About Baldwin Wallace University
Baldwin Wallace University has built a national reputation for its conservatory programs, particularly in music and theatre, while maintaining the close-knit feel of a liberal arts college. The school enrolls 2,775 students in suburban Berea, just outside Cleveland. Notable graduates include comedian Tim Conway and Parks and Recreation actor Jim O'Heir. Students benefit from small classes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The conservatory draws serious performers, while the broader university offers strong liberal arts programs in a supportive environment.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private university. Students pay an average net price of $27,654 after aid, well below the sticker price of $52,618. Graduates earn a median of $54,122 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $286. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $22,095. Nearly 80% of students take federal loans, but the employment rate hits 97.1%.
The Yellow Jackets compete in 23 Division III sports with 715 total athletes, creating a strong campus athletic culture without the pressure of scholarships. Three-quarters of students come from Ohio, contributing to the school's Midwestern character. The 68.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the supportive but academically demanding environment.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private university. Students pay an average net price of $27,654 after aid, well below the sticker price of $52,618. Graduates earn a median of $54,122 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $286. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $22,095. Nearly 80% of students take federal loans, but the employment rate hits 97.1%.
The Yellow Jackets compete in 23 Division III sports with 715 total athletes, creating a strong campus athletic culture without the pressure of scholarships. Three-quarters of students come from Ohio, contributing to the school's Midwestern character. The 68.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the supportive but academically demanding environment.
Academics & Faculty
Baldwin Wallace built its reputation on conservatory training, with the music and theatre programs drawing students nationally for intensive pre-professional preparation. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide individual mentoring in performance and academic work. About 67% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the demanding nature of many programs but also the close support system. The liberal arts foundation requires all students to explore subjects beyond their major, whether they're studying musical theatre or business. Strong alumni networks in entertainment and the arts help graduates launch careers in competitive creative fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 50.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.6%
- Retention Rate
- 84.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,122
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,192 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,129 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,275 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,984 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,677 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $47,846 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $47,846 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $44,933 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $44,384 |
Campus Life
Baldwin Wallace sits in Berea, just 20 minutes southwest of downtown Cleveland. Students need serious winter coats as Ohio snow blankets the campus from December through March. With housing capacity for 1,638 students and total enrollment of 2,775, about 60% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community.
The conservatory drives much of campus culture, with music and theater students practicing in historic buildings while liberal arts majors study nearby. Students catch Cleveland Browns games or explore the city's music scene on weekends. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. With 23 varsity sports and 715 total athletes, Yellow Jackets games draw decent crowds despite competing in Division III. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students stick around campus on weekends since 74.51% come from Ohio. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and quiet neighborhoods, but Cleveland's cultural attractions remain easily accessible by car.
The conservatory drives much of campus culture, with music and theater students practicing in historic buildings while liberal arts majors study nearby. Students catch Cleveland Browns games or explore the city's music scene on weekends. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. With 23 varsity sports and 715 total athletes, Yellow Jackets games draw decent crowds despite competing in Division III. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students stick around campus on weekends since 74.51% come from Ohio. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and quiet neighborhoods, but Cleveland's cultural attractions remain easily accessible by car.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,638 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1845
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–35°F
- July Avg
- 65°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 63.8"
Student Demographics
Baldwin Wallace draws primarily from Ohio, with three-quarters of students staying close to home for the school's respected music and theater programs. The student body leans slightly female, reflecting strong enrollment in the conservatory and education programs that have built the university's reputation. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking quality liberal arts education. The demographics reflect a regional university that has earned trust among Ohio families looking for small classes and performance opportunities without leaving the state.
- Men
- 45.5%
- Women
- 54.5%
- White
- 77.3%
- Black
- 6.4%
- Hispanic
- 7.2%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 74.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.5%
Location
Baldwin Wallace sits in Berea, Ohio, just 20 minutes southwest of downtown Cleveland. The suburb houses 18,000 residents and provides easy access to Cleveland's cultural attractions, professional sports teams, and internship opportunities. Berea maintains a small-town feel while offering the benefits of proximity to Ohio's second-largest metropolitan area. The campus spans 100 acres in this quiet residential community, where students can walk to local restaurants and shops along Front Street. With 74.51% of students coming from Ohio, many are drawn to the combination of suburban safety and urban accessibility. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Baldwin Wallace with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Berea, Ohio 44017-2088
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,122
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,126
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Baldwin Wallace University?
Baldwin Wallace accepts 77% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1171. The university attracts students who value close faculty relationships, evidenced by its 9:1 student-faculty ratio.
How much does Baldwin Wallace University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $27,654, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying around $22,095. About 79% of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $27,000.
What is Baldwin Wallace University known for academically?
The school operates a respected conservatory program in music and theatre alongside traditional liberal arts education. With 2,775 total students, Baldwin Wallace maintains an intimate learning environment that has produced notable alumni like comedian Tim Conway.
What are the job outcomes for Baldwin Wallace University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 97.1% employment rate with median earnings of $54,122 ten years after graduation. The 68.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's supportive environment for degree completion.
Where is Baldwin Wallace University located and what is campus life like?
The suburban Berea campus houses 1,638 students and sits in greater Cleveland. About 75% of students come from Ohio, creating a tight-knit community with 84.9% of freshmen returning for sophomore year.
Does Baldwin Wallace University offer athletic scholarships?
Baldwin Wallace competes in NCAA Division III and offers no athletic scholarships across its 23 varsity sports. The Yellow Jackets field 715 total athletes who compete in the Ohio Athletic Conference while focusing on academics first.
