a city and world scale.""

Students Say - Student Body
"When asked how to describe life at Meredith, one student responded, "I can do it in one word: Community." "Community" came up frequently in student responses, as did "unity" and "tradition." Meredith offers its students the opportunity to "focus on their specialties, participate in wonderful traditions, and grow into well-rounded women" in an environment that is "fun, fast paced, with a touch of class." Aside from the "traditions ranging back to the 1800s when the school was founded," students tout the ability to "make new friends, explore topics that I enjoy, and feel like a respected individual, not just a number." Students say that Meredith provides "a healthy balance of support and challengesâ€"I am never babied, but when I need advice it's always there; I'm also never in danger, but I've been pushed out of my comfort zone again and againâ€"and am the better for it." Meredith students repeatedly expressed their gratitude for a "safe environment" to test their boundaries. "I have never in my life been so pushed to take responsibility (and pride) in my education," wrote one student. "I am grateful for a place where each day I am a step further then the last.""

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