From Fine Dining to Free Master’s Degrees:
- mrsorrispsea
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
14 Reasons Why High Point University Might Be Your Dream School!
What do you get when you combine a campus that feels like a five-star resort, faculty who actually know your name, and life skills that will set you apart for years to come? High Point University (HPU), that’s what.
I had the opportunity to attend High Point University counselor visit this summer, and let me tell you—this school walks the walk when it comes to student-centered education, bold leadership, and preparing graduates for life. Celebrating its 100th year just last year, High Point University continues to evolve with purpose. From presidential seminars to fine-dining etiquette lessons (yes, really), HPU is doing college differently—and it shows.
Here are 14 standout reasons why HPU deserves a spot on your college list:
#1. Return on Investment? Immediate.
99% of HPU graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating—and 87% are accepted into their first choice grad program. That’s not just impressive—it’s proof they know how to support students all the way across the finish line.
#2. Go Global, Tuition-Free
Every student is eligible for the Go Global Grant, offering up to $5,000 to study abroad. Whether it’s a summer in Italy or a semester in South Africa, HPU helps you see the world without taking on more debt.
#3. A Free Master’s Degree? Yes, Please.
Undergrads with a 3.0 GPA can stay an extra year to earn a Tuition-Free Master’s Degree —and yes, housing is required, but the cost savings are huge.
Pro tip: Apply during senior year in college to secure your spot early.
#4. Innovators in Your Circle
From Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak to Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, HPU brings top-tier mentors and innovators to campus to speak with, mentor, and inspire students. This is more than a resume boost—it’s mindset-shifting. Learn more about their Life Skills approach.
#5. Freshmen Don’t Navigate Alone
All freshmen are matched with a Student Success Coach, and every class is taught by faculty—not TAs. Add a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and you’ve got meaningful relationships that last well beyond the classroom.
#6. Internship Guarantee
Yes, really. HPU guarantees all students an internship. You’ll graduate with experience, not just a diploma.
And if you know me, you know how passionate I am about internships—not just for building life skills, but because they open doors to real job offers after graduation. More universities should make internships a graduation requirement. HPU gets it—and that’s a major win for their students. Details here.
#7. Graduate On Time
With HPU’s Four-Year Graduation Guarantee and required academic advising, students stay on track to graduate in four years—with a plan, not panic.
#8. Life Skills 101
Every freshman takes the First-Year Seminar on Life Skills, covering everything from personal finance to public speaking—and it’s taught by none other than HPU’s President, Dr. Nido R. Qubein. When the university president teaches your class, you know you’re in a place that values leadership at every level.
#9. Life Skills Dining Labs
Fine dining meets fine-tuning your professional self. Students dine (and learn!) at two on-campus restaurants—PRIME and Alo—which double as labs for learning etiquette, business dining, and hospitality. It’s included in the meal plan and sets students up for future networking wins.
#10. Research Starts Day 1
From biology to business, 25% of HPU coursework is experiential. And yes—students can start conducting research as early as freshman year. Hands-on learning is not just encouraged, it’s expected.
#11. Build Your Success Circle
Career advisors, success coaches, and world-class faculty work together to help students connect with mentors, secure jobs, and explore careers from day one. HPU even offers a Junior Scholars Program for High School Students and Project Discovery to support students early in their journey—even those who aren’t sure what they want to major in (yet).
#12. Campus Life Is Next-Level
With 300+ clubs, 17 Division I sports, and students from all 50 states and 37 countries, the vibe is vibrant. From Fountain Fridays (yes, you can jump in—just $50 a limb!) to goat yoga on Earth Day, HPU blends tradition with fun. Plus, they’re #1 in student satisfaction with food—14 years running!
#13. Values That Actually Show Up
Faith, patriotism, gratitude, and character development aren’t buzzwords here—they’re part of the university’s foundation. Whether it’s community service, leadership roles, or being mentored by people who’ve made a global impact, HPU students are challenged to grow as people, not just professionals.
#14. Housing That Grows With You
HPU doesn’t do one-size-fits-all dorms. Their tiered housing system allows students to “level up” each year—freshmen typically begin in Tier 1 housing, and upperclassmen have access to suites, apartments, and even residential houses (including Tiny Homes). It’s a system that rewards independence and responsibility—adulting, but make it luxe.
Ready to Explore HPU?
Visit Campus or Schedule a VIP Tour
HPU is coming to Fort Lauderdale! Event for families on Sunday, August 24 from 2-4 PM
Apply Now via Common App or HPU’s Application Portal
Are you a School Counselor/College Advisor? Nominate for Junior Scholars
Schedule a Tour and Stay on Campus at the Kahn Hotel
Upcoming Open House Dates: August 9, September 27, October 18, November 1 & November 22 (Some dates include Instant Decision Day for seniors with completed files!)
Counselor Tip:
HPU weighs demonstrated interest very heavily—so open those emails, schedule a visit, attend a virtual tour, or reach out to admissions. It all counts!
Final Thoughts
High Point University knows that college is about who you’re becoming, not just what you’re studying. They call themselves “The Premier Life Skills University,” and honestly? That’s not just branding—it’s built into everything they do, from your first class to your final housing tier.
Curious if High Point—or another great school—is the right fit for your college list? Let’s talk about it! Schedule a free consultation today!
"We Don't WEED Students Out Of The System. We WEAVE Them Into The Family" – HPU
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