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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Southern Wesleyan University

Central, South Carolina · www.swu.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

99.5%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$29,800

$39,926 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

784

Student-faculty ratio 10:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

51.9%

4-year; 6-year rate 59.7%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) is a private Christian university located in Central, South Carolina. Established in 1906, the university is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church and emphasizes a holistic approach to education that integrates faith with learning. The institution’s mission is to prepare students for a life of service and leadership, promoting values rooted in the Wesleyan tradition. SWU’s campus is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, providing a serene and inspiring environment for students to pursue their academic and spiritual growth.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in fields such as business, education, and healthcare. SWU is recognized for its commitment to small class sizes, which fosters a personalized learning experience and strong relationships between students and faculty. The university also boasts a vibrant campus life, featuring numerous student organizations, athletic programs, and community service opportunities that encourage student engagement and development. With a focus on producing well-rounded graduates, Southern Wesleyan University is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and values necessary for success in their careers and communities.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University has shown notable trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates over the years. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $22,200 in 2014 to $27,870 in 2024, reflecting a significant rise of approximately 25% over a decade. This increase in tuition can create financial strain for students and their families, particularly in an era of rising student debt.

In terms of student enrollment, there has been a concerning decline in undergraduate student numbers, dropping from 1,355 in 2013 to 896 in 2023. This represents a decrease of around 34%, which could impact the university's financial stability and its diversity of programs. The decline in enrollment may be attributed to various factors including competition from other institutions, changing demographics, and possibly the rising costs of education.

Conversely, the graduation rate for undergraduate students has shown some improvement, rising from 32.3% in 2013 to 46.5% in 2023 for on-time graduation. This increase is encouraging and suggests that the university may be improving its support services for students, enhancing their likelihood of completing their degrees. Nevertheless, the retention rate has fluctuated, with a slight decline from 74.2% in 2021 to 66.7% in 2023, indicating that while some students are graduating, others are choosing to leave the university before completing their studies.

Overall, Southern Wesleyan University faces challenges in balancing rising tuition costs and declining enrollment while aiming to improve student outcomes. Addressing these issues is crucial for the university's future sustainability and success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a midsize city
Nearest major city
Greenville, about 25 mi
Nearest international airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 110 mi
Central, South Carolina
Also known as
SWU
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Wesleyan
President
William Barker (President)
Phone
8646445000
City
Central, South Carolina
Address
907 Wesleyan Drive, Central, SC 29630-1020

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
98.8%
Women
100.0%

In 2020: men 34.4%, women 34.6%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University has demonstrated a fluctuating trend in its admission rates and overall enrollment numbers over the years. From 2009 to 2023, the acceptance rates for male applicants started quite high at approximately 90.6% and saw a steady decline, reaching a low of about 52.2% by 2023. Similarly, the acceptance rates for female applicants also declined from nearly 98% to around 51.7% during the same period. This downward trend in acceptance rates could indicate a more competitive admission process over the years, possibly resulting from an increase in applications or a strategic focus on maintaining a certain academic standard.
The enrollment numbers have also varied, peaking at 215 in 2019 but subsequently falling to 148 by 2023. The substantial number of denied applicants notably surged in recent years, peaking at 677 denials in 2020, which reflects the tightening of admission criteria amid growing applicant pools. The number of deferred admissions remained relatively stable, suggesting that while many applicants are not accepted outright, there is still a substantial group considered for future admission.
These trends highlight the challenges faced by institutions of higher education, particularly in maintaining enrollment while also ensuring rigorous academic standards. The significant fluctuations in both acceptance and denial rates over the years underscore the shifting landscape of college admissions, which is influenced by broader societal trends, such as demographic changes and the increasing emphasis on academic performance in the admissions process.

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 11% submitted SAT, 9% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1040–1210Peer median 1158
ACT composite22–28
SAT Reading
530–620
600700800
SAT Math
510–590
600700800
ACT composite
22–28
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admission Scores at Southern Wesleyan University

Over the years, Southern Wesleyan University has exhibited notable trends in the admission scores and submission rates for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. Analyzing the data from 2007 to 2023 reveals fluctuations in both the number of applicants submitting scores and the range of scores achieved.

Initially, the proportion of students submitting SAT scores was high, peaking at 86% in 2009. However, this percentage has gradually declined, dropping to 42% by 2023. This trend may reflect a broader movement in higher education where institutions increasingly adopt test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores. This shift aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in admissions.

In terms of score ranges, the 25th to 75th percentile scores for SAT reading and math have shown variation, with the 2022 cohort achieving a notable range of 500 to 598 in reading. This represents an upward trend compared to earlier years, indicating that the university may be attracting more academically prepared students. Similarly, the ACT composite scores have fluctuated but show a general trend toward higher achievement in recent years.

This evolution in submission rates and score ranges is significant as it may correlate with the university's strategic goals in enhancing its academic profile and attracting a diverse student body. As institutions adapt to changing educational landscapes, Southern Wesleyan University's data reflects a responsive approach, aligning with national trends toward more holistic admissions processes.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 10 in 10

427 applicants in 2025, 99.5% admitted

425 admitted 2 not admitted Yield 33.4%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate10 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's1843 international (1.6%)
Master's280 international (0.0%)
Doctoral220 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
44
Psychology, General
16
Human Development and Family Studies, General
15
Religion/Religious Studies
12
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
11
Elementary Education and Teaching
9
Human Services, General
9
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology, Other
8
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
7
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research, Other · Doctoral20 (0% international)
  • Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's15 (0% international)
  • Operations Management and Supervision · Master's7 (0% international)
  • Educational/Instructional Technology · Master's4 (0% international)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's2 (0% international)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other · Doctoral2 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Southern Wesleyan University

The graduation data from Southern Wesleyan University reveals several noteworthy trends and highlights across various academic disciplines for the year 2023. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program leads with 57 bachelor's degrees awarded, indicating a strong interest in this field, which is consistent with the national trend as businesses increasingly seek skilled graduates in management roles. The absence of international students in this program suggests a potential area for growth in attracting a diverse student body.

In contrast, the field of Education shows a significant number of master's degrees conferred, particularly in Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research, with 21 graduates. This aligns with the growing emphasis on educational quality and the need for skilled professionals capable of assessing and improving educational practices. Furthermore, the presence of international students in specialized programs, such as Mental Health Counseling with 4 master's graduates, highlights the university's commitment to addressing global health concerns.

Interestingly, programs like Pre-Medicine and Pre-Dentistry did not graduate any students this year, which raises questions about student interest and the potential challenges faced in these rigorous fields. The overall lack of associate degrees awarded further emphasizes the university's focus on bachelor's and master's programs, indicating a strategic direction towards higher education levels.

As the education landscape continues to evolve, particularly in response to economic and societal needs, Southern Wesleyan University may benefit from enhancing its outreach and support for underrepresented programs, as well as exploring ways to attract international students across all disciplines.

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 54 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$49,647-$60,542
Operations Management and Supervision.$49,647-$60,542
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.$49,647-$60,542
Digital Marketing.-
Educationhas 47 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.$62,689
Educational/Instructional Technology.-
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research, Other.-
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$39,679-$52,716
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$39,679-$52,716
Music Teacher Education.-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology, Other.-
Health professionshas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.-
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.-
Psychology has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.-
Human science has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Human Development and Family Studies, General.$35,466
Philosophy has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Religion/Religious Studies.$29,733
Public administrationhas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Human Services, General.$36,074
Biologyhas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Communication has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Social sciencehas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Social Sciences, General.-
Criminology.-
Computer and information sciencehas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Natural resources has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Studies.-
Environmental Science.-
History has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.-
Homeland security has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Forensic Science and Technology.-
Visual and Performing artshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Music, General.-
Physical scienceshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-
English has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
Liberal arts has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
General Studies.-

Students

980 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 69.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (784)

White
546 · 69.6%
Black
113 · 14.4%
Hispanic
64 · 8.2%
Two or more races
33 · 4.2%
Unknown
13 · 1.7%
International
9 · 1.1%
Asian
4 · 0.5%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
5.6%
18–19
31.0%
20–21
29.3%
22–24
11.7%
25 and over
22.3%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.5%
22–24
17.3%
25–29
8.7%
30–34
10.2%
35 and over
63.3%

Data insights

Student Composition at Southern Wesleyan University in 2023

The student demographics at Southern Wesleyan University in 2023 reveal interesting insights into the composition of the student body, particularly in regards to gender distribution and diversity among various student categories.

The data indicates that undergraduate freshmen comprise a significant portion of the student population, with 148 students. Notably, the gender ratio among freshmen shows a higher percentage of female students, accounting for 58.1%, compared to 41.9% male students. This trend of a higher female representation continues among undergraduate seniors, where female students make up an impressive 66.2%, in contrast to 33.8% male students.

In terms of diversity, the breakdown of ethnicities among students highlights a predominance of white students across different categories, with 86 white freshmen and 376 white undergraduate seniors. However, the presence of other ethnic groups, such as Asian, Latinx, and African American students, is also important to note, as it reflects the university's commitment to inclusivity and representation.

Graduate students show a stark gender disparity, with only 18.6% of the population being male, while females dominate at 81.4%. This raises questions about the factors contributing to such a significant gender imbalance in graduate studies, perhaps indicating a trend in fields of study or societal influences.

Overall, the data presents a picture of a predominantly female student body with a strong representation of white students, underscoring the need for continued efforts towards enhancing diversity and gender equity in higher education institutions. The university may consider implementing initiatives that support underrepresented groups to foster a more inclusive academic environment.

Age Composition at Southern Wesleyan University in 2023

The age distribution of students at Southern Wesleyan University reveals a diverse demographic that highlights both traditional and non-traditional student populations. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 18-21 age range, with a combined total of 404 students, making up approximately 65% of the total student body. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that many universities continue to attract younger, traditional students who are entering higher education immediately after high school.

However, the presence of older students is also significant. The 22-24 age group has a healthy representation, with 134 students, while those aged 25-29 comprise a notable 67 students. This indicates that Southern Wesleyan University is also catering to non-traditional students, who may be returning to education for career advancement or personal growth, a trend that has been increasingly common in the current educational landscape.

The gender distribution among students shows a slight imbalance, with females outnumbering males in most age categories, particularly in the undergraduate brackets. This observation mirrors broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing, often surpassing that of male students.

Overall, the data suggests that Southern Wesleyan University is successfully attracting a diverse range of students, both in terms of age and gender. This diversity enriches the campus experience and prepares students for a multifaceted world, which is essential in today's interconnected society. The university's commitment to inclusivity and support for non-traditional students is commendable, as it fosters an environment conducive to various life experiences and perspectives.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.1%

9 in 2025 · 1.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.1%2017: 2.3%2018: 1.9%2019: 1.8%2020: 1.2%2021: 1.3%2022: 1.4%2023: 0.4%2024: 0.2%2025: 1.1%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students2.0%

4 in 2025 · 0.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.7%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.4%2023: 0.4%2024: 1.7%2025: 2.0%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Southern Wesleyan University

The data on international student enrollment at Southern Wesleyan University reveals significant trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students has fluctuated, reaching a peak of 2.10% of the total undergraduate population in 2014. However, recent years show a noticeable decline in both the total number of undergraduates and the percentage of international students. For instance, in 2023, only 0.45% of undergraduates were international students, a stark contrast to the highs seen in previous years.

The graduate program appears to have experienced similar fluctuations, albeit with varying degrees of international representation. The highest recorded proportion of international students in the graduate program was 0.73% in 2016, but this number has also declined, with only 0.36% in 2023. The data indicates that while the university has welcomed international students in the past, there is a concerning trend of decreased enrollment in recent years.

This decline may reflect broader challenges facing higher education institutions in the United States, including increased competition from universities worldwide and changing immigration policies that can impact international student mobility. Additionally, the global pandemic has altered student preferences and abilities to travel for education, further complicating these trends.

In conclusion, the data suggests that Southern Wesleyan University, like many institutions, may need to reevaluate its strategies for attracting and retaining international students. This could involve enhancing support services, increasing outreach efforts, and promoting the value of a diverse educational environment.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$39,926

Undergraduate tuition
$29,800
Room and board
$10,126
Graduate tuition
$14,928
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 26% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 7%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$22.5M

Tuition and fees
$12.0M53.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.1M22.4%
Gifts and private grants
$2.1M9.3%
Investment return
$1.6M7.3%
Government grants and contracts
$1.5M6.5%
Other
$241K1.1%

Expenses$23.0M

Auxiliary enterprises
$7.1M30.9%
Instruction
$5.9M25.7%
Institutional support
$5.4M23.7%
Student services
$3.0M13.2%
Academic support
$1.5M6.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$51,947peers $68,006
Professor
$56,364peers $78,041
Associate professor
$54,398peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$49,550peers $63,827
Instructor
$40,000peers $55,171

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · NCCAA · Conference Carolinas

Conference Carolinas: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)7543
Baseball72-
Soccer3129
Basketball2817
Softball-33
Lacrosse-21
Volleyball-19
2024
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)6974
Baseball56-
Soccer2519
Basketball2513
Softball-24
Lacrosse-23
Volleyball-21
2023
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)6683
Soccer2625
Baseball46-
Basketball2514
Lacrosse-17
Volleyball-17
Softball-15

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Southern Wesleyan University:

  1. Clemson University - Ranked 86th in the 2024 US News rankings, Clemson is a comprehensive university known for its strong engineering and business programs.

  2. Furman University - This highly regarded liberal arts college ranks 46th and is recognized for its beautiful campus and commitment to undergraduate education.

  3. Wofford College - A top liberal arts college ranked 59th, Wofford is known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

  4. University of Georgia - Ranked 47th, this comprehensive university is one of the oldest public universities in the United States, boasting a strong research profile.

  5. Emory University - With a ranking of 24, Emory is a prestigious research university known for its strong programs in medicine, business, and the humanities.

  6. Davidson College - Ranked 16th, Davidson is a highly selective liberal arts college renowned for its rigorous academics and commitment to honor and integrity.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are known for their strong academic programs and vibrant campus communities.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug arrests
5
Liquor referrals
5
Fondling
3
Drug referrals
1

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Southern Wesleyan University

The crime statistics from Southern Wesleyan University indicate a fluctuating trend over the years 2013 to 2023. Notably, the overall crime rate per 1,000 students reached its peak in 2019 with a rate of 6.19, while the lowest was observed in 2022 at 0.92. This significant drop in 2022 could be attributed to various factors, including enhanced campus safety measures or possible changes in reporting practices.

Analyzing specific crime categories, the university experienced arrests related to gun possession and drug offenses, which are critical issues in college settings across the U.S. The presence of such incidents highlights the ongoing challenges that institutions face regarding student safety and wellbeing. The fact that there were no reported incidents of serious crimes like murder or rape during this period is a positive sign, suggesting that while lower-level offenses exist, more severe violent crimes are not prevalent.

The variability in arrests for alcohol-related offenses also suggests that substance use remains a concern on campus. As universities strive to create a safe environment, it's crucial to address these issues through educational programs, support services, and a strong campus community.

In conclusion, while Southern Wesleyan University's crime statistics show fluctuations, the overall trends indicate efforts toward improving safety and reducing crime rates. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential for maintaining a secure environment for all students. For more details on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Southern Wesleyan University include Irvin Herrera (Salvadoran footballer who plays as a forward), Sean Finn (Irish retired football defender) and David Paul (American soccer player).

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.