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William Penn University

Oskaloosa, IA·Private nonprofit·1,391 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 1,391 students.

57%
Accept
1,391
Students
$22,115
Net Price
29%
Grad Rate
$46,400
Earnings
10 yr
$12,000
Debt

About This School

William Penn University is a private nonprofit institution located in Oskaloosa, Iowa with approximately 1,391 undergraduate students enrolled. William Penn University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 57%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,115 per year. The graduation rate is 29%, and the typical graduate earns $46,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

William Penn University is a private university in Oskaloosa, Iowa, United States. It was founded by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1873 as Penn College. In 1933, the name was changed to William Penn College, and finally to William Penn University in 2000.

The numbers here tell a mixed story — a 29% graduation rate and 56% freshman retention rate suggest many students struggle to finish, which is a serious concern worth discussing before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $12,000, and the small, Quaker-rooted campus in Oskaloosa may appeal to students who want a tight-knit community with personalized attention. Worth considering if you have a clear plan for staying on track, but ask hard questions about academic support and what's driving that low completion rate.

Founded
1873
Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Education30%
Business & Marketing19%
Social Sciences8%
Biological Sciences6%
Psychology6%
Health Professions3%
Visual & Performing Arts3%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Joseph Benavidez

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite996
Reading 75th %ile540
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite19

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$28,750
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,750
Avg Net Price
$22,115
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants46%
Median debt at graduation$12,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
29%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
56%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.9x

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

White56%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino10%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,391 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

William Penn University

201 Trueblood Ave

Oskaloosa, IA 52577

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa 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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