William Penn University: 57.7% Acceptance Rate

57.7%Acceptance

$28,750Tuition

1,391Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,936Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAData: 2023-24Friends

About William Penn University

William Penn University builds leaders through hands-on learning and competitive athletics in small-town Iowa. This Quaker-founded institution enrolls 1,391 students in Oskaloosa, where the campus sits in a remote town setting. The university accepts 58% of applicants and emphasizes career preparation alongside liberal arts education. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships.

The financial picture shows mixed value for families. Students pay an average net price of $22,115 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying around $19,600. Graduates carry a median debt of $22,415 with monthly payments of $238. However, median earnings reach $48,936 ten years after graduation, suggesting the investment pays off for those who complete their degrees. The 29% six-year graduation rate means persistence is crucial for success.

Athletics dominates campus life with 788 student-athletes competing across 25 NAIA sports. The athletic department awards over $13.7 million in scholarships annually. Nearly half the student body receives Pell Grants, creating an economically diverse community. The 56% retention rate indicates many students struggle with the transition to college life, but those who stay find strong career support with a 95% employment rate after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

William Penn University offers career-focused liberal arts education with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that provides close mentorship. The college emphasizes practical skills and real-world application across its programs. However, only 29% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face in completing their degrees. The school has built a reputation for programs in business, education, and health sciences that prepare students for immediate employment. With 94.9% of graduates finding employment, the college delivers on its promise of career readiness. The Quaker heritage influences the collaborative learning environment, where professors know students personally and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 29.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.2%
Retention Rate: 56.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,936
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$58,402
Human Resources Management and Services.	Bachelor	$46,478
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$40,089

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life at William Penn centers around a tight-knit community where 60% of students live on campus among the 834 available housing spots. The rural Iowa setting means Des Moines sits about an hour away, making campus the social center for most students. You'll need a heavy winter coat for Iowa's harsh winters and layers for unpredictable spring weather.

With 788 athletes competing across 25 varsity sports, athletics dominate weekend social life on this NAIA campus. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates a family atmosphere where professors know your name and classmates become close friends quickly. Students gather in residence halls for movie nights or head to nearby Lake Keomah for outdoor activities when weather permits. The Quaker heritage emphasizes community service, so many students volunteer locally on weekends. Campus events fill the social calendar since entertainment options in Oskaloosa are limited. Greek life doesn't exist here, but athletic teams and academic clubs provide social connections. Study groups form easily given the collaborative culture, and the small size means you'll recognize most faces walking across campus.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 834 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1873

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Burglary	2	2	0
Fondling	1	1	0
Stalking	1	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 11°–30°F
July Avg: 64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.2"
Annual Snowfall: 25.1"

Student Demographics

William Penn draws students from across the Midwest, with 70% coming from outside Iowa despite its small-town setting. The student body is diverse, with 45% students of color in a predominantly white state. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the Quaker tradition of accessibility and service. The even gender split aligns with the school's full liberal arts approach rather than specializing in male or female-dominated fields. This mix of geographic reach, economic diversity, and racial representation creates a community that embodies the Friends' values of equality and inclusion.

Men: 51.2%
Women: 48.8%
White: 55.5%
Black: 17.6%
Hispanic: 10.1%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 30.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.6%

Location

William Penn University sits in Oskaloosa, Iowa, about 60 miles southeast of Des Moines. The campus enrolls 1,391 students in this town of roughly 11,000 residents. Oskaloosa serves as the county seat of Mahaska County in south-central Iowa's rolling farmland. The area reflects classic small-town Iowa with tree-lined streets and agricultural roots. About 31% of students come from in-state, while the majority travel from other states to experience this close-knit college town atmosphere. The rural setting provides a focused academic environment away from big-city distractions. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare William Penn University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,936
Median Earnings (5 years): $61,414
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 51.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $238/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,415

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at William Penn University?

William Penn University accepts 57.67% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 850-1080 on the SAT, which reflects the university's accessible admissions standards for students seeking a small liberal arts education.

How much does William Penn University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,115 annually after aid, below the sticker price of $37,966 total cost of attendance. Nearly 46% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $22,415 in debt, reflecting the university's commitment to affordability.

What is the student-faculty ratio at William Penn University?

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 among the 1,391 enrolled students, enabling personalized attention in this Quaker-founded institution. However, only 56% of students return for their sophomore year, suggesting challenges with academic or social fit despite small class sizes.

What are the graduation rates at William Penn University?

Only 29% of students graduate within six years, well below national averages for four-year institutions. Despite this low completion rate, graduates earn a median salary of $48,936 ten years after enrollment, and the university maintains a 94.9% employment rate for its alumni.

Where is William Penn University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Oskaloosa, Iowa, a remote town setting where 834 students can live on campus out of the total 1,391 enrollment. The student body is diverse for rural Iowa, with 55% White students, 18% Black students, and 10% Hispanic students creating a multicultural environment.

How strong are athletics at William Penn University?

William Penn fields 25 varsity sports teams in NAIA competition with 788 total student-athletes, meaning more than half the student body participates in varsity athletics. The university awards $13.7 million in athletic scholarships annually, making it a major destination for student-athletes seeking both competition and education.