Tennessee Wesleyan University
Tennessee Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit university in Athens, TN ranked #1076 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 832 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 59.4%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 63.8% first-year retention, and 43.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $14,879, about $2,119 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -22.7%, roughly 108.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,987. That's about $2,299 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Tennessee Wesleyan University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates 43.6% of students within six years and keeps 63.8% 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University'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 | $29,264 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,416 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $36,828 |
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 38.4% of Tennessee Wesleyan University 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 $11,734 to $17,797 depending on family income. Use Tennessee Wesleyan University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,049/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,797/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,987
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,987
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.7%
- Employment Rate 90.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Tennessee Wesleyan University 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.
Tennessee Wesleyan University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Tennessee Wesleyan University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Tennessee Wesleyan University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Tennessee Wesleyan University graduates earn $45,987 median, the -22.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 470-570
- SAT Math 490-530
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 17-23
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 832
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 63.8%
- Graduation Rate 43.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Tennessee Wesleyan University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Tennessee Wesleyan University 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 59.4%, Tennessee Wesleyan University 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 59.4% acceptance rate, Tennessee Wesleyan University 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 960 and 1100 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Tennessee Wesleyan University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Health and Physical Education/Fitness draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 25.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 15.9%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 10.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.7%
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions 4.7%
- Marketing 4.4%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 4.1%
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs 2.7%
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 $63,933
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $48,721
- 3. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $48,562
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $45,983
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $63,933—39% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,983). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Tennessee Wesleyan University. 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 47 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 13 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 (35 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Marketing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Security Science and Technology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Behavioral Sciences
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Chemistry
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Resources Management and Services
- History
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Sociology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 832
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 37.9%
- Female Students 62.1%
- Caucasian 74.8%
- Asian 0.8%
- Hispanic 5.8%
- Black 5.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Tennessee Wesleyan University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Tennessee Wesleyan University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Tennessee Wesleyan University 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.8% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 62.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Tennessee Wesleyan University 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Tennessee Wesleyan University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -22.7% ROI. Ranked #1076 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $14,879 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $45,987 median earnings. With 43.6% graduating within six years and 63.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Tennessee Wesleyan University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1076 ranking, Tennessee Wesleyan University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $14,879 annually, Tennessee Wesleyan University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 63.8% 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 $10,415 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -22.7% ROI and $45,987 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $4,879+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Tennessee Wesleyan University ranks #1076 of 6272 institutions, with 392 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
- 43.6% six-year graduation rate sits 18.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 63.8% first-year retention is 13.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -22.7% return on investment is 108.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,987 run about 5% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $14,879 is roughly $2,239 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 63.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.3% employment rate within three years sits 22.1 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 38.4% trails the national share by 0.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- 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
Tennessee Wesleyan University, a private nonprofit university in Athens, TN, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1076 nationally Category results include Completion (C+), 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: 63.8% retention and 43.6% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -22.7% for this program.
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 $14,879 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $36,828.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $21,949 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.4% 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 $45,987 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 5% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.3%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -22.7%, 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
59.4% 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 Tennessee Wesleyan University 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 Athens, TN 37303
- Website www.tnwesleyan.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$15.3M