About Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University builds strong connections between its 1,081 students and faculty in small-town Pennsylvania. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the school's commitment to personalized attention and mentoring. This Presbyterian-affiliated institution focuses on practical career preparation while maintaining its Christian identity. Students benefit from close relationships with professors who know them by name rather than student ID number.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private university. Students pay an average net price of $25,157 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $58,537 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with $27,000 in debt, leading to monthly loan payments of $286. The 97.3% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families alongside those with greater financial need.
Nearly three-quarters of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a regional community feel. The 60.5% six-year graduation rate trails national averages, though the 72.3% retention rate shows most students who start here want to stay. Twenty varsity sports teams compete in Division III, giving 413 students chances to play college athletics without the pressure of scholarships.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private university. Students pay an average net price of $25,157 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $58,537 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with $27,000 in debt, leading to monthly loan payments of $286. The 97.3% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families alongside those with greater financial need.
Nearly three-quarters of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a regional community feel. The 60.5% six-year graduation rate trails national averages, though the 72.3% retention rate shows most students who start here want to stay. Twenty varsity sports teams compete in Division III, giving 413 students chances to play college athletics without the pressure of scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Waynesburg University operates as a small Christian liberal arts college where students receive intensive personal attention through a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The university has built its reputation around practical career preparation, particularly in education, business, and nursing programs that connect directly to regional job markets. About 60% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the close mentorship available in this intimate academic environment. The Presbyterian-affiliated institution emphasizes experiential learning and internships that help explain why 97% of graduates find employment shortly after graduation. Students pursue degrees in 20 varsity sports alongside traditional liberal arts disciplines, creating a well-rounded educational experience in rural southwestern Pennsylvania.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 43.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.5%
- Retention Rate
- 72.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,537
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $78,343 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,358 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $39,009 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $36,914 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,382 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around a tight-knit community where the 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. With 1,081 students and housing capacity for 1,068, nearly everyone lives on campus in this small Pennsylvania town. Waynesburg sits about an hour south of Pittsburgh, giving students access to city internships while enjoying rural tranquility.
Winters require heavy coats as snow blankets the rolling hills from December through March. The Yellow Jackets compete in 20 varsity sports with 413 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus culture. Students gather for NCAA Division III games and Presbyterian-rooted traditions that reflect the school's 1850 founding. Weekend activities often revolve around campus events since the town itself offers limited nightlife options. The 72% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to this close community atmosphere. Study groups form easily given the small size, and the rural setting means outdoor activities like hiking become popular stress relievers between classes.
Winters require heavy coats as snow blankets the rolling hills from December through March. The Yellow Jackets compete in 20 varsity sports with 413 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus culture. Students gather for NCAA Division III games and Presbyterian-rooted traditions that reflect the school's 1850 founding. Weekend activities often revolve around campus events since the town itself offers limited nightlife options. The 72% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to this close community atmosphere. Study groups form easily given the small size, and the rural setting means outdoor activities like hiking become popular stress relievers between classes.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,068 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1850
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–38°F
- July Avg
- 59°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.9"
Student Demographics
Waynesburg draws students who want a close-knit Christian community without traveling far from home. Nearly three-quarters of students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation among families seeking faith-based education. The student body leans slightly female, which aligns with the school's emphasis on education and nursing programs. With 31% receiving Pell Grants, Waynesburg serves many first-generation college students from working-class backgrounds across southwestern Pennsylvania. Students typically choose this Presbyterian-affiliated campus for its combination of academic support, Christian values, and practical career preparation in a small-town setting.
- Men
- 46.6%
- Women
- 53.4%
- White
- 82.0%
- Black
- 7.9%
- Hispanic
- 4.6%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 73.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.0%
Location
Waynesburg sits in rural southwestern Pennsylvania, about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh. The town has just over 4,000 residents and serves as the Greene County seat. Rolling hills and farmland surround this small Appalachian community. The campus houses 1,068 students in a setting where everyone knows each other. Local attractions include fishing at Ten Mile Creek and exploring historic covered bridges. About 74% of students come from Pennsylvania, giving the university a distinctly regional feel. The nearest shopping and entertainment options require a drive to Washington, Pennsylvania, or the Pittsburgh suburbs. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Waynesburg University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370-1257
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,537
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,098
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Waynesburg University?
Waynesburg University accepts 75.57% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need an SAT score around 1080 or ACT score of 22 to be competitive for admission.
How much does Waynesburg University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $25,157 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $19,790, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full tuition of $29,460.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Waynesburg University?
Waynesburg maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,081 total students. This small Presbyterian university emphasizes close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in its academic programs.
What are the employment outcomes for Waynesburg University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 97.3% employment rate and earn a median salary of $58,537 ten years after graduation. However, only 60.5% complete their degree within six years, reflecting the challenges some students face at this rural Pennsylvania institution.
Where is Waynesburg University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, housing 1,068 students in on-campus facilities. With 20 varsity sports teams competing as the Yellow Jackets in NCAA Division III and 413 student athletes, athletics play a significant role in campus culture.
Does Waynesburg University offer good financial aid for low-income students?
About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a substantial population from lower-income families. The university provides institutional grants averaging $17,464 to 26.18% of students, though 72.49% still need federal loans with typical monthly payments of $286.
