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Wesleyan College

Macon, GA | Private Nonprofit | College

Wesleyan College is a private nonprofit university in Macon, GA ranked #374 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 466 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 62.1%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.

Academically, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.2% first-year retention, and 60.6% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

Families typically invest $14,528, about $2,470 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -38.7%, roughly 124.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $35,630. That's about $8,058 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.

B+
Ranking
#374 of 6,272
How We Rank Schools Lower tuitionSmall campus feel
At a Glance
Ranking
#374 of 6,272 (Top 6%)
Tuition
$27,650
Net Price
$14,528
4-Year Tuition
$110,600
Acceptance Rate
62.1%
Transfer Rate
0.0%
Student Population
466
Student-Faculty
7:1
Graduation Rate
60.6%
Retention Rate
75.2%
6-Yr Earnings
$35,630
ROI
-38.7%

Who is Wesleyan College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
Families tracking affordability closely
First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#374 of 6,272
Top 6% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
81.1 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
4.05 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B
#756 of 6,272
Affordability
B+
#405 of 6,272
Support
B+
#327 of 6,272
Career Outcomes
B-
#1,386 of 6,272

Wesleyan College graduates 60.6% of students within six years and keeps 75.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$13,364-$20,958 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Likely
60.6% finish within six years. 54.9% complete in four years.
Will you get a job?
Highly likely
84.1% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $35,630. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Wesleyan College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$162,364
$40,591 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$65,376
$14,528 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 54.9% | 6-Year Rate: 60.6%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 54.9% and six-year completion is 60.6%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$40,591
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$14,528
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $27,650
Books and Supplies Not reported
On-Campus Room and Board $11,326
On-Campus Other Expenses $2,500
Total On-Campus Cost $40,591

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
44.5%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 44.5% of Wesleyan College students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$13,364
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$12,173
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$16,475
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$18,592
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$20,958
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,364 to $20,958 depending on family income. Use Wesleyan College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$60,138
$30K-$48K families
~$54,778
$48K-$75K families
~$74,138
$75K-$110K families
~$83,664
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,592/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,958/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-38.7%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $35,630
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $35,630
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $15,000
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 40.5%
  • Employment Rate 84.1%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Wesleyan College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $35,630 six years after enrollment — roughly 18% below the national median.
Payback Period
1.83 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Wesleyan College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Wesleyan College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Wesleyan College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Wesleyan College graduates earn $35,630 median, the -38.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
62.1%
Less Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 433-465
  • SAT Math 443-478
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 466
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 75.2%
  • Graduation Rate 60.6%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1

How to Get Into Wesleyan College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Wesleyan College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 62.1%, Wesleyan College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 62.1% acceptance rate, Wesleyan College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 876 and 943 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Wesleyan College undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Psychology, General draw the most students.

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 25.5%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.6%
  • Psychology, General 15.3%
  • Economics 10.2%
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.8%
  • English Language and Literature, General 3.8%
See more majors
  • Fine and Studio Arts 3.8%
  • Music 2.5%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $73,622

Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Wesleyan College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 20 graduates)
  • Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 10 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (30 programs)
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Psychology, General
  • Economics
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Music
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Biology, General
  • Political Science and Government
  • Data Processing
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • History
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • International Business
  • History and Political Science
  • Engineering, General
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
  • Public Health
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 466
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 0.0%
  • Female Students 100.0%
  • Caucasian 35.4%
  • Asian 0.9%
  • Hispanic 14.4%
  • Black 37.3%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 44.5%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Wesleyan College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Wesleyan College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Wesleyan College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
56.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
70.6%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
14.3 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wesleyan College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Wesleyan College has a diverse student body, with 35.4% identifying as White. Women make up 100.0% of undergraduates.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Wesleyan College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
56.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
70.6%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
14.3 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wesleyan College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Wesleyan College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -38.7% ROI. Ranked #374 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $14,528 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $35,630 median earnings. With 60.6% graduating within six years and 75.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Wesleyan College's Positioning

With a B+ grade and #374 ranking, Wesleyan College competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $14,528 annually, Wesleyan College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 75.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $10,170 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The -38.7% ROI and $35,630 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $4,528+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Wesleyan College ranks #374 of 6272 institutions, with 699 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 60.6% six-year graduation rate sits 1.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 75.2% first-year retention is 1.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -38.7% return on investment is 124.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $35,630 run about 18% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $14,528 is roughly $2,590 lower than the national median of $17,118.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 75.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 84.1% employment rate within three years sits 15.9 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Wesleyan College, a private nonprofit university in Macon, GA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #374 national ranking Category results include Completion (B), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (B+).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

75.2% of learners come back after year one while 60.6% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -38.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $14,528 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $40,591.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,063 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 44.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $35,630 at the median. That sits about 18% below the national median.

The three-year employment rate is close to 84.1%.

EDsmart lists the ROI at -38.7%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

62.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Wesleyan College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
4.05 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Wesleyan College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Wesleyan College Website →

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Contact Information

  • AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
  • Endowment$58.2M

Data Source & Methodology