Montreat has been honored by WorldAtlas as one of the “7 Most Beautiful College Towns in North Carolina.”
Nestled in a secluded cove surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Montreat College offers a close-knit community and serene campus setting. Its historic stone architecture with modern conveniences and natural charm continue to make it a standout among small colleges.
“Outdoor options run long,” WorldAtlas noted in its June 2025 rankings. “The Lookout Mountain Trail Head provides access to picturesque hiking, while Lookout Mountain Overlook makes the trek uphill worthwhile.”
In addition to its stunning setting at the foot of Greybeard Mountain, WorldAtlas praised Montreat College for offering “a college experience that brings faith and studying together.”
A nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity education, Montreat offers additional strong academic programs in business administration, psychology, and the health sciences among others. The popular publication also highlighted the school’s “diverse set of quality athletic programs,” including clay target shooting and competitive mountain biking.
“Montreat is a small Christian school, where I got to play college basketball, and the community is great. It just checked off all the boxes,” said Matthew Jones, a 2025 graduate of Montreat College from Norcross, Ga., who majored in cybersecurity. “You look around at the mountains, trees, and people. At Montreat, everywhere you look is God’s creation, and it’s all for His glory.”
Montreat was featured alongside other elite college towns in the Tar Heel State, including Banner Elk, Boone, Cullowhee, Davidson, Hickory, and Swannanoa.
For more information about Montreat College or to plan a visit to its beautiful campus, visit www.montreat.edu.