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Nebraska Wesleyan University

Accept Rate
83.75%
Grad Rate
63.9%
Enrollment
1,514
Avg SAT
1209
Tuition
$41,658
Median Salary
$56,405
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Nebraska Wesleyan offers a close-knit, supportive community where students are known by name, not just a number. The campus feels like a true home base in a vibrant college town, blending rigorous academics with a strong sense of belonging and school spirit.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

83.75%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 120975th Pctl
10201210
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2227
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in community service, leadership, or faith-based activities in your application, as NWU values students who contribute to its service-oriented culture. With an acceptance rate over 80%, you have a strong chance, but aim for the average SAT score of 1209 or higher to be a competitive applicant for scholarships.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1209
40080012001600
School range: 1020โ€“1210

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

NWU provides a strong liberal arts foundation with standout programs in business, biology, and health professions. Professors are dedicated teachers who prioritize mentorship and undergraduate research, offering hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for graduate school and careers.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
16.2%
Biology & Biomedical
15.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
11%
Health Professions
10.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
7.4%
Psychology
7.2%
Education
5.9%
Social Sciences
4.1%
Public Administration
4.1%
Communications
3.9%
History
3.1%
Criminal Justice
3.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

63.9%
Graduation Rate
74.6%
Retention Rate
1,514
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$41,658
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,140
After financial aid
Total Cost
$53,350
Cost of attendance/year
29.6%
Receive Pell Grants
55.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lincoln

Lincoln offers a classic Big Ten college town experience, with electric game days at the University of Nebraska just minutes away and a bustling arts and culture scene in the Haymarket District. Students enjoy local concerts, farmers' markets, diverse restaurants, and a thriving local coffee shop and brewery scene.

Local Rent Check

$856 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lincoln
Explore Lincoln

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$166,632
$0Est. 4 Years: $166,632

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,405):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, established residential neighborhood in Lincoln, which is known for being one of the safest large cities in the Midwest. NWU has its own campus safety department with 24/7 patrols and emergency alert systems.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High-impact undergraduate research opportunities in sciences and humanities
  • โœ“ Strong, supportive faculty mentorship and small class sizes
  • โœ“ Prime location in a safe, affordable, and vibrant college town
  • โœ“ Generous merit-based scholarships for a private university

Cons

  • โœ— Higher sticker price compared to public in-state options
  • โœ— Campus social life can be quieter compared to large state universities
  • โœ— Graduation rate is moderate, suggesting some students may transfer or take longer

Notable Alumni

Warren Buffett
World-renowned investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, who briefly attended NWU.
Rebecca Makkai
Acclaimed novelist and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Gary Thorne
Longtime sportscaster for ESPN and ABC, covering baseball and hockey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nebraska Wesleyan University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, a tight-knit campus community, and exceptional programs in pre-health, biology, and business. It also has a rich history tied to the United Methodist Church, emphasizing service, ethical leadership, and global engagement.

No, Nebraska Wesleyan has a relatively high acceptance rate of 83.75%, making it an accessible option for many applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1209, so competitive applicants should aim to be at or above this average to strengthen their application and maximize scholarship opportunities.

Campus life at NWU is vibrant and community-focused, with a wide range of student organizations, NCAA Division III athletics, and annual traditions. Students enjoy a supportive environment where it's easy to get involved in leadership, service, and arts programs, all within a walkable campus in the heart of Lincoln.

For many students, the value is strong, especially when factoring in scholarships that reduce the average net price to $23,140. The combination of personalized education, a solid 10-year median earnings of $56,405, and strong career outcomes in fields like healthcare and business makes it a worthwhile investment for a private university education.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Lincoln Public Schools Bryan Health Catholic Health Initiatives Union Bank & Trust University of Nebraska System
Smart Start Score
62

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,829
  • In-State Tuition $41,658
  • Zip Code 68504

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.2% โ™€ 52.8%

The Money Talk

While the sticker price is high at over $41,000, the average net price of $23,140 is more manageable after financial aid and scholarships. The 10-year median earnings of $56,405 provide a solid return on investment, especially for students who leverage the strong alumni network and career services.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with University of Evansville

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $41,658
Housing (12 mo) $10,272
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $59,130
With avg financial aid:
$23,140/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.