Barton College is a four-year, private, liberal arts institution located in Wilson, North Carolina. Founded in 1902 and affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), our institutional mission is to provide programs and opportunities to encourage the intellectual, spiritual, social, and cultural development of its students and to challenge them for future leadership and service to their local and global communities.

Under the leadership of President Douglas N. Searcy, PhD, Barton College serves more than 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students through four signature schools: Arts and Humanities, Business and Innovation, Education and Social Sciences, and Health Sciences. Barton offers a range of undergraduate programs, with the most popular majors including Business Administration, Nursing, Exercise Science, Sports Management, and Biology. Graduate programs are available in Business Administration – Strategic Leadership, Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, Exercise Physiology, and School Administration. With 100% of students receiving financial aid and 330 named scholarships available, Barton makes personalized, quality education accessible.

Barton’s commitment to personalized education is evident in our 14:1 student-faculty ratio and average class size of 17 students. Here, students benefit from exceptional mentorship by accomplished faculty who know them by name and guide them through meaningful internships, practicums, and undergraduate research experiences. Our dedication to academic excellence has earned Barton recognition as the #6 Best Value among regional colleges in the South, #1 in North Carolina, for the 4th consecutive year, and #21 Best Regional Colleges in the South according to U.S. News & World Report.

Our student body reflects rich diversity, with representation from 35 states including D.C. and Puerto Rico, and 17 countries. While 78% of students hail from North Carolina, with nearly half from Eastern NC, Barton’s reach extends nationally and globally, creating a vibrant learning community.

Beyond academics, Barton offers exceptional opportunities for growth and engagement. Student-athletes compete on 26 NCAA Division II teams as members of Conference Carolinas, with Women’s Field Hockey and Women’s Flag Football as the newest additions in 2025. Twelve innovative and distinctive Pathways Programs, including Esports, Healthcare+, Presidential Leadership Fellows, and ArtWorks, allow students to pursue specialized co-curricular experiences aligned with their passions and career goals. Six Greek organizations and numerous campus activities foster leadership, connection, and lifelong friendships.

Located conveniently between Raleigh and the coast, Barton provides students with access to regional business, healthcare, and cultural opportunities while maintaining the close-knit environment characteristic of a small college town. This connection between campus and community enhances the Barton experience, supporting both academic and personal development within a setting known for its hospitality and strong sense of place.