About Virginia Wesleyan University
The financial picture tells a practical story for middle-class families. While tuition runs $36,960, the average student actually pays $20,583 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $50,074 ten years after graduation, carrying typical debt of $27,000 with monthly loan payments around $286. The employment rate hits 93.7%, suggesting the school's career services effectively connect students to opportunities.
The campus houses 856 students and fields 19 varsity sports teams as NCAA Division III Marlins. With 69% of students coming from Virginia, the community maintains strong local ties while welcoming a diverse student body that is 50% white, 23% Black, and 10% Hispanic. The 49% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many small liberal arts colleges face, though the 67% retention rate shows students generally stay engaged through their first year.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.1%
- Retention Rate
- 66.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,074
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $35,330 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. | Bachelor | $31,851 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,643 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $21,781 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
Campus Life
The coastal location brings mild winters where you'll need light jackets rather than heavy coats, plus warm springs and falls perfect for outdoor activities. Students often head to nearby beaches on weekends or explore Virginia Beach's boardwalk and restaurants. The school's United Methodist heritage creates a welcoming atmosphere without being overly religious. With 436 student-athletes competing across 19 Division III sports, games draw solid crowds despite the small size. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term where students pursue intensive study or travel courses, breaking up the traditional semester routine and creating unique bonding experiences.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 856 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–48°F
- July Avg
- 71°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.8%
- Women
- 56.2%
- White
- 50.1%
- Black
- 22.8%
- Hispanic
- 10.3%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 69.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.2%
Location
- Address
- Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,074
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,912
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Wesleyan University?
Virginia Wesleyan University accepts 81.43% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190 and 1365 on the SAT. This Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college focuses on building a supportive community rather than exclusivity.
How much does Virginia Wesleyan University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,583 after aid, less than the full cost of $49,973. About 27% of students receive institutional grants averaging $27,568. The school keeps costs manageable for middle-income families, with net prices ranging from $15,471 to $25,187 based on family income.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Virginia Wesleyan University?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 13:1, ensuring personalized attention in this liberal arts environment. With only 1,243 students total, Virginia Wesleyan emphasizes close mentorship and discussion-based learning. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term courses and study abroad opportunities.
What are the graduation rates at Virginia Wesleyan University?
Virginia Wesleyan graduates 49.10% of students within six years and 46.70% within four years. The 66.79% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life. Graduates earn a median of $50,074 ten years after enrollment, with strong job placement at 93.7% employment rates.
Where is Virginia Wesleyan University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Virginia Beach, giving students access to both beach recreation and urban amenities. About 69% of the 1,243 students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community feel. Housing capacity of 856 means most students can live on campus throughout their college experience.
Does Virginia Wesleyan University offer athletic scholarships?
Virginia Wesleyan offers no athletic scholarships as a Division III institution in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. However, 436 students participate in 19 varsity sports as Marlins, representing over one-third of the student body. The emphasis on athletics as part of education rather than revenue reflects the school's liberal arts mission.
