About West Virginia Wesleyan College
The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $18,148 after aid, well below the sticker price of nearly $46,000. Graduates earn a median of $51,593 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The school provides institutional grants averaging $26,575 to one-third of students. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $12,553.
Athletics drive much of campus life at this NCAA Division II school. The Bobcats field 17 varsity sports with 501 student-athletes, meaning more than half the student body competes collegiately. However, the 49% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to work hard academically to reach the finish line.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.5%
- Retention Rate
- 68.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,593
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $38,871 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,929 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,329 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $21,508 |
Campus Life
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates a high school atmosphere where professors know your name and academic struggles don't go unnoticed. Weekend options center around campus events, outdoor adventures in the nearby mountains, or road trips to Pittsburgh when cabin fever strikes. The 68.36% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the remote setting and limited nightlife options. Greek life and residence hall programming fill much of the social calendar, while the strong Methodist heritage influences campus culture without overwhelming it. Small-town life means everyone knows everyone, creating tight bonds but little anonymity.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,211 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–40°F
- July Avg
- 60°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 44.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.2%
- Women
- 49.8%
- White
- 67.2%
- Black
- 12.2%
- Hispanic
- 5.9%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 45.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.4%
Location
- Address
- Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201-2994
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,593
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,052
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at West Virginia Wesleyan College?
West Virginia Wesleyan accepts 96.35% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 910-1180 on the SAT. This Methodist liberal arts college values well-rounded admissions over just test scores.
How much does West Virginia Wesleyan College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,148 after aid, less than the sticker price of $45,974. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, and institutional grants average $26,575. Monthly loan payments for graduates average $286.
What is the student-faculty ratio at West Virginia Wesleyan College?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, allowing for personalized attention in this college of 909 students. This small size enables close mentorship in strong programs like nursing, education, and business. The retention rate of 68% reflects the supportive academic environment.
What are the career outcomes for West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $51,593 ten years after graduation, with a 97.2% employment rate. The 6-year graduation rate is 49.5%, which is typical for small liberal arts colleges. About 64% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.
Where is West Virginia Wesleyan College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a remote town setting that creates a tight-knit community feel. Housing capacity of 1,211 can accommodate most of the 909 students. The Bobcats compete in NCAA Division II with 501 total athletes across 17 sports.
Does West Virginia Wesleyan College offer athletic scholarships?
The college awards $1,630,331 in athletic scholarships across its 17 varsity sports programs. With 501 total athletes out of 909 students, sports play a major role in campus life. The Bobcats compete in the Mountain East Conference at the NCAA Division II level.
