Kentucky Wesleyan College
The Vibe Check
Kentucky Wesleyan College feels like a close-knit, supportive family where students are recognized by name, not just by student ID. The small campus in downtown Owensboro fosters a warm, personalized atmosphere with strong faculty-student connections. It's a place where you can easily get involved and feel a true sense of belonging.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Wesleyan offers a solid liberal arts foundation with notable strengths in Business, Biology, and Education, emphasizing hands-on learning and close mentorship. Professors are accessible and focused on undergraduate teaching rather than large lecture halls. While research opportunities exist, they are often faculty-led and tailored for undergraduates rather than being large-scale graduate programs.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Owensboro
Students enjoy Owensboro's vibrant downtown, known for its barbecue scene, riverfront parks, and the International Bluegrass Music Museum. There are numerous festivals throughout the year, like the ROMP Fest, and a growing arts and culture scene. For fun, students often gather at local coffee shops, explore the Greenway trail system, or attend events at the historic Capitol Arts Center.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($46,747):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus itself is generally considered safe with campus security present, but being in an urban area means students should remain aware of their surroundings. Owensboro has a moderate crime rate, typical of a city its size, so practicing standard urban safety precautions is advisable.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Extremely small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors.
- ✓ Strong sense of community and a supportive, close-knit campus environment.
- ✓ Prime downtown Owensboro location provides easy access to city amenities and internships.
- ✓ A solid liberal arts education with well-regarded programs in Biology and Business.
Cons
- ✗ Graduation and retention rates are below the national average, which can be a concern.
- ✗ The campus is small and the social scene may feel limited for those seeking a large university experience.
- ✗ The net price is high relative to the average post-graduation earnings.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky Wesleyan is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, particularly in the sciences (Biology/Pre-med) and business. It has a rich history tied to the United Methodist Church and is recognized for its close-knit community and commitment to service. The college also has a proud athletic tradition, particularly in NCAA Division II sports.
No, it is not considered highly selective. With a 67% acceptance rate, it is moderately selective. Applicants with average grades and test scores (average SAT around 1043) have a good chance of admission. A complete application with a clear interest in the college's strengths will improve your chances.
Campus life is intimate and community-focused due to the small enrollment of under 800 students. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs, NCAA Division II athletics, and service organizations. Being located in downtown Owensboro allows students to easily access city life, while the campus itself provides a traditional, residential college experience.
The value depends heavily on your financial aid package and chosen major. While the sticker price is high, the personalized education can be a great investment if it leads to a strong career in a field like biology or business. With a median 10-year earnings of $46,747, it's crucial to minimize debt through scholarships and grants to ensure a positive return on investment.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 897
- In-State Tuition $33,393
- Zip Code 42301
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of over $36,000 and tuition at $33,393 for all students, the cost is significant for a small private college. However, the 10-year median earnings of $46,747 for graduates can provide a reasonable return, especially if you leverage financial aid effectively. The value is strongest for students who take advantage of the personalized career support and graduate with minimal debt.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.