Ohio Wesleyan University: 52.2% Acceptance Rate

52.2%Acceptance

$52,357Tuition

1,450Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,624Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan pioneered experiential learning through its signature Connection program, which sends students around the world to connect classroom theory with real-world experience. This small liberal arts college enrolls 1,450 students in a large suburban setting outside Columbus. The school has produced influential graduates like Branch Rickey, the baseball executive who broke baseball's color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, and Frank Stanton, former president of CBS. Students enjoy an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The acceptance rate of 52% makes it moderately selective, with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1123 to 1358.

The sticker price of $67,583 drops with aid, leaving students paying an average net price of $21,619. Graduates earn a median of $55,624 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly loan payments of $286. Low-income families pay especially little, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $14,920 annually.

The Battling Bishops compete in 20 NCAA Division III sports with 589 total athletes. The campus houses most of its students, with housing capacity for 1,521 in a community where 58% come from Ohio and women outnumber men 57% to 43%.

Academics & Faculty

Ohio Wesleyan operates as a liberal arts college where students explore diverse subjects before choosing a major. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide personalized attention during office hours and class discussions. About 64% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the challenge of rigorous coursework combined with strong academic support. The college is famous for its Connection program, which funds student travel experiences that link classroom learning with real-world exploration. Students often study abroad or conduct research with faculty mentors. The liberal arts approach produces graduates skilled in critical thinking and communication across multiple disciplines.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 64.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.7%
Retention Rate: 84.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,624
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$51,273
Business/Managerial Economics.	Bachelor	$43,798
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$31,848
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$30,409
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$26,585
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$23,649
Zoology/Animal Biology.	Bachelor	$20,140

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

Ohio's college town of Delaware sits 20 miles north of Columbus, giving students access to internships and nightlife without the big-city distractions. With housing capacity for 1,521 students and total enrollment of 1,450, nearly everyone lives on campus in a tight-knit community. Ohio winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through February, while spring brings perfect weather for the campus's tree-lined quads.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions rather than lecture halls. Students call professors by their first names and often grab coffee together downtown. The Battling Bishops compete in 20 Division III sports, with 589 total athletes making up over 40% of the student body. Weekend social life revolves around athletic events, Greek organizations, and the historic Strand Theatre downtown. Students frequently drive to Columbus for concerts and restaurants, but most prefer staying on campus for late-night conversations in residence hall lounges. The Connection program sends students abroad, creating a campus culture where everyone has passport stories to share.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,521 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1842

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Burglary	8	7	0
Dating Violence	2	2	0
Rape	2	2	0
Fondling	2	1	0
Robbery	1	1	1
Stalking	1	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–36°F
July Avg: 62°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Ohio Wesleyan draws students who value close faculty relationships and global experiences. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio attracts learners seeking personalized attention from professors. About 59% come from Ohio, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation among families who appreciate its Methodist heritage and liberal arts tradition. Women comprise 57% of the student body, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize communication and social sciences. The Connection program's travel component appeals to students from middle-class backgrounds who can manage the $21,619 average net price after financial aid.

Men: 42.8%
Women: 57.2%
White: 73.7%
Black: 7.2%
Hispanic: 5.0%
Asian: 3.0%
In-State Students: 58.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.6%

Location

Ohio Wesleyan University sits in Delaware, Ohio, about 30 miles north of Columbus. The suburban setting houses 1,450 students in a classic college town atmosphere. Delaware combines small-town charm with easy access to Ohio's capital city for internships and cultural experiences. The campus benefits from its location in central Ohio, where rolling farmland meets growing suburbs. With 58.81% of students coming from in-state, many appreciate the familiar Midwest environment. The town revolves around the university, creating a tight-knit academic community. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Ohio Wesleyan University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Delaware, Ohio 43015-2370

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,624
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,040
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 76.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ohio Wesleyan University?

Ohio Wesleyan accepts 52.18% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1123 and 1358 on the SAT. This Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college draws students who value small class sizes and experiential learning.

How much does Ohio Wesleyan University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,619 despite a sticker price of $67,583. About 25% of students receive institutional grants averaging $36,757. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.

What are academics like at Ohio Wesleyan University?

Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,450 total enrollment. The college is known for its Connection program that links classroom learning with travel experiences. About 84% of first-year students return for sophomore year.

What do Ohio Wesleyan University graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $55,624 ten years after graduation with a 94.7% employment rate. About 64% graduate within four years and 62% within six years. Notable alumni include Branch Rickey, who broke baseball's color barrier, and former CBS president Frank Stanton.

Where is Ohio Wesleyan University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Delaware, Ohio, a large suburb that houses 1,521 students on campus. About 59% of students come from Ohio while 57% are women. The Battling Bishops compete in NCAA Division III with 589 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports.

Does Ohio Wesleyan University offer good value for low-income students?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,920 net price, while those from families earning $30,000-$48,000 pay only $13,089. About 25% of students receive Pell Grants for low-income families. The loan repayment rate stands at 76.88%, indicating manageable debt levels for most graduates.