High Point University in the Spotlight After WSJ Report
A Wall Street Journal feature sparks hundreds of reactions over class, culture, and the purpose of “career readiness.”
The Story
A recent Wall Street Journal report profiled High Point University (HPU), a private institution in High Point, North Carolina, highlighting how it has become “a magnet for wealthy students.” The article describes how students dine on filet mignon at the on-campus steakhouse 1924 PRIME, where servers coach them on professional attire, posture, and table etiquette. HPU President Nido Qubein was quoted saying, “Half of Wall Street sends their kids to this school.”
The piece portrays HPU as a blueprint for universities competing to attract higher-income families as federal funding tightens. Annual tuition and fees total about $49,000, with housing and dining adding roughly $20,000. The university markets itself as “The Premier Life Skills University,” blending academics with professional development.
Social Media Spotlight
When the article was shared on Facebook, it generated hundreds of reactions and heated discussion. The post quoted the Wall Street Journal summary:
“High Point University prides itself on preparing students for the rigors of a career. Servers at its steakhouse coach the young diners on body language, professional attire and which fork to use. The college has become a favorite of affluent families.”
The comments section quickly split between admiration and skepticism, with parents, alumni, and observers debating whether the article fairly represented the school’s mission and student body.
Audience Reactions
Supportive voices
Many praised the university’s focus on real-world professionalism, calling the etiquette and presentation training a valuable supplement to traditional academics. They argued that these lessons build confidence and readiness for corporate environments. Several parents added that their children received generous scholarships and strong career guidance, describing HPU as nurturing rather than elitist.
Critical takes
Others saw the coverage as evidence of how higher education increasingly caters to the affluent. Some said amenities like a fine-dining restaurant blur the line between education and luxury branding. A few critics also questioned the university’s selectivity, claiming it focuses more on image than academic rigor.
Balanced perspectives
A number of commenters suggested the article exaggerated the “wealthy” angle, noting that most students come from middle-income families and that the university’s merit- and need-based aid helps make attendance accessible. Many emphasized HPU’s safe environment, small class sizes, and emphasis on mentorship as central to its appeal.
The Facts of High Point University
- Founded: 1924 (originally High Point College; became High Point University in 1991)
- Self-positioning: “The Premier Life Skills University,” focused on career readiness and character development
- Total enrollment (2025): Approximately 6,550 students
- Undergraduate: Around 5,000
- Graduate: Around 1,000
- Tuition & Fees (2025–26): $49,146
- Housing & Food: $20,198
What It Means
The discussion reflects a growing divide in American higher education: some see HPU as a model of career-focused innovation, while others view it as a symbol of the commercialization of academia. For many families, the question comes down to whether the university’s polish enhances value—or simply sells prestige.
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Get your stories straight. If 94% of the students “receive aid” then how can it be catering to wealthy?? Seems like you want it to APPEAR to cater to wealthy.
Can you talk about how having this uni helps the actual town it is in? No. Because it doesn’t.
Thank you for your feedback!
Interesting criticism, my son graduated from there a few years ago and our perspective and understanding was that the school has been incredibly supportive and generous to the High Point community and the administration, mainly Nido, has been focused on that. How could the massive economic engine of construction, expansion and active student body not have had a huge impact to the local economy and tax base?
Also, clearly those current quoted numbers indicate it is an expensive school, even with scholarships and aid it is more costly than most other colleges and universities. The campus and facilities are truly impressive and they do provide extensive opportunities for students that are valuable and unusual.
A God, Family Country conservative college–HPU is run and managed like other successful businesses. The graduating students have a job waiting for them because of the life skills that HPU instills every day.. We feel very fortunate that our Daughter graduated from HPU!