About

Welcome to William Peace University. Where your story really begins.

If you are looking for a different type of college experience – one that is rooted in the liberal arts but committed to building skills for 21st century careers – William Peace University might be for you.

If you’re willing to take an active role in our learning community and apply yourself in and out of the classroom, our innovative approach to education could help you shine. If you like the vibe of a busy, modern city but you also appreciate historic charm and green space, our downtown Raleigh campus might just feel like home.

In this Section

Welcome to William Peace University. Where your story really begins.

WPU At-a-Glance

View More At A Glance
  • Our Students

    Our learning community is remarkable in its diversity, but our students share a common desire to think bigger, not only for themselves but for our world, too. Does that sound like you?

    Our Students are engaged
    63%
    of students live in campus housing
    1,000+
    Undergraduate & Adult Learners at William Peace
    7,000+
    Hours of Community Service
  • Success After Peace

    Results don’t lie – Peace graduates are uniquely prepared for what comes next, whether it’s furthering their education or beginning their career.

    WPU grads are ready the next steps
    97%
    of grads employed or in graduate school within a year of graduation
    #1
    in rate of internships nationwide
    67%
    of students land jobs directly through internships
  • #OurRaleigh

    We’re not just in Raleigh; we’re part of Raleigh. That means access to a wealth of opportunities that make your college experience both enjoyable and successful!

    WPU is entrenched in the heart of downtown Raleigh
    #6
    "Millennial Boomtown" - Magnify Money
    #5
    On Forbes list of "America's Next Boom Towns" 2016
    #3
    Best City for Young Professionals
  • Hands-On Academics

    What’s the recipe for WPU student success? A skills-enhancing core curriculum, individual attention from dedicated faculty and lots of hands-on experience in your major.

    WPU offers innovative academics
    13:1
    student to faculty ratio
    73%+
    of full-time faculty have terminal degrees
    Top 10%
    Nationally in Effective Teaching Practices (NSSE)
WPU is a proud member of the CIC
“Private nondoctoral colleges and universities have a 22 percentage point edge over comparable public institutions in four-year graduation rates and nearly a 12-point advantage in six-year graduation rates.”
The Council of Independent Colleges
WPU is a proud member of the CIC
Alumna Fanny Slater returns to campus to promote her cookbook.
Alumna Fanny Slater returns to campus to promote her cookbook.
#PrepareAtPeace

“The fact that it’s a smaller school has always meant that you get that attention in a way that is so important for students who kind of feel lost.”

WPU Alumna Fanny Slater Becomes Food Network Co-Host
2009 Graduate, English Major, Food Network Co-Host

Our History

William Peace University has played a central role in education in this region since its founding as Peace Institute in 1857.

From our roots as primary and secondary schools, then a women’s college, Peace has grown with the city of Raleigh into the four-year, baccalaureate institution it is today, ushering in the modern era by becoming co-educational, achieving university status and honoring our founder with his full name.

Learn More About WPU History