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Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln, NE·Private nonprofit·1,514 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. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

84%
Accept
1,514
Students
$23,140
Net Price
69%
Grad Rate
$52,500
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit institution located in Lincoln, Nebraska with approximately 1,514 undergraduate students enrolled. Nebraska Wesleyan University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 84%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,140 per year. The graduation rate is 69%, and the typical graduate earns $52,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) is a private Methodist-affiliated university in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. It was founded in 1887 by Nebraska Methodists. As of 2017, it had approximately 2,100 students, including 1,500 full-time students and 300 faculty and staff. The university offers 119 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs in addition to three graduate programs.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 75% freshman retention rate and 69% graduation rate suggest a meaningful share of students don't finish, which is worth digging into before committing. On the plus side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $17,500, and with 119 majors and pre-professional programs at a net price of $23,140/year, this can be a solid, affordable choice for students who want a small liberal arts environment in a vibrant college city like Lincoln. Worth considering if you're a self-motivated student who will actively use campus resources — the outcome data suggests those who stay and finish do reasonably well.

Founded
1887
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing16%
Biological Sciences15%
Health Professions11%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Psychology7%
Education6%
Social Sciences4%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Sandy DennisEmily KinneyJohn R. DunningKent HarufCarl CurtisDwight GriswoldRobert Reed

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1209
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile600

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$41,658
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,658
Avg Net Price
$23,140
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
69%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$52,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$52,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

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

Student Body

White74%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,514 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Nebraska Wesleyan University

5000 St Paul Ave

Lincoln, NE 68504-2794

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Nebraska

Browse all Nebraska 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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