High Point University: Rankings, Reviews, and Transformative Education

Founded in 1924 by the Methodist Protestant Church, High Point University (HPU) has evolved from humble beginnings into a nationally recognized institution. Located in High Point, North Carolina, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, consistently earning accolades for its commitment to student success, innovative approach to education, and exceptional facilities.

A History of Growth and Transformation

The university's story began with a pledge from the town's citizens, who contributed 60 acres of land and $100,000 to establish a new college. In 1924, the institution opened its doors with three buildings, nine faculty members, and approximately 120 students. Despite facing financial challenges during the Great Depression, the university persevered and expanded its offerings. In 1991, the college officially became High Point University, reflecting its growth and the introduction of graduate programs.

Today, HPU's campus spans 520 acres in a suburban setting and is home to 19 residential buildings and 13 on-campus dining locations. The university has experienced significant growth, particularly since 2005, under the leadership of President Nido R. Qubein. A nearly $3 billion investment has fueled the development of academic programs, student life facilities, and residential communities.

Academic Excellence and Innovative Programs

High Point University offers approximately 73 undergraduate majors and 70 minors, along with 20+ graduate programs. The university consistently receives recognition for its teaching quality and graduate outcomes.

Innovative Learning Environment: HPU emphasizes experiential learning through internships, undergraduate research, global education, and service learning.
Premier Life Skills University: HPU is designated as The Premier Life Skills University®, integrating life skills training into its curriculum. The President's First-Year Seminar on Life Skills, a required course for all freshmen, focuses on developing competencies in communication, networking, coachability, fiscal literacy, and service.
New Academic Schools: HPU has expanded its academic offerings with the addition of several new schools, including the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law, the Workman School of Dental Medicine, and the David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship.
Ranked Programs: U.S. News & World Report has recognized HPU's physician assistant master's degree program as #65 among the nation's Best Physician Assistant Programs.

National Rankings and Recognition

High Point University consistently earns high rankings from various publications, solidifying its reputation as a leading institution.

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#1 Best-Run College: For the second consecutive year, High Point University has been named the #1 Best-Run College in the nation by The Princeton Review.
Most Innovative: HPU has been named the Most Innovative Regional College in the South for 10 consecutive years.
Best Undergraduate Teaching: U.S. News & World Report has ranked HPU as #1 for Best Undergraduate Teaching for Regional Colleges in the South for a second consecutive year.
Regional College Rankings: In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranked High Point University as No. #1 in Regional Colleges South.
College of Distinction: HPU has been named a College of Distinction for 15 consecutive years, recognizing its commitment to providing students with a transformative undergraduate experience.

Campus Life and Student Engagement

High Point University fosters a vibrant campus community with numerous opportunities for student involvement.

Residential Communities: The campus features diverse residential communities, including honors housing and living-learning communities. All housing is new or recently renovated, with many dorms providing apartment-style living.
Student Organizations: With nearly 100 clubs and organizations, students can engage in various activities, including volunteering, leadership roles in the Student Government Association, Greek life, and intramural or club sports.
Campus Activities: The Campus Activities Team organizes numerous events throughout the week and weekends.
Athletics: HPU's 16 varsity teams compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a 4,500-seat basketball arena and conference center, a high-definition TV studio, an audio recording studio, and various computer labs.

A Focus on Student Success

High Point University prioritizes student success, as evidenced by its high career placement rates and commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their chosen fields.

Career Services: HPU offers comprehensive career services to prepare students for job interviews, provide career development opportunities, and diversify their career skills.
Graduate Outcomes: Numerous graduating classes in recent years, including the Class of 2024, have achieved a 99 percent career or graduate school placement rate within 180 days.
Experiential Learning: HPU emphasizes experiential learning through internships, undergraduate research, global education, and service learning.

The Leadership of Nido R. Qubein

President Nido R. Qubein's leadership has been instrumental in High Point University's transformation. Since 2005, Qubein has overseen significant investments in academic programs, facilities, and student life.

Visionary Leadership: Qubein has led HPU with vision and dedication for nearly 21 years, making him North Carolina's longest-serving active college president.
Campus Transformation: Under Qubein's leadership, HPU has completed a nearly $3 billion investment in academic programs, student life facilities, and residential communities.
National Recognition: Qubein has been honored with numerous awards from local, national, and international organizations, including induction into the Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans.

A Welcoming and Inclusive Community

High Point University strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community for students from all backgrounds.

Diverse Student Body: Students come to HPU from 50 states and 40 countries, providing the school with great diversity in student history and experience.
Inclusive Environment: Students stress that "most everyone is very inclusive" regardless of your background. "We are becoming more diverse every year."
Values-Based Institution: High Point University is a values-based institution that believes each member of its faculty and staff has the power to enhance the lives of the students entrusted to their care.

Applying to High Point University

High Point University is an exclusive member of the Common Application, which simplifies the application process. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides assistance throughout the application and decision process.

Application Requirements: Applicants must complete and submit the Common Application online, provide official high school transcripts, submit the Common App's School Report Form, and provide one letter of recommendation.
Test-Optional Policy: High Point University is test-optional, but SAT or ACT scores are required for consideration for the Presidential Scholarship Program or Honors Scholar Program.
Early Application Plans: Over 85% of enrolled students each year apply using one of the two Early Decision or Early Action November application plans.
Financial Aid: The Office of Student Financial Planning assists students in their pursuit of postsecondary education at High Point University. Interested students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

High Point University is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities across disciplines that meet the needs of extraordinary students.

Cottrell Hall: Home to the Flanagan Center for Student Success, this 40,000 square-foot facility is the central hub of activity for students preparing for job interviews, seeking career development opportunities, and looking for ways to diversify their career skills.
Congdon Hall: This 220,000 square-foot facility features a pharmacology research lab, a gross anatomy lab, a human biomechanics and physiology lab, and more than a dozen simulation labs and spaces where real-world scenarios can come to life.
Nido R. Qubein School of Communication: This school features a high-definition TV studio, an audio recording studio, a screening theater, editing labs, a student-operated radio station, a nationally-cited survey and research center, a recently updated game design and Esports arena, and various computer labs.
School of Art and Design: Students have access to cutting-edge equipment including a technology lab and several design-specific computer labs.
Stout School of Education: This 31,000 square-foot, LEED-Certified building houses the psychology department and the NCATE-accredited education school. It is equipped with simulated classrooms and clinical labs where psychology majors conduct hands-on testing and experiments.
Plato S. Wilson School of Commerce: This school houses the Tilley Trading Room, which includes a live stock ticker and allows students to receive real-world, practical learning opportunities.

Location and Community Engagement

High Point University's location in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina offers students access to a vibrant metropolitan area with numerous opportunities for engagement.

Piedmont Triad: The cities of High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem form the Piedmont Triad, a metropolitan area with a population of 1.6 million.
Accessibility: High Point University is located within 25 minutes of the Piedmont Triad International Airport.
Furniture Capital of the World: High Point University is located in the furniture capital of the world, providing students with unique experiential learning opportunities during the biannual High Point Market.
Downtown Revitalization: Downtown High Point revitalization efforts, led by HPU's own President Nido Qubein, are centered on the city's newly finished baseball stadium, BB&T Point, home to the High Point Rockers.

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