Universities all hope to attract the children of wealthy families to enroll. Many people believe that affluent families mostly send their children to Ivy League schools and top American universities like Stanford, which are often highly publicized by the media. However, half of Wall Street parents actually send their children to a small university in North Carolina.
High Point University, located in the city of High Point in North Carolina, is a prestigious private university founded in 1924. The campus covers approximately 400 acres, shaded by lush green trees.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on October 21, on a typical weekday evening, students at High Point University in North Carolina may dine on filet mignon at the on-campus steakhouse “1924 PRIME.” However, this is not just a simple perk; the waitstaff instructs young students on the etiquette of using body language during meals, proper professional attire, which fork to use, and when to add salt.
This is one of the eye-catching facilities at High Point University, which takes pride in preparing students for professional challenges and has become a favorite among wealthy families. President Nido Qubein mentioned in an interview, “Half of Wall Street parents send their children to this school.”
The campus of High Point University is lush with dozens of meticulously manicured gardens, and students can almost always hear the roar of fountains. Qubein said the fountains have a refreshing effect on the mind. There is also classical music played on campus, six outdoor heated swimming pools, each with a hot tub.
“Most high-paying jobs and everything (are) in a comfortable environment,” said freshman Alexander Kirchner to The Wall Street Journal. “Just being accustomed to this environment, walking around in this environment, can be helpful for mental well-being.”
The university emphasizes “life skills.” Since job interviews and client transactions often happen during meals, school administrators hope students will practice social etiquette. Thus, they built a steakhouse, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a teppanyaki restaurant, where students can dine weekly as part of a meal plan. Reservations are required, and the use of cell phones is prohibited.
The campus also features airplane cabin interior spaces because sitting next to an executive on a flight could be a great opportunity, and it’s something young people should practice for. If students wear High Point University T-shirts, they can receive free airport shuttle services provided by the campus concierge, otherwise they need to pay $95. This undoubtedly enhances the university’s brand recognition.
Attracting teenagers and parents is crucial, and campus tours are usually conducted in golf carts. Student Corey Kalinoski still remembers the friendly staff and personalized parking spot with his name on it leaving a lasting impression when he visited the campus.
The observatory at the university has a 50-foot-high dome and over 100 reclining seats for hosting astronomy, anatomy, and environmental research courses. The newly opened law school has three courtrooms, one of which includes a jury box, judge chambers, and conference rooms.
High Point University’s admission standards are not very strict; this year, it admitted 68% of applicants. Tuition and fees are around $49,000. The university offers seven levels of dormitories. Most students live in the two cheapest levels, where annual housing and meal costs are under $25,000, but students can also choose a 500-square-foot private “micro-residence” for nearly $40,000.
Qubein said these costs reflect the novelty of the “micro-residences” and the school’s need for return on investment. He mentioned that the different levels make students feel unequal – you can’t buy an economy class plane ticket and then try to sit in first class.
Over half of High Point University students apply through a binding early admission program, which higher education experts believe indicates the wealth of the students’ families: being able to make a decision without waiting for financial aid packages. In return, the university provides various benefits for these early admitted students, such as priority registration for dorms and fall courses, parking near dorms, and early move-in.
Qubein, an immigrant, said he came to the United States in the 1960s with $50 to attend High Point College. He widened the campus walkways so that students could socialize during breaks instead of lining up in single file. He also placed rocking chairs in front of buildings. In order to stay updated on campus dynamics, he personally responds to hundreds of emails every day and encourages students to proactively contact him to build connections.