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55.1%Acceptance
$28,160Tuition
753Students
35%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,086Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Church of God

About Warner University

Warner University serves 753 students on a rural Florida campus where faith and athletics intersect. This Church of God institution has built its reputation around Christian education and competitive sports programs. The university fields 17 varsity teams competing at the NAIA level, with 520 student athletes representing nearly 70% of the entire student body. Warner's Royals are central to campus identity in this small college environment.

Students pay an average net price of $21,007 after financial aid, with 53% receiving federal Pell grants. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $46,086, while graduates carry a median debt load of $22,250. The monthly loan payment of $236 represents a manageable burden relative to earning potential. However, the 35% graduation rate within six years suggests academic challenges that prospective students should carefully consider.

The student body reflects Florida's diversity, with 41% white, 27% Black, and 22% Hispanic students. Nearly 92% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit Florida community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio enables personal attention, though the 45% retention rate indicates that Warner's environment doesn't suit every student who enrolls.

Academics & Faculty

Warner University operates as a private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on integrating faith and learning. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in small classes, though the 37% four-year graduation rate and 45% retention rate suggest many students face challenges completing their degrees. The university is known for its education, business, and criminal justice programs, drawing heavily from Florida with 92% in-state enrollment. Students often appreciate the close-knit campus community and mentorship opportunities with professors. The Church of God affiliation shapes campus culture and curriculum, requiring students to take theology courses regardless of their major.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
32.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
37.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
34.9%
Retention Rate
45.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,086
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $41,937
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $41,349
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $36,627
Psychology, General. Bachelor $25,194
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $22,920

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

The Warner University campus sits in small-town Lake Wales, about an hour south of Orlando and Tampa. With housing capacity for 472 students and total enrollment of 753, roughly 63% of students live on campus. Florida's year-round warmth means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50 degrees.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. With 51.26% men and 48.74% women, the gender split stays relatively even. The campus draws heavily from Florida, with 91.56% of students coming from in-state. As a Church of God institution, chapel services and faith-based activities anchor campus life. The Royals compete in 17 NAIA sports, and with 520 total athletes out of 753 students, athletics dominate the social scene. Weekend activities often revolve around sports events, outdoor recreation taking advantage of Florida's climate, and faith-based programming. The rural-fringe setting means students typically stay on campus for entertainment rather than venturing into Orlando for nightlife.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity
472 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1968

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 3 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 1
Robbery 0 0 0 1
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
49°–74°F
July Avg
72°–93°F
Annual Precipitation
49.6"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Warner attracts students from across Florida, with 92% coming from in-state, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation in central Florida. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the Church of God institution's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working-class families. The student body is diverse, with Black and Hispanic students comprising nearly half the enrollment. This diversity aligns with Warner's mission of serving underrepresented communities in rural Florida. The balanced gender split reflects the university's broad range of programs from business to education.
Men
51.3%
Women
48.7%
White
41.4%
Black
27.2%
Hispanic
21.5%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
91.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
53.5%

Location

Warner University sits in Lake Wales, Florida, about 60 miles southwest of Orlando. The campus occupies a rural setting in central Florida's citrus region, where rolling hills and lakes define the landscape. Lake Wales has a population of around 16,000 and maintains a small-town atmosphere. The town centers around its historic downtown and nearby Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark featuring a 205-foot singing tower. Students find themselves in Florida's ridge country, where elevation changes are unusual for the typically flat state. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities around numerous lakes and nature preserves. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Warner University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Lake Wales, Florida 33859-8797

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,086
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,531
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,500
Loan Repayment Rate
36.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$236/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Warner University?

Warner University admits 55.10% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically score around 965 on the SAT, with the middle 50% ranging from 860 to 1070. This Christian university in rural Florida draws primarily in-state students who value the close-knit campus community.

How much does Warner University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,007 annually after financial aid is applied. More than half of students (53.48%) receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need on campus. The university keeps costs manageable for low-income families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $19,182 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Warner University?

Warner University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 753 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention in a faith-based learning environment. However, the retention rate of 45.19% suggests that the rural setting and academic rigor may not suit all students.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Warner University?

Only 34.90% of students graduate within six years, which is below national averages for four-year institutions. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,086 ten years after enrollment, with a 91.1% employment rate. The university's Church of God affiliation often leads graduates toward ministry and service-oriented careers.

Where is Warner University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Lake Wales, Florida, a rural-fringe community that offers a quiet, close-knit atmosphere. With housing capacity for 472 students on the 753-student campus, most students live on or near campus. The gender split is nearly even at 51.26% men and 48.74% women, creating a balanced community environment.

How strong is athletics at Warner University?

Warner University fields 17 varsity sports teams competing at the NAIA level as the Royals. With 520 total athletes on a campus of 753 students, athletics plays a major role in campus culture. The university awards $241,577 in athletic scholarships, making sports a significant pathway for students to afford their education.