About The College of Wooster
Every Wooster senior completes an Independent Study project, a year-long research endeavor that defines this liberal arts college's academic approach. The 1,876 students work closely with faculty mentors on original research ranging from Victorian literature analysis to chemistry experiments. Notable graduates include Senator John McCain and legal commentator Nancy Grace. The campus sits in small-town Ohio, where students develop deep relationships with professors through the 10:1 student-faculty ratio.
The sticker price reaches $74,800, but most families pay far less through generous aid packages. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,018 after aid, while even high-income families typically pay around $32,701. Graduates earn a median $59,629 ten years after college with typical debt of $26,500. Monthly loan payments average $281, making the investment manageable given career outcomes.
The Fighting Scots compete in 19 Division III sports with 512 total athletes, creating a campus where one in four students plays varsity athletics. The 81.31% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close-knit community. About 61% of students are white, with growing diversity including 9.12% Black and 6.45% Hispanic students. Most students live on campus in the college town setting.
The sticker price reaches $74,800, but most families pay far less through generous aid packages. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,018 after aid, while even high-income families typically pay around $32,701. Graduates earn a median $59,629 ten years after college with typical debt of $26,500. Monthly loan payments average $281, making the investment manageable given career outcomes.
The Fighting Scots compete in 19 Division III sports with 512 total athletes, creating a campus where one in four students plays varsity athletics. The 81.31% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close-knit community. About 61% of students are white, with growing diversity including 9.12% Black and 6.45% Hispanic students. Most students live on campus in the college town setting.
Academics & Faculty
The College of Wooster centers academics around its signature Independent Study program, requiring every senior to complete an original year-long research project with faculty mentorship. This liberal arts college maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring close relationships between professors and students throughout their studies. The individualized attention shows in outcomes: 73.6% of students graduate within six years. Students explore interdisciplinary connections across traditional liberal arts fields while developing critical thinking and research skills. The college particularly emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities that are typically reserved for graduate students at larger universities. Faculty members serve as advisors and collaborators rather than distant lecturers, creating an environment where intellectual curiosity drives learning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.6%
- Retention Rate
- 81.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,629
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,041 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,829 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $36,674 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $26,625 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Wooster sits about an hour south of Cleveland in rural Ohio farmland, where winters demand serious coats and boots. Housing capacity reaches 1,892 students while enrollment totals just 1,876, meaning nearly everyone lives on campus in a tight-knit residential community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name and research interests.
Campus life revolves around the legendary Independent Study program that defines senior year. Students spend weekends in the library working on their thesis projects or collaborating in study groups. The Fighting Scots compete in 19 varsity sports across Division III, with 512 total athletes representing over a quarter of the student body. Greek life doesn't dominate social scenes here. Instead, students gather in residence halls, attend campus concerts, or explore nearby hiking trails. The semester system allows for winter study abroad programs. With 81% of students returning each year, the campus culture clearly clicks for most who experience Wooster's blend of serious academics and supportive community.
Campus life revolves around the legendary Independent Study program that defines senior year. Students spend weekends in the library working on their thesis projects or collaborating in study groups. The Fighting Scots compete in 19 varsity sports across Division III, with 512 total athletes representing over a quarter of the student body. Greek life doesn't dominate social scenes here. Instead, students gather in residence halls, attend campus concerts, or explore nearby hiking trails. The semester system allows for winter study abroad programs. With 81% of students returning each year, the campus culture clearly clicks for most who experience Wooster's blend of serious academics and supportive community.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,892 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
43 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -747.8"
Student Demographics
Students come from across the country to attend this Ohio liberal arts college, with 61% arriving from out of state. The student body draws academically strong performers with SAT scores averaging 1350. White students make up the majority at 61%, while Black and Hispanic students represent 9% and 6% respectively. Nearly half are men and half women, reflecting the broad appeal of liberal arts education. The 20% Pell Grant rate shows Wooster attracts middle-class families seeking rigorous academics, particularly drawn by the signature Independent Study program that culminates every student's education.
- Men
- 47.8%
- Women
- 52.2%
- White
- 60.7%
- Black
- 9.1%
- Hispanic
- 6.5%
- Asian
- 4.2%
- In-State Students
- 38.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.5%
Location
Wooster sits in north-central Ohio, about 60 miles south of Cleveland and 30 miles southwest of Akron. The town of 26,000 residents creates a classic college atmosphere where students make up roughly 7% of the local population. Downtown Wooster features tree-lined streets, local cafes, and shops that cater to both students and long-time residents. The surrounding Wayne County landscape consists of rolling farmland and small communities typical of Ohio's agricultural heartland. With 38.68% of students coming from in-state, the campus draws heavily from Ohio's suburban and rural areas. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare The College of Wooster with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Wooster, Ohio 44691
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,629
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,255
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $281/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at The College of Wooster?
The College of Wooster accepts 56.27% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1350. This selective liberal arts college in Ohio attracts students who want rigorous academics combined with the famous Independent Study program.
How much does The College of Wooster cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,766 despite the $59,550 sticker price. The college provides generous institutional grants averaging $41,737 to 30.60% of students, making this strong education surprisingly affordable.
What makes The College of Wooster's academics unique?
Every senior completes a year-long Independent Study research project, earning Wooster national recognition for undergraduate research. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with professors on original scholarship that rivals graduate-level work.
What do graduates from The College of Wooster earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $59,629 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $281. The college boasts a 95.5% employment rate and 73.60% six-year graduation rate, reflecting strong career preparation.
Where is The College of Wooster located and what is campus life like?
This town-distant campus in Wooster, Ohio houses 1,876 students with 1,892 housing spaces available. The Fighting Scots compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 512 total athletes, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Does The College of Wooster have notable alumni?
The college graduated John McCain, former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, and Nancy Grace, prominent TV host and legal commentator. With 38.68% in-state students, Wooster draws talent nationally while maintaining strong Ohio roots.
