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Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA·Private nonprofit·1,243 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.

71%
Accept
1,243
Students
$20,583
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$44,100
Earnings
10 yr
$14,000
Debt

About This School

Virginia Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia with approximately 1,243 undergraduate students enrolled. Virginia Wesleyan University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 71%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,583 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $44,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) is a private university in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. The university is nonsectarian but historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church. It enrolls 4,632 learners in all locations: 1,676 students annually in undergraduate and graduate programs, 2,601 in VWU Global Campus, and 355 students at LUJ/VWU Global (Japan). Virginia Wesleyan transitioned from a college to a university in 2017.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 49% graduation rate and 67% freshman retention rate suggest that roughly half of students who start don't finish, which is a real concern worth asking the school about directly. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $14,000, and the $20,583 average net price makes it more affordable than many private schools. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, beach-area campus and have a clear plan to stay engaged — but come with eyes open about the completion rates.

Founded
1961
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing16%
Biological Sciences12%
Social Sciences8%
Psychology7%
Communications5%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Education4%
Mathematics4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1281
Reading 75th %ile670
Math 75th %ile680

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$36,960
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,960
Avg Net Price
$20,583
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$14,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
67%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

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

White50%
Black23%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,243 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Virginia Wesleyan University

5817 Wesleyan Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia 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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