About Nebraska Wesleyan University
The sticker price looks steep at $41,658 for tuition, but most families pay far less. The average net price drops to $23,140 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than it appears. Students typically graduate with $26,970 in debt, which proves manageable given that alumni earn a median of $56,405 ten years after graduation. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a reasonable investment in a Methodist liberal arts education.
Nearly two-thirds of students graduate within four years, with the retention rate at 74.58%. The school draws heavily from Nebraska, with 80% of students coming from in-state. This creates a tight-knit community where Prairie Wolves pride runs deep among the predominantly white student body.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.9%
- Retention Rate
- 74.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,405
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,395 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $61,177 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,909 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $34,526 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $23,113 |
Campus Life
Lincoln's four-season climate means packing both winter coats and shorts. January temperatures average in the 20s while July hits the 80s. The Prairie Wolves compete in 17 NCAA Division III sports with 538 total athletes, creating a strong athletic culture without the pressure of scholarships. Students often attend football and basketball games at the nearby University of Nebraska for big-game excitement. The United Methodist affiliation shapes campus values but doesn't dominate daily life. Weekends revolve around campus activities, intramural sports, and exploring Lincoln's downtown district. The 80% in-state student body creates a Midwest-friendly atmosphere where students easily form lasting friendships across the small campus.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 900 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1887
Campus Safety (2023)
29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–34°F
- July Avg
- 64°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 26.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.2%
- Women
- 52.8%
- White
- 74.2%
- Black
- 4.1%
- Hispanic
- 10.8%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 80.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.6%
Location
- Address
- Lincoln, Nebraska 68504-2794
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,405
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,972
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,970
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Nebraska Wesleyan University?
Nebraska Wesleyan accepts 81% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1010-1240 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on admitting well-rounded students rather than just top test scores.
How much does Nebraska Wesleyan University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,140 after aid, lower than the $41,658 sticker price. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school is known for generous institutional aid that makes this Methodist-affiliated college accessible to middle-class families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Nebraska Wesleyan University?
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small class sizes typical of quality liberal arts education. With just 1,514 students total, Nebraska Wesleyan emphasizes close mentoring relationships and personalized attention that larger universities cannot provide.
What do graduates of Nebraska Wesleyan University typically earn?
Alumni earn a median of $56,405 ten years after graduation with manageable debt of $26,970. The 98% employment rate reflects strong career services and the practical liberal arts approach that prepares students for diverse professional paths.
Where do most Nebraska Wesleyan University students come from?
About 80% of students are Nebraska residents, creating a close-knit community feel on the Lincoln campus. The remaining 20% come from surrounding states, drawn by the school's reputation for Methodist values and strong undergraduate programs.
Does Nebraska Wesleyan University offer athletic scholarships?
Nebraska Wesleyan offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution that emphasizes academics over athletics. However, 538 students participate in 17 varsity sports as Prairie Wolves, competing in the American Rivers Conference where student-athletes balance rigorous academics with competitive athletics.
