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U.S. News #160 Private nonprofit, 4-year

Wittenberg University

Springfield, Ohio · www.wittenberg.edu

中文

U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027

#160

Acceptance rate

72.3%

2025

Peer median 69.4%

Tuition per year

$45,940

$57,962 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

1,227

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

50.5%

4-year; 6-year rate 57.3%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Wittenberg University, located in Springfield, Ohio, is a distinguished liberal arts institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and fostering a vibrant campus culture. Founded in 1845, the university prides itself on its strong emphasis on personalized education, offering a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. This intimate setting allows for meaningful interactions between students and professors, facilitating a collaborative learning environment. The university encourages students to engage in critical thinking and to explore diverse perspectives, which is reflected in its motto, "Having Light, We Give Light." This guiding principle inspires both academic pursuits and community service, as Wittenberg students are encouraged to contribute positively to society.

In addition to its academic rigor, Wittenberg University boasts a rich array of extracurricular activities and athletic programs, fostering a well-rounded student experience. The university's vibrant campus life includes various clubs, organizations, and events that promote student engagement and community involvement. The athletic teams, known as the Wittenberg Tigers, compete in the NCAA Division III and have a strong tradition of success in multiple sports. Wittenberg's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its supportive environment, which embraces students from diverse backgrounds. With a strong alumni network and notable graduates making significant contributions in various fields, Wittenberg University continues to be a nurturing ground for future leaders.

Key Insights on Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

Wittenberg University, a private institution, has displayed significant trends in tuition, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. The tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have consistently increased from $38,030 in 2014 to $44,602 in 2024, marking a rise of approximately 17%. This increase reflects a broader trend in higher education, where rising costs have prompted discussions about affordability and access to education.

Student enrollment has seen a notable decline, dropping from 1,959 undergraduate students in 2014 to 1,258 in 2023. This represents a decrease of about 36%, which raises concerns about the university's appeal and competitiveness in attracting new students. The shrinking enrollment could be attributed to various factors, including demographic shifts, competition from other institutions, and perhaps the rising costs of tuition, which may deter prospective students.

Graduation rates also tell an important story. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates has fluctuated, with a decline to 25.7% in 2017, before recovering to around 57.8% by 2023. The 150% graduation rate, which provides a broader time frame for completion, has remained relatively stable, hovering around 63%. These figures highlight the challenges many students face in completing their degrees in a timely manner, potentially exacerbated by financial pressures and the need for part-time work.

In summary, while Wittenberg University has maintained a steady increase in tuition, the decline in enrollment and variable graduation rates point to underlying issues that may affect the institution's sustainability and reputation in the long term. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the university to enhance its enrollment strategies and support systems for students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Dayton, about 25 mi
Nearest international airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), about 50 mi
Springfield, Ohio
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Evangelical Lutheran Church
President
Christian Brady (President)
Phone
9373276231
City
Springfield, Ohio
Address
Ward St at N Wittenberg Ave, Springfield, OH 45504

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
68.7%
Women
76.0%

In 2020: men 90.4%, women 92.1%.

U.S. News Liberal Arts Colleges · last 10 years
#160Ranked #160 every year from 2027 to 2027

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Wittenberg University

The admission data for Wittenberg University over the years reveals interesting trends in both acceptance rates and enrollment figures. Starting from 2009, the male acceptance rate was approximately 70.3%, while the female acceptance rate was about 74.8%. This pattern of slightly higher acceptance rates for females compared to males continues throughout the years, indicating a potential focus on gender equity in admissions.
In 2013, there was a notable spike in acceptance rates, with males at 89.1% and females at 92.8%. This year marked a significant shift in the university's admission strategy, potentially driven by a need to boost enrollment figures amid increasing competition among institutions. The enrollment numbers peaked in 2016, with 493 students admitted, followed by a decline in enrollment in subsequent years, reflecting potential challenges faced by the university in attracting new students.
The data also shows a fluctuating number of denied applicants, reaching as high as 2,017 in 2018. This could suggest a more selective admissions process or a larger applicant pool, highlighting the ongoing challenges universities face in balancing quality and quantity in their admissions.
The most recent data from 2023 shows a robust acceptance rate of 93.5% for males and 94.3% for females, indicating that Wittenberg University may have adapted its strategies to attract a diverse student body while maintaining enrollment stability. Overall, these trends reflect broader patterns in higher education, where institutions continually adjust their strategies in response to changing demographics and competitive pressures.

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 9% submitted SAT, 23% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total980–1275Peer median 1220
ACT composite21–28
SAT Reading
500–650
600700800
SAT Math
480–625
600700800
ACT composite
21–28
253036

Data insights

Analysis of Wittenberg University's Admission Data Trends

The admission data from Wittenberg University over the years reveals notable trends in standardized test submissions and score ranges among accepted students. Starting from 2007, there has been a fluctuating number of applicants submitting SAT scores, peaking in 2008 with 59% of the admitted students submitting their scores, while this figure has drastically declined to just 8% by 2023. This decline raises questions about the evolving landscape of college admissions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many institutions shifted towards a test-optional policy.

In terms of scores, the 25th and 75th percentile scores for the SAT reading and math sections indicate a relatively stable performance range in the earlier years, but there has been an observable increase in the score range in 2023, with the 75th percentile reaching 680 in reading. This improvement could reflect the university's ongoing efforts to attract higher-achieving students, despite the significant drop in the number of SAT submissions.

Moreover, the ACT data presents a similar narrative, with both the submission rates and score ranges showing variations over the years. The 2010s saw consistent engagement with standardized testing, but recent data suggests a shift as students and institutions reconsider the importance of these tests in the admissions process.

Overall, Wittenberg University’s data mirrors broader national trends where the emphasis on standardized testing is being reassessed, potentially leading to a more holistic approach in evaluating student potential. As institutions adapt to these changes, it will be interesting to observe how these trends impact the overall quality and diversity of the incoming student body in the years to come.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 7 in 10

4,528 applicants in 2025, 72.3% admitted

3,276 admitted 1,252 not admitted Yield 11.6%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's3064 international (1.3%)
Master's150 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
28
Elementary Education and Teaching
26
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
25
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
23
Business/Commerce, General
22
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
17
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
15
Psychology, General
14
Computer Science
12
Finance, General
12

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Management Science · Master's7 (0% international)
  • Sport and Fitness Administration/Management · Master's5 (0% international)
  • Education, General · Master's3 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Wittenberg University

The graduation data from Wittenberg University for 2023 reveals several interesting trends across various disciplines. Notably, the highest number of bachelor's degrees was awarded in Biology, with 25 graduates, followed closely by Psychology and Registered Nursing, which saw 19 and 16 graduates, respectively. This trend aligns with the increasing global emphasis on health and biological sciences, indicating a robust student interest in these fields.

In terms of international students, the data shows that only a handful of international students graduated, with the majority in the field of Communication. This raises questions about the university’s appeal to international students in other disciplines, suggesting a potential area for growth in recruitment strategies for programs like STEM and business, where international representation is crucial.

Moreover, the lack of master's and doctorate graduates in most fields highlights a significant gap in advanced degree offerings, particularly in popular areas such as business and education. Given the current job market’s demand for higher qualifications, Wittenberg University may benefit from expanding its graduate programs to attract and retain students seeking advanced education.

The representation of diverse disciplines, including niche areas like Environmental Science and Organizational Leadership, reflects a well-rounded curriculum. However, the minimal numbers in some categories, such as Philosophy and Mathematics, suggest that these programs may need revitalization efforts to increase student enrollment. Overall, the data underscores the importance of strategic program development and marketing to enhance graduation rates and cater to evolving academic interests.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 69 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business/Commerce, General.$51,605
Accounting.-
Finance, General.$60,542
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Management Information Systems, General.-
Management Science.$68,122
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$52,176
Parks, recreation, leisure has 45 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$34,279
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$34,279
Educationhas 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Education, General.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$41,664
Education, Other.-
Biologyhas 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$34,610
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.-
Neuroscience.-
Health professionshas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Community Health and Preventive Medicine.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$76,842
Social sciencehas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Economics, General.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Psychology has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$32,389
Computer and information sciencehas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer Science.-
Visual and Performing artshas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Communication has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Communication, General.$45,653
History has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.-
Natural resources has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Science.-
English has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.$30,332
Mathmatics and statistics has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Computational and Applied Mathematics.-
Physical scienceshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Philosophy has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Philosophy.-
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Foreign languages has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
German Language and Literature.-
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Cultural has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
East Asian Studies.-
Liberal arts has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.-

Students

1,285 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 52:48 · Freshman retention 63.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,227)

White
853 · 69.5%
Black
156 · 12.7%
Hispanic
72 · 5.9%
Unknown
70 · 5.7%
Two or more races
46 · 3.7%
Asian
17 · 1.4%
International
11 · 0.9%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.7%
18–19
48.2%
20–21
43.0%
22–24
6.0%
25 and over
1.1%

Graduate students

Under 22
3.4%
22–24
53.4%
25–29
13.8%
30–34
8.6%
35 and over
20.7%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Wittenberg University in 2023

Wittenberg University's student demographic data for 2023 reveals a diverse and dynamic academic community. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 405, with a nearly balanced gender ratio; 51.1% of these students are male while 48.9% are female. This indicates that the university is attracting a sizeable number of young male and female students, which is promising for a well-rounded educational environment.

In contrast, the upperclassmen population stands at 806, showcasing a more pronounced gender disparity, with 45.7% male and 54.3% female. This may reflect broader trends in higher education where female students often surpass their male counterparts in persistence and degree completion rates.

The data for transfer students is limited, with only 24 reported, and a similar gender distribution favoring female students (54.2%). Graduate students account for 41 individuals, with a significant female majority at 61%. This trend underscores the increasing participation of women in graduate programs, aligning with national statistics that show an upward trajectory in female graduate enrollment.

The breakdown of student demographics by ethnicity reveals that the majority of students identify as white, although the specific proportions are not detailed here. This highlights the ongoing need for institutions to foster inclusivity and actively recruit students from diverse backgrounds.

Overall, Wittenberg University appears to be making strides toward gender balance, especially among undergraduates, while also recognizing the importance of diversity in its student body as it moves forward in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Wittenberg University

The age demographics of Wittenberg University in 2023 reveal a predominantly young student body, with a significant majority of students falling within the 18-21 age range. Notably, students aged 18-19 constitute approximately 33% of the total student population, with 306 male undergraduates and 338 female undergraduates. This trend continues into the 20-21 age bracket, where the total number of students is slightly lower but still substantial, indicating a strong influx of new students in their late teens and early twenties.

Interestingly, the representation of older students is markedly lower. For instance, individuals aged 22-24 account for about 10% of the total population, while those aged 25-29 represent only around 3%. The presence of graduate students in these age groups remains minimal, suggesting that Wittenberg may primarily attract younger undergraduates.

The data also highlights the gender distribution among the different age categories. While the male-to-female ratio is relatively balanced among younger students, as age increases, the number of male students tends to decrease slightly in comparison to their female counterparts, particularly within the graduate programs.

This demographic composition is reflective of broader trends in higher education, where institutions often see a higher enrollment of younger students. Furthermore, as the job market evolves and more individuals pursue lifelong learning opportunities, universities may need to adapt their programs to cater to an increasingly diverse age range of learners. Overall, Wittenberg University showcases a vibrant community of young scholars, poised to contribute to the academic environment and beyond.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.9%

11 in 2025 · 1.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.7%2017: 1.7%2018: 1.4%2019: 1.1%2020: 1.5%2021: 0.5%2022: 0.8%2023: 0.5%2024: 0.9%2025: 0.9%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 2.3%2020: 4.8%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at Wittenberg University

The data on international student enrollment at Wittenberg University reveals a concerning trend over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international undergraduate students has fluctuated but generally declined, with the percentage of international students often remaining below 3%. For instance, the peak occurred in 2007 with 55 international students, representing 2.67% of the total undergraduate population. However, by 2023, the number had dwindled to just 6, equating to a mere 0.48% of the total undergraduate enrollment.

This decline in international student numbers could be attributed to various factors, including changing immigration policies, shifting perceptions of the United States as a study destination, and the broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic particularly affected international travel and education, leading to significant drops in enrollment numbers across many institutions in the U.S.

The graduate student data, while limited, shows a slight presence of international students, peaking at 4.76% in 2020. However, the lack of consistent data for graduate enrollment makes it difficult to assess trends fully.

Overall, Wittenberg University seems to be facing challenges in attracting and retaining international students. As educational institutions increasingly rely on diverse student populations to enrich campus life and academic offerings, it is crucial for the university to explore strategies to bolster international recruitment and support for students from abroad.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$57,962

Undergraduate tuition
$45,940
Room and board
$12,022
Graduate tuition
$10,245
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 21% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 20%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$41.9M

Tuition and fees
$16.6M39.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$10.6M25.2%
Investment return
$7.9M18.8%
Gifts and private grants
$4.7M11.2%
Government grants and contracts
$534K1.3%
Other
$1.6M3.8%

Expenses$57.4M

Instruction
$18.4M32.1%
Student services
$15.5M27.1%
Institutional support
$12.7M22.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$7.4M12.8%
Academic support
$3.0M5.3%
Research
$328K0.6%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$70,444peers $65,931
Professor
$77,439peers $77,501
Associate professor
$70,312peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$62,932peers $61,725
Instructor
$62,197peers $53,914

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Other · North Coast Athletic Conference

North Coast Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football186-
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)7595
Soccer5230
Lacrosse3918
Baseball46-
Volleyball2020
Basketball1818
Swimming and Diving (combined)1019
Softball-25
Golf1410
Field Hockey-23
Tennis56
Bowling-8
2024
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)124104
Football147-
Soccer5129
Lacrosse3922
Basketball2023
Baseball42-
Volleyball1816
Field Hockey-25
Golf128
Softball-20
Tennis910
Swimming and Diving (combined)-9
Swimming6-
Bowling-6
2023
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football162-
Track and Field (Indoor)5040
Track and Field (Outdoor)5040
Soccer5530
Lacrosse3421
Basketball2221
Baseball42-
Volleyball1822
Cross Country1512
Golf158
Field Hockey-22
Tennis129
Softball-17
Swimming98
Water Polo-11
Bowling-5

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Wittenberg University:

  1. Ohio State University-Main Campus - Ranked 43rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Ohio State University is a comprehensive university known for its extensive research opportunities, diverse programs, and vibrant campus life.

  2. Denison University - This liberal arts college holds the 39th spot in the rankings. Denison is celebrated for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus, fostering a close-knit community among students and faculty.

  3. Kenyon College - Also ranked 39th, Kenyon is known for its rigorous liberal arts education and distinguished faculty. It has a picturesque campus and is renowned for its writing program.

  4. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - With a ranking of 142, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, along with strong research initiatives.

  5. Miami University-Oxford - Ranked 133rd, Miami University is recognized for its beautiful campus and a strong emphasis on undergraduate education, providing a vibrant learning environment.

  6. Xavier University - This university, ranked 201st, offers a solid liberal arts education with a focus on community service and ethical leadership.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and rich campus experiences for students in the region surrounding Wittenberg University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
198
Drug referrals
87
Burglary
19
Stalking
19
Liquor arrests
14
Motor vehicle theft
10

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Wittenberg University

The crime data from Wittenberg University over the years reveals a fluctuating trend in the number of offenses per 1,000 students. Starting from 35.37 incidents per 1,000 students in 2013, the figure peaked at 53.09 in 2016, indicating a concerning rise in campus safety issues. Notably, the year 2015 recorded the highest total of offenses, with 88 incidents, signaling a growing concern regarding student safety during that time.

The types of crimes reported include serious offenses such as gun-related arrests, drug offenses, and alcohol-related incidents. The increase in reported crimes in the earlier years may be attributed to heightened awareness and reporting practices, while the slight decline in crime rates from 2017 onwards could reflect improvements in campus safety measures and community engagement.

Interestingly, 2020 saw a decrease in crime rates, which could correlate with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on student presence on campus. However, the recent years indicate a resurgence, with 2023 marking an average of 48.65 incidents per 1,000 students. This ongoing fluctuation underlines the importance of continuous vigilance and proactive measures to ensure a safe environment for all students.

Moreover, the data suggests that while some crime types have remained steady, there is a need for further investigation into the factors contributing to these rates, such as campus policies, student behavior, and external societal influences. Overall, the crime statistics at Wittenberg University call for sustained attention and action from university authorities to enhance campus safety and student well-being.

For further understanding of crime rate calculations, please visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

All 25

Notable alumni of Wittenberg University include Sherwood Anderson (Novelist and short story writer), Anton Wilhelm Amo (Ghanaian-German philosopher) and James Rebhorn (Character actor in over 100 films, series and plays).

See all 25 notable alumni of Wittenberg University →

Recent News at Wittenberg University

Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.

0Updates in the past 12 months
Jun 2024Latest update
Gifts & partnershipsMost common topic
  1. Gifts & funding

    Wittenberg University received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program to recruit and train STEM educators through the ASCENT-STEM initiative.

    Source: wittenberg.edu

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.