Roberts Wesleyan University: 99.5% Acceptance Rate

99.5%Acceptance

$37,504Tuition

1,065Students

64%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,031Earnings

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

About Roberts Wesleyan University

Roberts Wesleyan University brings together faith and academics in a close-knit community of 1,065 students in suburban Rochester. This Christian liberal arts institution has integrated Free Methodist values into education since 1866. The 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. With a 99.5% acceptance rate, Roberts welcomes nearly every applicant who demonstrates genuine interest in faith-centered education.

The financial picture tells a practical story. Students typically pay $23,461 annually after aid, well below the sticker price of $37,504 tuition. Graduates earn a median of $55,031 ten years after leaving, while carrying manageable debt loads of $23,750. Monthly loan payments average just $252, making Roberts one of the more affordable Christian college options. The 97% employment rate shows strong career outcomes despite the modest earnings.

Women make up 65% of the student body, creating a nurturing campus culture that emphasizes service and community engagement. The Redhawks compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports with 368 total athletes. Roberts distributes $1.86 million in athletic scholarships, demonstrating serious commitment to student-athletes. The 77% retention rate reflects solid student satisfaction, though the 64% six-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to finish.

Academics & Faculty

Roberts Wesleyan builds its academic reputation around faith-integrated liberal arts education, weaving Christian perspectives into every discipline. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally and mentor them beyond academics. With 66% of students graduating in four years, the university demonstrates solid academic support despite its open-door admissions policy that accepts 99.5% of applicants. The school particularly excels in nursing, education, and social work programs that align with its service-oriented mission. Students appreciate the semester system's structure and the integration of faith with rigorous academic study across all majors.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 90.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 66.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.9%
Retention Rate: 77.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,031
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$63,005
Social Work.	Master	$40,017
Human Resources Management and Services.	Bachelor	$32,925

View all 61 programs →

Campus Life

Roberts Wesleyan sits in suburban Rochester, just 10 miles from downtown and Lake Ontario's shoreline. With housing capacity for 618 students and total enrollment of 1,065, about 58% of students live on campus in a close-knit residential community. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally and likely grab coffee with classmates between the brick academic buildings.

Rochester winters demand heavy coats and snow boots from November through March, while springs bring outdoor activities to the 75-acre campus. The 368 student-athletes competing in 19 NCAA Division II sports create a spirited athletic culture, especially during Redhawks basketball and soccer seasons. Weekend life revolves around campus events, trips to Rochester's museums and festivals, or outdoor adventures in the Finger Lakes region. The Free Methodist foundation shapes campus traditions like weekly chapel and service learning opportunities. With 65% women and strong nursing and education programs, the community emphasizes both academic excellence and Christian service. Students often gather in residence halls for study groups and faith-based discussions.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 618 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1866

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	2	2
Fondling	2	1
Stalking	3	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–31°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.3"
Annual Snowfall: 99.5"

Student Demographics

Roberts Wesleyan draws primarily from New York state, with 85% of students coming from in-state. The student body is two-thirds female, reflecting strong programs in nursing, education, and social work that traditionally attract more women. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving working-class families in the Rochester region. The Free Methodist affiliation attracts students seeking faith-based education, while the 99.5% acceptance rate means the school welcomes students with varying academic backgrounds who value Christian community over selectivity.

Men: 34.9%
Women: 65.1%
White: 65.5%
Black: 15.0%
Hispanic: 10.1%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 85.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.7%

Location

Roberts Wesleyan University sits in Rochester, New York, about 350 miles northwest of New York City. The campus occupies a suburban setting in the Finger Lakes region, known for its rolling hills and scenic lakes. Rochester itself is a mid-sized city of roughly 200,000 people, offering internship opportunities at companies like Kodak and Xerox. The area experiences four distinct seasons with snowy winters typical of upstate New York. Students have access to both outdoor recreation around the nearby lakes and urban amenities in Rochester's downtown district. The 85.41% in-state enrollment reflects the university's strong regional draw. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Roberts Wesleyan University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rochester, New York 14624

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,031
Median Earnings (5 years): $59,877
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $39,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $252/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Roberts Wesleyan University?

Roberts Wesleyan University accepts 99.5% of applicants, making it accessible to nearly all students who apply. The average SAT score is 1245, reflecting the school's commitment to welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds into its Christian liberal arts community.

How much does Roberts Wesleyan University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Roberts Wesleyan University is $23,461, lower than the full tuition of $37,504. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school provides institutional grants averaging $24,493 to help make Christian education more affordable.

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

Roberts Wesleyan maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,065 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention and reflects the Free Methodist institution's emphasis on building close mentoring relationships between faculty and students.

What are the graduation rates at Roberts Wesleyan University?

Roberts Wesleyan University has a 66% four-year graduation rate and 64% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,031 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 97% demonstrating strong career outcomes.

Where is Roberts Wesleyan University located?

Roberts Wesleyan University sits in suburban Rochester, New York, with 85% of its students coming from within the state. The campus houses 618 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere in upstate New York.

How many varsity sports does Roberts Wesleyan University offer?

Roberts Wesleyan University competes in 19 varsity sports as the Redhawks in NCAA Division II's East Coast Conference. The school awards $1.86 million in athletic scholarships to 368 student-athletes, emphasizing both competitive excellence and Christian character development.