Wiley University: $12,500 Tuition

$12,500Tuition

636Students

20%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,159Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUUnited Methodist

About Wiley University

Wiley University draws 636 students to its campus in Marshall, Texas, where the United Methodist Church's educational mission meets the rich traditions of historically Black higher education. This HBCU has educated generations of African American leaders since 1873, building a close-knit community where 84% of students are Black. The small-town setting fosters tight relationships between students and faculty, though the 18:1 student-faculty ratio means classes aren't always intimate. Wiley competes in NAIA athletics with 142 student-athletes across 10 sports, where the Wildcats have built regional recognition in basketball and track.

The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with concerning outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $10,095 after aid, with 77% receiving financial assistance. This affordable education comes with risks: graduates earn a median of $33,159 ten years after enrollment while carrying $24,989 in debt. Monthly loan payments of $265 can strain budgets when only 25% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The low graduation rates of 22% in four years and 20% in six years suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees.

Student retention presents the biggest challenge. Only 32% of freshmen return for sophomore year, indicating significant academic or financial barriers that prevent students from staying enrolled.

Academics & Faculty

Wiley University is one of Texas's historic HBCUs, offering undergraduate programs with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education and professional preparation. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors in this intimate setting of just 636 students. However, the 22% four-year graduation rate and 31% retention rate signal significant academic challenges that students face. The university has traditionally been known for its teacher preparation programs and business studies, reflecting its mission to serve first-generation college students. With 77% of students receiving Pell Grants, Wiley primarily serves economically disadvantaged students who often need additional academic support to succeed in college-level coursework.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 59.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 22.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 20.0%
Retention Rate: 31.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,159
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$27,048
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$26,933
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.	Bachelor	$25,484
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$23,649

View all 18 programs →

Campus Life

Wiley University sits in Marshall, a small East Texas town about 40 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana. The campus houses 700 students in dormitories, meaning most of the 636 enrolled students live on campus in this tight-knit community. Students experience hot, humid summers and mild winters where a light jacket suffices most days.

The historically black university maintains strong traditions around Homecoming and Greek life that bind the small student body together. With 10 varsity sports teams and 142 total athletes, Wildcats athletics draw campus-wide support despite competing at the NAIA level. Students often gather in the campus center between classes, and many participate in campus ministry programs reflecting the school's United Methodist heritage. Weekend activities center around campus events, local churches, and trips to nearby Shreveport for shopping and dining. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a family atmosphere that extends beyond academics. With 84% of students being Black and strong cultural programming, Wiley celebrates its HBCU identity through step shows, cultural events, and community service projects.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 700 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	2	2	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–55°F
July Avg: 72°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.2"
Annual Snowfall: -777.1"

Student Demographics

Wiley University draws primarily from Texas and surrounding states, with strong roots in its local East Texas community. The student body reflects the school's mission as a historically Black university, serving students who are often first-generation college attendees. More than three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing Wiley's commitment to making education accessible for lower-income families. The nearly even gender split spans across the university's programs in education, business, and liberal arts. Students typically come from communities where Wiley's Methodist values and close-knit campus culture resonate with their backgrounds and goals.

Men: 47.0%
Women: 53.0%
White: 6.5%
Black: 84.3%
Hispanic: 3.8%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 56.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 77.1%

Location

Marshall sits in East Texas, about 150 miles east of Dallas and 40 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana. The town has around 23,000 residents and serves as the county seat of Harrison County. This area represents classic East Texas pine country, with rolling hills and thick forests defining the landscape. Marshall bills itself as a cultural and educational center for the region, hosting annual events like the Fire Ant Festival. The 636-student campus creates a significant presence in this smaller community. The town's proximity to both Texas and Louisiana creates a unique cultural blend. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Wiley University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Marshall, Texas 75670

Julius S. Scott, Sr. Chapel at Wiley College

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,159
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,871
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 24.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,989

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retention rate at Wiley University?

Wiley University has a 31.67% retention rate, meaning fewer than one-third of students return for their sophomore year. This historically Black university in Marshall, Texas faces significant challenges in keeping students enrolled through their academic journey.

How much does Wiley University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Wiley University is $10,095, with 77.08% of students receiving financial aid. This United Methodist-affiliated HBCU keeps costs relatively low, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,970 annually.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wiley University?

Wiley University maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 636 enrolled students. The small enrollment allows for more personalized attention in this intimate college setting in East Texas.

What do graduates of Wiley University typically earn?

Wiley University graduates earn a median of $33,159 ten years after graduation, with recent graduates starting at $28,103 in their first year. The university serves a predominantly African American student body (84.28%) and focuses on providing accessible higher education opportunities.

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

Wiley University sits in Marshall, Texas, a small town setting with housing capacity for 700 students. The campus supports 142 student-athletes across 10 NAIA varsity sports, with the Wildcats competing for $585,000 in athletic scholarships.

What is unique about Wiley University's student demographics?

Wiley University is a historically Black college where 84.28% of students are African American and 77.08% receive Pell Grants. The university serves primarily students from lower-income backgrounds, with a strong commitment to making education accessible to underrepresented communities.