About Southern Wesleyan University
Students pay an average net price of $19,968 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $40,000. Graduates earn a median of $47,756 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. However, only 48% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The Warriors compete in NCAA Division II athletics, fielding 10 varsity sports with 255 total athletes. Women outnumber men on campus, comprising 63% of the student body. The predominantly white student population includes 17% Black students and 8% Hispanic students. While 96% of graduates find employment, the 52% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees on time.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.0%
- Retention Rate
- 65.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,756
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,045 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,556 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,021 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,138 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $18,309 |
Campus Life
South Carolina's mild climate requires light jackets in winter rather than heavy coats, though summers demand serious air conditioning. The Warriors compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports with 255 total athletes, creating a strong athletic presence on campus. Weekend life revolves around campus activities, nearby Lake Robinson for outdoor recreation, and trips to Greenville or Charlotte when students need city amenities. The 62.5% female student body creates a different social active than many colleges. Students often describe the atmosphere as family-like, with the Christian mission shaping both academics and social life. Small size means everyone knows everyone, which appeals to students seeking close relationships but may feel limiting to those wanting anonymity.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 570 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1906
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–53°F
- July Avg
- 68°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 37.5%
- Women
- 62.5%
- White
- 69.3%
- Black
- 16.6%
- Hispanic
- 8.2%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 60.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.0%
Location
- Address
- Central, South Carolina 29630-1020
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,756
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,969
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Wesleyan University?
Southern Wesleyan University accepts 51.18% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian liberal arts school. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1013 and 1160 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on admitting students who align with its Wesleyan values and academic mission.
How much does Southern Wesleyan University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,968 after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $27,870. The university provides substantial support to lower-income families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $15,936 on average.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern Wesleyan University?
The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with only 771 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention and close relationships between professors and students, which is central to the school's Christian liberal arts philosophy.
What are the job prospects for Southern Wesleyan University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 96.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong career preparation despite the modest median earnings of $47,756 ten years after graduation. However, only 52% of students graduate within six years, indicating retention challenges at this small institution.
Where is Southern Wesleyan University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Central, South Carolina, a midsize suburban setting that provides a close-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 570 students and 62.52% of the student body being women, the campus fosters strong personal relationships and spiritual growth central to the Wesleyan tradition.
Does Southern Wesleyan University have competitive athletics?
The Warriors compete in NCAA Division II as part of Conference Carolinas, fielding 10 varsity sports teams. With 255 total athletes and $1,929,891 in athletic scholarships, sports play a significant role on this small campus where about one-third of students participate in varsity athletics.
