Allegheny Wesleyan College: $6,800 Tuition

$6,800Tuition

54Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,453Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Other Protestant

About Allegheny Wesleyan College

Allegheny Wesleyan College trains future ministers and Christian workers through conservative evangelical education. The school serves just 54 students in rural Ohio, creating an intimate learning environment focused on spiritual formation. Founded in 1957, this Wesleyan Church-affiliated institution emphasizes biblical studies and ministry preparation. Students work closely with faculty in a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

The total cost runs $11,600 annually, making this one of the most affordable Christian colleges in the country. Students from low-income families pay an average net price of just $5,047 after aid. However, graduates earn a median of $37,453 ten years after graduation, which may reflect the school's focus on ministry rather than high-paying careers. About 45% of students receive Pell Grants, and the same percentage take out federal loans.

Nearly 60% of students are women, and the student body is 91% white. The retention rate sits at 57%, suggesting some students transfer or leave before completing their degrees. Only 40% of students graduate within six years. The rural setting and small size create a tight-knit community, but students seeking diversity or extensive academic options may find the environment limiting.

Academics & Faculty

Allegheny Wesleyan College operates as a conservative Christian institution focused on ministry preparation and biblical studies. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentoring in this intimate academic environment of just 54 students. Faculty members often serve as both professors and spiritual advisors, reflecting the school's commitment to integrating faith with learning. The 40% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's rigorous standards and the challenges some students face balancing academic demands with ministry preparation. Students typically pursue degrees in pastoral ministry, Christian education, and biblical studies. The small class sizes mean every student receives personalized attention, though the limited course offerings require careful academic planning to complete degree requirements on time.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Full-Time Faculty: 27.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 40.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.0%
Retention Rate: 57.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,453
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Transfer)

Campus Life

Allegheny Wesleyan sits on a compact campus in Salem, Ohio, about an hour south of Cleveland and Youngstown. With only 54 students enrolled, this feels more like an extended family than a traditional college experience. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name from day one. Ohio's continental climate brings snowy winters requiring heavy coats and humid summers perfect for outdoor chapel services.

The housing capacity of 77 beds suggests most students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community where faith and academics interweave daily. Students gather for mandatory chapel services and Bible study groups that form the social backbone of campus life. Weekends often revolve around church activities, small group gatherings, and outdoor recreation in rural southeastern Ohio. The Wesleyan Church affiliation shapes everything from residence hall policies to academic discussions. Students seeking urban nightlife or diverse cultural experiences will find limited options in this conservative Christian environment. The 94.4% employment rate reflects the college's focus on ministry preparation and practical Christian service careers.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 77 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1957

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–34°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.7"
Annual Snowfall: 31.8"

Student Demographics

The student body of 54 draws heavily from beyond Ohio, with 71% coming from other states. This national reach reflects the college's role as a specialized destination for conservative evangelical students seeking ministry preparation. Women make up 59% of enrollment, typical for Christian colleges that attract students interested in education, missions, and church ministry roles. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves families committed to affordable Christian higher education. The 90% white enrollment mirrors the demographics of traditional Wesleyan Church communities nationwide.

Men: 40.7%
Women: 59.3%
White: 90.7%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 29.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.4%

Location

Salem sits in northeastern Ohio, about 20 miles south of Youngstown and 60 miles southeast of Cleveland. The town has roughly 12,000 residents and maintains a small-town atmosphere in Ohio's former industrial heartland. Salem's rural-fringe setting means students experience countryside tranquility while staying connected to urban resources. The area features rolling hills, farmland, and remnants of Ohio's manufacturing heritage. With 29.41% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Ohio's rural communities. The region offers outdoor recreation opportunities and reflects traditional Midwest values that align with the college's conservative Christian mission. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Allegheny Wesleyan College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Salem, Ohio 44460-9598

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,453

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Allegheny Wesleyan College?

The school enrolls just 54 students total, making it one of the smallest colleges in Ohio. This tiny Christian institution focuses on conservative evangelical education and ministry preparation within the Wesleyan Church tradition.

How much does Allegheny Wesleyan College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $6,740, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $5,047 after aid. At $11,600 for total cost of attendance including room and board, it ranks among the most affordable private colleges in the country.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Allegheny Wesleyan College?

Classes maintain a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring highly personalized attention. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes hands-on Christian education for future ministry leaders.

What are the graduation rates at Allegheny Wesleyan College?

Both four-year and six-year graduation rates stand at 40%, with a retention rate of 57%. Graduates earn a median of $37,453 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's focus on ministry and service-oriented careers rather than high-paying fields.

Where do students live at Allegheny Wesleyan College?

Housing capacity reaches 77 students, exceeding total enrollment of 54. The rural-fringe campus in Salem, Ohio provides a close-knit residential community where 59% of students are women and 71% come from out of state.

Is Allegheny Wesleyan College religiously affiliated?

The college maintains strong ties to the Wesleyan Church and emphasizes conservative Protestant evangelical education. Founded in 1957, it prepares students for Christian ministry with 90% of the student body being white and reflecting traditional evangelical demographics.