About Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Oklahoma Wesleyan University shapes students through a distinctly conservative Christian lens in small-town Oklahoma. With just 663 students, this Wesleyan-affiliated institution emphasizes both faith and athletics in Bartlesville, a town removed from major metropolitan areas. The university accepts about 52% of applicants, drawing students who want personal attention in a religious environment.
Students pay an average net price of $26,827 after financial aid, with 39% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $59,841 ten years after leaving, making the typical debt load of $24,813 manageable for most. The monthly loan payment of $263 represents a reasonable investment given the employment rate of 96.1%. However, the 28% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees.
Athletics dominate campus life with 455 student-athletes competing across 20 varsity sports. That means nearly 70% of students participate in NJCAA competition, supported by over $6 million in athletic scholarships. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring, though the 49% retention rate indicates the intense religious atmosphere and academic expectations don't suit everyone who enrolls.
Students pay an average net price of $26,827 after financial aid, with 39% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $59,841 ten years after leaving, making the typical debt load of $24,813 manageable for most. The monthly loan payment of $263 represents a reasonable investment given the employment rate of 96.1%. However, the 28% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees.
Athletics dominate campus life with 455 student-athletes competing across 20 varsity sports. That means nearly 70% of students participate in NJCAA competition, supported by over $6 million in athletic scholarships. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring, though the 49% retention rate indicates the intense religious atmosphere and academic expectations don't suit everyone who enrolls.
Academics & Faculty
Oklahoma Wesleyan University operates as a Christian liberal arts college where faith integrates with academic study. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in small classes, though the 28% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. The university emphasizes biblical worldview integration across disciplines, particularly in ministry preparation and business programs. Students engage with professors who prioritize Christian mentorship alongside academic instruction. The liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects before specializing, with popular programs including pastoral studies, business administration, and education. The Wesleyan denomination shapes campus culture, creating an environment where academic discussions often connect to faith perspectives and conservative Christian values.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 31.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.4%
- Retention Rate
- 49.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,841
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $87,532 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,077 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,557 |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,468 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around a tight-knit community where 455 students compete across 20 varsity sports programs. With just 663 total students and housing for 509, most undergraduates live on campus in this small Oklahoma town about 45 minutes north of Tulsa. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class.
Bartlesville sits in the rolling hills of northeastern Oklahoma, where you'll need both winter coats for January lows near freezing and shorts for August highs in the 90s. The Wesleyan Christian foundation shapes campus culture through required chapel services and conservative social policies. With 54% of students being men, the gender balance tilts slightly male, often attributed to strong athletic recruitment. Weekends revolve around Eagles games, campus ministry events, and trips to Tulsa for shopping or entertainment. The 49% retention rate suggests the close-knit, faith-based environment isn't for everyone, but those who stay often form lasting bonds in this small-town setting.
Bartlesville sits in the rolling hills of northeastern Oklahoma, where you'll need both winter coats for January lows near freezing and shorts for August highs in the 90s. The Wesleyan Christian foundation shapes campus culture through required chapel services and conservative social policies. With 54% of students being men, the gender balance tilts slightly male, often attributed to strong athletic recruitment. Weekends revolve around Eagles games, campus ministry events, and trips to Tulsa for shopping or entertainment. The 49% retention rate suggests the close-knit, faith-based environment isn't for everyone, but those who stay often form lasting bonds in this small-town setting.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 509 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 2001
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–46°F
- July Avg
- 69°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 13.8"
Student Demographics
Oklahoma Wesleyan draws a balanced mix of local and regional students, with roughly half coming from Oklahoma and the rest from across the country. The student body leans slightly male, reflecting strong athletics programs that recruit heavily across 20 varsity sports. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making Christian education accessible to working-class families. The diverse racial composition includes significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. This blend creates a community where small-town Oklahoma values meet students from varied backgrounds united by shared faith and conservative principles.
- Men
- 54.5%
- Women
- 45.6%
- White
- 55.1%
- Black
- 7.7%
- Hispanic
- 10.7%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 48.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.3%
Location
Bartlesville sits in northeastern Oklahoma, about 45 miles north of Tulsa. The town of 36,000 residents has deep ties to the oil industry, serving as the longtime headquarters of Phillips 66. Students find themselves in a classic small-town environment where the university represents a significant presence. The campus draws from both Oklahoma (48.81% in-state) and surrounding states. Bartlesville offers the charm of tree-lined streets and historic downtown districts, but entertainment options remain limited compared to larger college towns. The setting provides a quiet atmosphere for academic focus, though some students may find the social scene restrictive. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Oklahoma Wesleyan University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006-6299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,841
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,650
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $50,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $263/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,813
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Oklahoma Wesleyan University?
Oklahoma Wesleyan University accepts 52% of applicants. The school looks for students who align with its conservative Christian values and Wesleyan theological foundation.
How much does Oklahoma Wesleyan University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $26,827 after aid at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The total cost of attendance is $41,888, but 39% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover expenses.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Oklahoma Wesleyan University?
Oklahoma Wesleyan University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with just 663 total students. This small Christian liberal arts environment emphasizes personal attention and faith-based learning.
What are the graduation rates at Oklahoma Wesleyan University?
Oklahoma Wesleyan University has a 28% six-year graduation rate and 31% four-year graduation rate. The retention rate of 49% reflects the challenges many students face at this small private institution.
Where is Oklahoma Wesleyan University located?
Oklahoma Wesleyan University sits in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in a town-distant setting. The campus houses 509 students and serves as the home base for the Eagles' 20 varsity sports programs.
How strong are athletics at Oklahoma Wesleyan University?
Oklahoma Wesleyan University awards $6.27 million in athletic scholarships across 20 varsity sports. With 455 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level, athletics play a major role in campus life for this small Christian university.
