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Kentucky Wesleyan College

Owensboro, KY·Private nonprofit·842 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

72%
Accept
842
Students
$17,131
Net Price
47%
Grad Rate
$41,700
Earnings
10 yr
$23,250
Debt

About This School

Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private nonprofit institution located in Owensboro, Kentucky with approximately 842 undergraduate students enrolled. Kentucky Wesleyan College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 72%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,131 per year. The graduation rate is 47%, and the typical graduate earns $41,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) is a private Methodist college in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States. Fall 2018 enrollment was 830 students.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 53% graduation rate and 65% freshman retention suggest many students don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the upside, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $11,000, but median earnings of $41,700 a decade out make the $36,431 annual net price a tight financial equation. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, faith-affiliated community in Owensboro and have a clear plan to stay enrolled — but ask hard questions about support services and outcomes in your specific program.

Founded
1858
Setting
Small city
Religious Affiliation
Wesleyan
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,353

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Visual & Performing Arts13%
Psychology12%
Biological Sciences7%
Health Professions6%
Education6%
Communications5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Mark PattonStanley Forman Reed

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1044
Reading 75th %ile560
Math 75th %ile570

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$34,673
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,673
Avg Net Price
$17,131
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$13,951
$30–48k$13,701
$48–75k$15,062
$75–110k$19,306
$110k+$22,888

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants50%
Median debt at graduation$23,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
47%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
53%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$32,900
Female graduates$26,900

Gap: 18% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White57%
Black16%
Hispanic/Latino3%
Asian3%
Two or more races1%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (842 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Kentucky Wesleyan College

3000 Frederica Street

Owensboro, KY 42301

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kentucky

Browse all Kentucky schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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