Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks Ohio Wesleyan University #1160 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $12,906 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Ohio Wesleyan University in the 14.3 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Ohio Wesleyan University sits in the 26.9 percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. --- Ohio Wesleyan University's composite ranking reflects balanced strength across access, mobility, and return on investment. Graduates earn about $12,906 less than similar students at comparable institutions, with outcomes that support long-term financial stability.
Azimuth ranks Ohio Wesleyan University #1160 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A private baccalaureate college in Delaware, Ohio, Ohio Wesleyan University enrolls roughly 1,516 undergraduates. Retention stands at 84.7% and the six-year graduation rate is 58.6%, reflecting solid completion outcomes for a residential liberal arts institution. Ohio Wesleyan University performs strongest in return on investment. Azimuth ranks Ohio Wesleyan University #1082 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $12,906 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Ohio Wesleyan University in the 14.3 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the institution's strength in Biological Sciences, which anchors the academic portfolio and connects students to career pathways with durable financial payoff. Access and affordability represent the lower-ranked pillars in the composite. Ohio Wesleyan University sits in the 37.6 percentile for access and the 33.1 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution enrolls 28.2% Pell-eligible students and 21.5% first-generation undergraduates, reflecting a selective admissions posture typical of private baccalaureate colleges. Mobility outcomes — how well low-income and first-generation students convert their degrees into upward economic progress — sit in the 31.2 percentile, a position shaped by both the size of the low-income cohort and the earnings trajectories those students achieve after graduation.
Ohio Wesleyan University's published cost of attendance is $68,424, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $15,412; middle-income families pay around $13,339; and higher-income families pay approximately $30,036. Azimuth ranks Ohio Wesleyan University #954 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Ohio Wesleyan's aid structure is need-based, with financial aid applied to close the gap between sticker price and what families pay. The institution participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and work-study is available as part of the aid package. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $27,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $36,553; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $54,483, median federal debt of $27,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $305 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
Ohio Wesleyan University is a strong fit for students interested in the biological sciences and liberal arts who want a small private college experience in OH. The university's program mix is concentrated in Biological Sciences, representing 14% of degrees. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $54,483, placing Ohio Wesleyan University in the 14.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. They earn about $12,906 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the university in the 14.3 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution serves a mix of students from different backgrounds — 28.2% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 21.5% are first-generation. The 54.8% Pell graduation rate shows these students complete degrees at rates comparable to the general student body. Fit depends on two realistic filters: the 55.6% admit rate makes the application process selective, and the program mix favors foundational disciplines over applied-professional fields. Students whose interests align with these areas will find a strong liberal arts foundation with measurable post-graduation value.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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Financial GPS Tool
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This is the Ohio Wesleyan University hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Ohio Wesleyan University's published cost of attendance is $68,424, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $15,412; middle-income families pay around $13,339; and higher-income families pay approximately $30,036.
Azimuth ranks Ohio Wesleyan University #954 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
Ohio Wesleyan's aid structure is need-based, with financial aid applied to close the gap between sticker price and what families pay. The institution participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs.
Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and work-study is available as part of the aid package. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $27,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $36,553; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $54,483, median federal debt of $27,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $305 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of Ohio Wesleyan University earn median 4-year earnings of $54,483, placing Ohio Wesleyan University in the 14.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Ohio Wesleyan University sits in the 14.3 percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks Ohio Wesleyan University #1082 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. These outcomes reflect the institution's ability to position graduates into careers with sustained earning potential relative to their peer cohort.
The earnings pattern is anchored in Biological Sciences, which shapes the institution's economic profile. Zoology/Animal Biology is the largest program with 35 graduates, followed by Psychology, General with 35 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $47,941 — 0.9x the national benchmark for the field.
The Kinesiology program graduates 33 students earning $55,420, and Business Administration with 26 graduates earning $66,800 — 1.0x the benchmark. Economics rounds out the top five with 22 graduates.
This program mix, concentrated in biological and life sciences alongside complementary fields, supports consistent outcomes across the institution's degree portfolio.
Business Administration and Management, General
26 graduates
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
33 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping
17 graduates
Psychology, General
35 graduates
Business/Managerial Economics
5 graduates
Ohio Wesleyan University's largest programs show different earnings patterns by field. Psychology, General reports 35 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $47,941.
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness reports 33 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $55,420. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 26 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $66,800.
These program figures are major-level outcomes, while the institution-wide median is $54,483.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wittenberg University Higher acceptance rate (40.4 percentage points higher) and located 47 miles away; similar graduate earnings | OH | 91% | $54,947 | Compare |
The University Of Findlay Higher acceptance rate (35.7 percentage points higher) and located 61 miles away; similar graduate earnings | OH | 86% | $56,996 | Compare |
Cedarville University Higher acceptance rate (12.1 percentage points higher) and located 55 miles away; similar graduate earnings | OH | 63% | $55,443 | Compare |
Wartburg College Higher acceptance rate (48.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | IA | 99% | $56,201 | Compare |
Central College Higher acceptance rate (28.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | IA | 79% | $54,317 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Franklin College Similar quality tier in Midwest (#31685 ranked) | IN | 70% | $55,376 | #31685 | Compare |
Doane University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#31684 ranked) | NE | 98% | $53,316 | #31684 | Compare |
Northwest University Similar quality tier (#31691 ranked) | WA | 83% | $54,914 | #31691 | Compare |
Quincy University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#31683 ranked) | IL | 51% | $50,369 | #31683 | Compare |
Calvin University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#31682 ranked) | MI | 71% | $58,375 | #31682 | Compare |
