Acceptance Rate
56%
Avg. SAT
1358
75th percentile
“Small liberal arts college where professors mentor small groups of students amid historic Ohio countryside.”
Delaware, OH
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Ohio Wesleyan University traces its roots to 1842, when Methodist leaders established it in Delaware, Ohio, as one of the earliest coeducational institutions west of the Appalachians. The campus sits on 200 rolling acres along the Olentangy River, fostering a close-knit community of about 1,400 undergraduates who value personal connections over anonymity. Students who thrive here often seek individualized attention and a balanced liberal arts experience, while those craving urban energy or large-scale athletics might find the quiet small-town setting limiting. Delaware offers a walkable downtown with coffee shops and parks, but its population under 45,000 means you'll drive 30 minutes to Columbus for bigger-city options. The high tuition reflects private liberal arts costs, though the low local living expenses help offset some expenses.
Photo Gallery
+16
+8
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes rarely exceed 20 students, so professors learn your name quickly and often guide independent projects or research from your first year. The curriculum centers on the OWU Connection, which weaves global travel, internships, and community service into every major, from neuroscience to international relations. Science stands out with hands-on labs at Perkins Observatory, one of the nation's oldest, while business and education programs feed into strong Midwest networks. Large introductory courses exist in high-demand fields, and popular majors like biology fill up fast for upper-level spots. Research opportunities abound for motivated students, though funding leans toward upperclassmen.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,525 undergrad • 0 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
74%
Black / African American
7%
Hispanic / Latino
5%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
11%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Delaware, OH
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Residential life dominates, with nearly all students living on campus in traditional dorms or themed houses that build lasting friendships. Weekends mix intramural sports, a cappella concerts, and low-key parties, punctuated by traditions like the senior Haystack monument climb. Greek organizations claim about a quarter of students, offering social structure without overwhelming the scene. Harsh Ohio winters keep you indoors for movie nights or club meetings, but spring brings outdoor festivals on the Slocum Plaza lawn. The small size creates a family feel, though some find the social circle too insular compared to bigger schools.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
North Coast Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$20,015
$30K – $48K
$18,083
$48K – $75K
$21,555
$75K – $110K
$22,723
$110K+
$29,778
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
85%
4 Years Graduation Rate
59%
6 Years Graduation Rate
66%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$55,624
85% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Ohio Wesleyan University and return in the fall. 59% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 66% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
59%
4-6 years
7%
Non-grad
34%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$49,262
Acceptance
56%
Undergrads
1,525
4-Year Grad Rate
59%
Endowment
$327M
Delaware, OH 43015-2370
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