Wilmington College: 88.1% Acceptance Rate

88.1%Acceptance

$30,962Tuition

924Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,491Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Friends

About Wilmington College

Wilmington College builds on its Quaker heritage to create an intimate academic environment where agriculture and liberal arts thrive together. The college enrolls just 924 students in rural Ohio, creating the kind of close relationships that define small-town education. Founded in 1870 by the Society of Friends, the school maintains its commitment to hands-on learning and community service. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personal attention in every classroom.

The financial picture tells a practical story for working families. While tuition runs $30,962, most students pay around $22,872 after aid, with low-income families paying just $13,772. Graduates earn a median of $48,491 ten years after leaving, carrying typical debt of $24,208 with monthly payments of $257. The 63.95% loan repayment rate suggests manageable financial outcomes for most alumni.

Athletics unite this tight-knit campus through 18 NCAA Division III sports programs. Nearly half the student body competes as Quakers in the Ohio Athletic Conference, with 455 total athletes creating a culture where everyone knows the players. The 68.45% retention rate reflects students who find their place quickly, though the 55.10% six-year graduation rate shows academic challenges that match the school's accessible 88.13% acceptance rate.

Academics & Faculty

Wilmington College operates as a Quaker liberal arts institution with deep roots in agriculture and hands-on learning. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Agriculture remains the college's flagship program, drawing students to its working farm and practical approach to crop and animal science. The 53% four-year graduation rate reflects the college's focus on non-traditional and working students who often take longer to complete degrees. Business, education, and athletic training also attract strong enrollment. The Quaker tradition emphasizes collaborative learning over competition. Small class sizes mean students participate actively rather than sitting in large lecture halls.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 53.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 55.1%
Retention Rate: 68.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,491
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$52,107
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$42,123
Agricultural Business and Management.	Bachelor	$36,437
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$33,993
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$32,284
Education, General.	Bachelor	$31,133
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$31,133
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$24,267

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

With 835 housing spots for 924 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in this tight-knit Quaker community. Wilmington sits about an hour northeast of Cincinnati, giving students access to urban internships while enjoying small-town Ohio charm. You'll need a good winter coat for snowy Ohio winters and layers for humid summers.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. With 455 athletes competing in 18 Division III sports, game days draw crowds despite no athletic scholarships. The Friends tradition emphasizes consensus-building and social justice, creating a campus culture where students genuinely care about each other's wellbeing. Weekend activities center around residence hall programming, intramural sports, and trips to nearby hiking spots or Cincinnati for concerts and dining. The agricultural programs bring working farms right to campus, so don't be surprised to see students checking on livestock between classes. With 89% of students from Ohio, most go home occasionally but return for the close community feel that makes this rural campus special.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 835 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1870

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	1	1
Stalking	1	1
Burglary	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–36°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 82.1"
Annual Snowfall: 20.7"

Student Demographics

Students at Wilmington College come overwhelmingly from Ohio, with nearly 9 in 10 hailing from in-state. This reflects the school's strong roots in the local community and its reputation as a regional destination for families seeking Quaker values. More than one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to making education accessible to working-class families. The slight majority of women aligns with trends in liberal arts education, though the college's agriculture programs attract plenty of men to balance the campus.

Men: 45.1%
Women: 54.9%
White: 75.4%
Black: 7.9%
Hispanic: 3.5%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 89.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.3%

Location

Wilmington sits in southwestern Ohio, about 50 miles northeast of Cincinnati and 65 miles southwest of Columbus. This small town of roughly 12,000 residents provides a classic rural college setting where students can focus on academics without big-city distractions. The campus serves 924 students in a community where the college forms the cultural and economic center. Ohio's rolling farmland surrounds Wilmington, making it an ideal location for the school's respected agriculture programs. The town offers a peaceful atmosphere that matches the Quaker values of the institution. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Wilmington College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wilmington, Ohio 45177

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,491
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,978
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,208

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wilmington College?

Wilmington College accepts 88.13% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 930, reflecting the college's commitment to serving students across a range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Wilmington College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Wilmington College is $22,872 after financial aid, lower than the sticker price of $30,962. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,772 on average, making this Quaker college affordable for many families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wilmington College?

Wilmington College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with only 924 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and reflects the Quaker tradition of close mentorship and community.

What do graduates of Wilmington College earn after graduation?

Wilmington College graduates earn a median of $48,491 ten years after graduation, with a 95.9% employment rate. The college's strong agriculture programs and practical focus help prepare students for careers in rural Ohio and beyond.

Is Wilmington College a residential campus?

Wilmington College has housing capacity for 835 students, serving nearly its entire enrollment of 924. The retention rate of 68.45% reflects the close-knit community atmosphere that develops when most students live on this small Ohio campus.

Does Wilmington College offer athletic scholarships?

Wilmington College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as an NCAA Division III institution. However, 455 students participate in 18 varsity sports as the Quakers, emphasizing the Quaker values of participation and community over athletic competition.