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Ohio Wesleyan University

Delaware, OH·Private nonprofit·1,450 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

51%
Accept
1,450
Students
$21,619
Net Price
62%
Grad Rate
$51,600
Earnings
10 yr
$21,500
Debt

About This School

Ohio Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit institution located in Delaware, Ohio with approximately 1,450 undergraduate students enrolled. Ohio Wesleyan University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 51%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,619 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $51,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Ohio Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college in Delaware, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1842 by Methodist leaders and central Ohio residents, OWU is a member of the Ohio Five – a consortium of Ohio liberal arts colleges. Its 200-acre (81 ha) campus is 27 miles (44 km) north of Columbus, Ohio and includes the main academic and residential campus, Perkins Observatory, and the Kraus Wilderness Preserve.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 62% graduation rate is notably below average for a school of this type, meaning roughly 4 in 10 students who start don't finish — worth asking hard questions about support and fit. On the upside, the average net price of $21,619/year is reasonable for a private liberal arts college, and median earnings of $51,600 a decade out are solid given the modest median debt of $21,500. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, close-knit campus near Columbus with genuine access to professors, but come in with a clear plan — this school rewards students who are self-directed.

Founded
1842
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences20%
Business & Marketing16%
Education10%
Psychology8%
Social Sciences7%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Physical Sciences4%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

F. Sherwood RowlandCharles W. FairbanksClark GreggNorman Vincent PealePatricia HeatonLucy Webb HayesWendie MalickPatricia WettigBenh ZeitlinMildred GillarsRon LeibmanJoseph B. Foraker

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1311
Reading 75th %ile685
Math 75th %ile665

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$52,357
Out-of-State Tuition
$52,357
Avg Net Price
$21,619
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants25%
Median debt at graduation$21,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
62%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
84%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.4x

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

White74%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,450 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Ohio Wesleyan University

61 S Sandusky Street

Delaware, OH 43015-2370

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio 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.
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