West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private nonprofit university in Buckhannon, WV ranked #1012 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 954 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 93.3%. Students most often pursue Physics and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 67.3% first-year retention, and 57.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,083, about $1,085 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -41.0%, roughly 126.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,672. That's about $1,016 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is West Virginia Wesleyan College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates 57.1% of students within six years and keeps 67.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use West Virginia 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
Annual Cost Comparison
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 | $34,090 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,988 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,565 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,190 |
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
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 37.6% of West Virginia Wesleyan College students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,611 to $24,004 depending on family income. Use West Virginia Wesleyan College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,834/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,004/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,672
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,672
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 64.1%
- Employment Rate 88.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for West Virginia 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.
West Virginia Wesleyan College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how West Virginia Wesleyan College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes West Virginia Wesleyan College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates earn $42,672 median, the -41.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 472-600
- SAT Math 420-560
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-23
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 954
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 67.3%
- Graduation Rate 57.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into West Virginia Wesleyan College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: West Virginia 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 93.3%, West Virginia 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 93.3% acceptance rate, West Virginia 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 892 and 1160 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among West Virginia Wesleyan College undergraduates. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, Business/Commerce, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 8.3%
- Business/Commerce, General 7.9%
- Biology, General 6.8%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.6%
- Psychology, General 5.3%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.9%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 4.9%
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. Physics $80,917
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $67,096
- 3. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $59,412
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $41,610
- 5. Business/Commerce, General $31,424
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections $31,400
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $103,788
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Physics grads earn $80,917—158% more than Criminal Justice and Corrections ($31,400). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $103,788 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for West Virginia 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
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 16 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 (45 programs)▼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Education, Other
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Marketing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Physics
- Sociology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Economics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International/Global Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Music
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Mathematics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Social Sciences, Other
- Social Sciences, General
- Religious Education
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business/Commerce, General
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 954
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 49.3%
- Female Students 50.7%
- Caucasian 66.2%
- Asian 0.9%
- Hispanic 5.6%
- Black 13.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 37.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects West Virginia Wesleyan College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of West Virginia Wesleyan College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does West Virginia Wesleyan College support students from different economic backgrounds?
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 West Virginia Wesleyan College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does West Virginia Wesleyan College support students from different economic backgrounds?
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 West Virginia Wesleyan College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
West Virginia Wesleyan College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -41.0% ROI. Ranked #1012 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,083 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $42,672 median earnings. With 57.1% graduating within six years and 67.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: West Virginia Wesleyan College's Positioning
With a B grade and #1012 ranking, West Virginia Wesleyan College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,083 annually, West Virginia Wesleyan College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 67.3% 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 $12,658 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -41.0% ROI and $42,672 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,083+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: West Virginia Wesleyan College ranks #1012 of 1942 institutions, with 771 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
- 57.1% six-year graduation rate sits 5.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 67.3% first-year retention is 9.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -41.0% return on investment is 126.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,672 run about 2% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,083 is roughly $1,934 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 67.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.7% employment rate within three years sits 20.5 points above national outcomes.
- 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
West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private nonprofit university based in Buckhannon, WV and earns a B overall grade. It appears at #1012 in EDsmart's national list 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.
Student momentum is strong: 67.3% retention and 57.1% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -41.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $18,083 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,190.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,107 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 37.6% 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
Median earnings come in near $42,672 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 2% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 88.7% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -41.0%, 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
93.3% 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 West Virginia 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.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Buckhannon, WV 26201-2994
- Website www.wvwc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$79.2M