Kansas Wesleyan University: 69.6% Acceptance Rate

69.6%Acceptance

$33,470Tuition

894Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,152Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Kansas Wesleyan University

Kansas Wesleyan University builds tight bonds among its 894 students in small-town Salina. This Methodist university has earned recognition for competitive athletics and fostering close campus relationships. The Coyotes field 19 varsity sports with 719 total athletes, making athletics central to campus culture. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than number.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $23,369 after aid, below the $33,470 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $51,152 ten years after leaving, while typical debt loads reach $23,250. The monthly loan payment of $246 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. However, the 38.50% six-year graduation rate means many students leave without degrees.

Athletic scholarships total nearly $6 million annually, reflecting the university's commitment to sports excellence. The student body leans male at 57.16%, with strong diversity including 18.46% Hispanic and 12.42% Black students. Campus housing accommodates 571 students, creating a residential feel. The 59.83% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition, but those who stay often find lasting connections in this close-knit Methodist community.

Academics & Faculty

Kansas Wesleyan operates as a small Methodist liberal arts university where students work closely with faculty in a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The intimate academic environment means professors know students by name and can provide personalized attention. However, only 35.6% of students graduate within four years, suggesting academic challenges or students taking longer paths through their degrees. The university emphasizes practical, career-focused programs alongside traditional liberal arts education. Business and education programs draw many students, along with nursing and athletic training that serve the regional job market. The Methodist foundation influences the curriculum with emphasis on service learning and ethical leadership development.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.5%
Retention Rate: 59.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,152
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$46,087
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$36,560
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$25,194

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Kansas Wesleyan sits in Salina, a farming town of 45,000 about 180 miles northwest of Kansas City. You'll definitely need a winter coat here, as Kansas winters bring snow and freezing temperatures, while summers can hit 100 degrees. About 64% of students live on campus in dorms that house 571 total students.

With 719 athletes out of 894 total students, sports dominate campus life at this Methodist university. The Coyotes compete in 19 NAIA sports, and athletic scholarships total nearly $6 million annually. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the 60% retention rate suggests this tight-knit environment isn't for everyone. Weekend activities center around games, campus events, and trips to nearby Salina for shopping or dining. The student body splits 57% male and 43% female, reflecting the strong athletic focus. Small-town Kansas living means fewer entertainment options than urban campuses, so students create their own fun through intramural sports, residence hall activities, and Methodist church connections.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 571 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1886

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Burglary	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–41°F
July Avg: 69°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.5"
Annual Snowfall: 16.6"

Student Demographics

Kansas Wesleyan draws a regionally focused student body that reflects its Methodist mission of accessible education. About half the students come from Kansas, showing strong ties to the local community. The school serves a significant population of first-generation and working-class students, with many qualifying for federal aid. Men slightly outnumber women, likely reflecting the university's emphasis on athletics and traditional programs. The diverse racial composition mirrors central Kansas demographics while extending the Methodist tradition of inclusive education. This mix creates a tight-knit campus where students from different backgrounds unite around shared values.

Men: 57.2%
Women: 42.8%
White: 56.7%
Black: 12.4%
Hispanic: 18.5%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 50.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.8%

Location

Kansas Wesleyan University sits in Salina, a town of about 46,000 people in central Kansas. The campus is roughly 180 miles from Kansas City and 90 miles north of Wichita. Salina serves as a regional center for agriculture and transportation, with wheat fields stretching in every direction. The town maintains a classic Great Plains atmosphere with wide streets and big skies. About 51% of students come from within Kansas, drawn to this Methodist institution's small-town setting. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the intimate campus environment where everyone knows each other. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Kansas Wesleyan University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Salina, Kansas 67401-6146

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,152
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,428
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Kansas Wesleyan University?

Kansas Wesleyan University accepts 69.62% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most students. This Methodist institution in Salina prioritizes building a close-knit campus community over highly selective admissions.

How much does Kansas Wesleyan University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,369 after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $33,470. The university provides institutional grants averaging $21,537 to 27.85% of students, helping make this private education more affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Kansas Wesleyan University?

Kansas Wesleyan maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 894 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention and reflects the university's commitment to individualized education in rural Kansas.

What are the graduation outcomes at Kansas Wesleyan University?

The university has a 38.50% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $51,152 ten years after graduation. With a 94.7% employment rate, most graduates find work despite the relatively low completion rates typical of small private colleges.

Where do students live at Kansas Wesleyan University?

The campus houses 571 students in residence halls, accommodating most of the 894-student body. With 50.79% of students coming from Kansas, the residential campus creates a tight community atmosphere in this small town setting.

How strong are athletics at Kansas Wesleyan University?

Kansas Wesleyan fields 19 varsity sports with 719 total athletes competing at the NAIA level. The Coyotes receive $5.9 million in athletic scholarships, making this one of the most athletically focused small colleges in the region.