Acceptance Rate
73%
Avg. SAT
1365
75th percentile
“Small Methodist liberal arts college in Virginia Beach where hands-on service meets sandy shores and suburban calm.”
Virginia Beach, VA
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Virginia Wesleyan University opened in 1963 under the United Methodist Church, drawing from a legacy of faith-inspired education on a 300-acre wooded campus between two lakes. Students who thrive here often seek close professor relationships and purposeful community involvement over big-name prestige or sprawling options. The school's personality leans collaborative and grounded, with a focus on character development through service projects that extend into the local area.
Nestled in Virginia Beach, you'll find easy access to oceanfront boardwalks and military bases, blending coastal recreation with a family-friendly suburban feel. High schoolers eyeing personalized advising and real-world application fit well, but those wanting extensive graduate-level research or hundreds of majors might find the scope limited. Summers bring beach crowds and humidity, while the area's higher cost of living requires budgeting beyond tuition.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes average under 20 students, letting professors know you by name from day one and weave in discussions on ethics and leadership drawn from Wesleyan traditions. Standouts include criminal justice with court simulations, business through case competitions, and environmental studies leveraging nearby wetlands for fieldwork. You'll tackle internships early, often locally in tourism or defense sectors, building skills amid a supportive intellectual vibe.
Research leans undergraduate-driven, like coastal ecology projects, though opportunities pale compared to larger universities. Competitive entry into some professional tracks exists due to the small scale, and intro courses fill quickly despite the approachable atmosphere.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,749 undergrad • 104 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
42%
Black / African American
19%
Hispanic / Latino
8%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
29%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Virginia Beach, VA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus hums with DIII Marlin athletics, pulling fans to soccer fields or basketball courts, while over 50 clubs cover improv comedy to surfing outings. A typical week mixes morning classes, afternoon lake kayaking or ropes course challenges, and evening study groups in cozy residence halls housing most freshmen. Traditions like beach cleanups foster bonds, creating a friendly vibe where strangers chat easily.
Four main residence halls offer suite-style living with lake views, though upperclassmen often seek off-campus spots amid rising rents. The social scene stays low-key—think bonfires over ragers—with Virginia Beach's boardwalk providing weekend escapes, but traffic and tourism can crowd escapes. Smaller size means tighter circles, suiting introverts better than extroverts chasing massive parties.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Old Dominion Athletic Conf.
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
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
$20,077
$30K – $48K
$16,814
$48K – $75K
$20,736
$75K – $110K
$22,020
$110K+
$25,114
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
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
74%
4 Years Graduation Rate
45%
6 Years Graduation Rate
49%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$50,074
74% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Virginia Wesleyan University and return in the fall. 45% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 49% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
45%
4-6 years
4%
Non-grad
51%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$36,010
Acceptance
73%
Undergrads
1,749
4-Year Grad Rate
45%
Endowment
$135M
Virginia Beach, VA 23455