Kentucky Wesleyan College: 68.6% Acceptance Rate

68.6%Acceptance

$33,393Tuition

794Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,747Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Kentucky Wesleyan College

Kentucky Wesleyan College sits in Owensboro, a small city along the Ohio River where 794 students study at this United Methodist liberal arts college. Founded in 1858, the school focuses on close student-faculty relationships with a 13:1 ratio that means professors actually know your name. The Panthers compete in NCAA Division II with 17 varsity sports, and athletics play a big role on campus with 401 total athletes receiving $3.4 million in athletic scholarships. This is the kind of place where you might play a sport, join the campus ministry, and still have time to get involved in student government.

The sticker price of $33,393 for tuition looks steep, but most students pay much less. The average net price is $36,431 after aid, though families earning under $110,000 typically pay around $35,000-$37,000 total. Graduates earn a median of $46,747 ten years out with $23,250 in debt, creating monthly loan payments of $246. That debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable for a small private college, especially given the personal attention students receive.

Only 53% of students graduate within six years, and 65% return for sophomore year. These numbers suggest the school works well for students who thrive in small settings but might not be the right fit for everyone.

Academics & Faculty

Kentucky Wesleyan College is a small liberal arts college that gives students close contact with professors through its 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The college is known for strong programs in business, education, and the sciences, with many students going on to graduate school or professional programs. About half of students graduate in four years (50.52%), which is typical for a school that serves many first-generation college students. The Methodist-affiliated college emphasizes personal growth alongside academic learning, with professors who know students by name. With only 794 students total, classes stay small and students can easily get involved in research or internship opportunities that larger universities might reserve for graduate students.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 44.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 50.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.6%
Retention Rate: 64.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,747
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$28,236
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$25,580

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

Kentucky Wesleyan sits in Owensboro, a river town of about 60,000 people along the Ohio River, roughly 120 miles from Louisville and Nashville. With housing capacity for 499 students and total enrollment of 794, about 63% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize most faces walking across the quad. The campus centers around a historic main building from the 1800s, with newer athletic facilities reflecting the school's strong sports culture.

Owensboro offers more than typical small college towns. Students frequent the riverfront for festivals and concerts, especially during the city's famous barbecue events. Winters require a good coat with temperatures often dropping into the 30s, while summers get hot and humid. With 401 athletes out of 794 total students, sports dominate weekend social life. Many students attend Panthers games or participate in intramural activities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Greek life doesn't exist here, so social activities revolve around residence halls, athletic teams, and campus organizations.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 499 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1858

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	6	0	0	0
Rape	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–45°F
July Avg: 68°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 92.4"
Annual Snowfall: 14.7"

Student Demographics

Kentucky Wesleyan draws primarily from Kentucky and surrounding states, with 67% of students coming from in-state. The college serves a mix of middle-class and working-class families, as shown by the 42% of students receiving Pell Grants. The nearly even gender split reflects the school's broad liberal arts programs rather than focusing heavily on fields that traditionally skew male or female. As a United Methodist college in a small Kentucky city, it attracts students who want a close-knit Christian community without leaving the region they know.

Men: 49.2%
Women: 50.8%
White: 63.6%
Black: 14.7%
Hispanic: 3.5%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 66.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.6%

Location

Kentucky Wesleyan College sits in Owensboro, a small city of about 60,000 people in western Kentucky along the Ohio River. The campus is roughly 110 miles southwest of Louisville and 120 miles southeast of Evansville, Indiana. Owensboro is known as Kentucky's barbecue capital and hosts the International Bar-B-Q Festival each year. The area blends small-town charm with river culture, offering students a quieter college experience while still having access to restaurants, parks, and local events. About 67% of Kentucky Wesleyan's 794 students come from in-state, suggesting many appreciate staying close to home in this river city setting. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Kentucky Wesleyan College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Owensboro, Kentucky 42301

Kentucky Wesleyan College in in Millersburg, Kentucky

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,747
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,632
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 57.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Kentucky Wesleyan College?

Kentucky Wesleyan College accepts 68.55% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980-1210 on the SAT, with an average of 1095.

How much does Kentucky Wesleyan College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $36,431 annually, though this varies by family income. Students typically graduate with $23,250 in debt and make monthly loan payments of $246, which is manageable given the school's Methodist commitment to accessible education.

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

Kentucky Wesleyan maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 794 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that the college has fostered since its founding in 1858.

What are the graduation outcomes at Kentucky Wesleyan College?

About 51% of students graduate within four years, and the median earnings after 10 years reach $46,747. The employment rate stands at 93.7%, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation alongside liberal arts education.

Does Kentucky Wesleyan College have on-campus housing?

The college houses 499 students on campus, serving most of its 794-student body in a close-knit residential community. The retention rate of 64.86% reflects the strong campus bonds formed in this small Owensboro setting.

How strong is athletics at Kentucky Wesleyan College?

Kentucky Wesleyan fields 17 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division II with 401 total athletes, meaning over half the student body participates in varsity athletics. The Panthers compete in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and award $3,391,486 in athletic scholarships, making this one of the most athletically active campuses per capita in the region.