Internal Report Reveals Widespread Concerns at Meredith College

Students, faculty, and staff share frustrations over campus conditions and financial pressures

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An independent report commissioned by Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina has revealed widespread concerns among students, faculty, and staff about the college's financial state and the impact on campus living and learning conditions. The report found that nearly half of respondents had seriously considered leaving the college, with poor campus facilities and infrastructure cited as a major issue. Students provided photos showing water damage, cracked walls, and other problems in dorms and academic buildings. The report also found that recent layoffs have led to increased workloads for remaining faculty and staff, with 94% feeling their salaries are not competitive.

Why it matters

As a private college, Meredith's financial health and ability to maintain its campus infrastructure are crucial to providing a quality education and student experience. The internal report highlights growing concerns that could impact the college's reputation, enrollment, and ability to retain top faculty and staff if not addressed.

The details

The report, conducted by an independent consultant, included responses from nearly 750 students, faculty, and staff at Meredith College. It found that nearly half of respondents had seriously considered leaving the college, with poor campus conditions cited as a major factor. Students provided photos showing water damage, cracked walls, and other issues in dorms and academic buildings. The report also found that recent layoffs, which saw 6% of Meredith's employees let go in 2025, have led to increased workloads for remaining faculty and staff, with 94% feeling their salaries are not competitive.

  • The independent report was published last year.
  • Meredith College announced layoffs of 6% of its employees in July 2025.

The players

Meredith College

A private women's college located in Raleigh, North Carolina that has been preparing women for lives of leadership and service for over a century.

Dr. Aimee Sapp

The president of Meredith College who provided a statement in response to the report.

Rankin Climate

The independent consulting firm that conducted the report on behalf of Meredith College.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It feels like I'm the one who has to deal with the repercussions of the actions of the college. And it hurts to see my friends and faculty and staff like, have to deal with that also.”

— Meredith senior (abc11.com)

“I love the community. We're so close and tight-knit. But some of the stuff -- I was really shocked when I opened my dorm room for the first time. I'm like, this is what it really looks like?”

— Meredith senior (abc11.com)

“Well, they tell us to go to our RAs, and when we do, nothing ever happens after that. Or they'll like, I'll put in a maintenance request and like nothing ever happens after that either.”

— Meredith student (abc11.com)

“I think they're trying to say that they hear them, but just from the meetings I've attended, they're like, oh, well, you have to do your part, too, as a student, which we are doing. I know many of us have tried to voice out, but they just kind of shut it down.”

— Meredith senior (abc11.com)

What’s next

Meredith College has stated that it is launching an effort to renovate and modernize student housing, including significant upgrades to residence halls, and that national experts will be on campus this spring to engage students and guide the next phase of improvements.

The takeaway

The internal report at Meredith College highlights the challenges facing many private colleges, as they balance financial pressures with the need to maintain campus infrastructure and provide a quality educational experience for students. The college's response indicates it is taking steps to address the concerns, but ongoing communication and transparency with the campus community will be crucial to rebuilding trust and confidence.