Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Southern Wesleyan University: Correll Hall
Photo: Surfer654321 (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

#15 Christian colleges with the most faculty per student in America

Southern Wesleyan University

Central, SC · Private nonprofit · 4-year · The Wesleyan Church · Methodist and Wesleyan

Real cost

Average price after aid $15,464 a year

Median debt at graduation: $26,000 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Southern Wesleyan University is a Christian university in Central, South Carolina, owned by and organized for the purposes of The Wesleyan Church. Chapel is held on Mondays and Wednesdays during the semester, students must attend 24 spiritual formation events each semester, and more than 20 discipleship groups are offered. The undergraduate core requires Old Testament, New Testament and Basic Christian Beliefs (or Theology for Ministry) courses, and a Religion (BA) major is offered.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Southern Wesleyan University

  1. MonToday

    • 10:00AMChapel

  2. TueToday

    No set time

  3. WedToday

    • 10:00AMChapel

  4. ThuToday

    No set time

  5. FriToday

    No set time

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    No set time

No set time: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

  • “As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to be on mission with Him.”

    Source: swu.edu

  • “Each year, campus closes and students, faculty and staff join together for worship and then are sent off to serve on campus and in our communities.”

    Source: swu.edu

  • “At SWU, students have the opportunity to grow in their faith through great chapel speakers and worship, discipleship groups, ministry teams, local serving opportunities and global missions experiences.”

    Source: swu.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Each student is required to attend 24 spiritual formation events each semester.

Source: swu.edu
What's a normal week?

Regular chapel services are held at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in Newton Hobson Chapel Auditorium.

Source: swu.edu
Where do I find community?

Students can sign up for one of more than 20 groups each semester, with a continuing or new roster.

Source: swu.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Each year, campus closes for worship, and students are sent off to serve on campus and in their communities.

Source: swu.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
60 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.52%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.69%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,140 · ACT 25
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$6,423

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

BWorship and chapel: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

70 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Regular chapel is Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. each semester. Friday communion services are also mentioned on the chapel page; they are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Regular chapel services are at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays each semester.”
      Chapel services are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. during each semester.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (24 spiritual formation events required each semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each student is required to attend 24 spiritual formation events each semester.”
      Students are required to attend a set number of spiritual formation events each semester.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNow and then (Student-led FCA worship nights, once a month, listed on the official student involvement page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Involvement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/student-involvement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “How often do they meet – Worship Nights (once a month); Individual team huddles (varies, bi-weekly)”
      The FCA student group holds worship nights once a month.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Daily or always open (Quiet prayer spaces in the Joiner-Hilson residence building are described as open 24/7.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residence Life & Housing | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/residence-life-housing · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This building offers more than 15,000 square feet of community space open 24/7 to residents, including quiet prayer spaces, study rooms, lounges, and a movie room.”
      Quiet prayer spaces in the Joiner-Hilson residence building are open 24/7.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Rev. Heath Mullikin, the University Chaplain, will be happy to assist you further. You can make an appointment to see him by visiting the Spiritual Life and Ministry Offices (located in the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center).”
      The University Chaplain meets students by appointment in the Spiritual Life and Ministry Offices.
    2. Spiritual Life | Office Directory | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/office-directory/group/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Rev. Heath Mullikin University Chaplain Office: Newton Hobson Chapel & Fine Arts Center 222”
      Rev. Heath Mullikin is listed as University Chaplain in the Spiritual Life directory.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Monday and Wednesday services take place in Newton Hobson Chapel Auditorium.”
      Campus chapel services are held in Newton Hobson Chapel Auditorium.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 2 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

90 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Counted the minimum every bachelor's student takes: Old Testament survey (or OT for Majors), New Testament survey (or NT for Majors), and Basic Christian Beliefs (or the Theology for Ministry I and II alternative). Source is the 2025-26 catalog, the newest edition we could read.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.smartcatalogiq.com/-/media/institution/southern-wesleyan-university/2025-2026%20Undergraduate%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIBL 1013 Old Testament Survey 3 credits or BIBL 1183 Old Testament for Majors”
      Every student takes Old Testament Survey or Old Testament for Majors in the core.
      “BIBL 1023 New Testament Survey 3 credits or BIBL 1393 New Testament for Majors”
      Every student takes New Testament Survey or New Testament for Majors in the core.
      “RELG 2403 Basic Christian Beliefs 3 credits or RELG 3183 Theology for Ministry I 3 credits and RELG 3393”
      Every student takes Basic Christian Beliefs, or Theology for Ministry I and II, in the core.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Old Testament and New Testament survey courses are required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.smartcatalogiq.com/-/media/institution/southern-wesleyan-university/2025-2026%20Undergraduate%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIBL 1013 Old Testament Survey 3 credits or BIBL 1183 Old Testament for Majors”
      Every student takes Old Testament Survey or Old Testament for Majors in the core.
      “BIBL 1023 New Testament Survey 3 credits or BIBL 1393 New Testament for Majors”
      Every student takes New Testament Survey or New Testament for Majors in the core.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (The worldview language in the core statement is not a required course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.smartcatalogiq.com/-/media/institution/southern-wesleyan-university/2025-2026%20Undergraduate%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Southern Wesleyan University's curriculum reflects the belief that our graduates must be able to create a reasoned defense of the Christian faith, demonstrate Christian character traits, and be able to articulate a Christian worldview in their chosen field.”
      The core curriculum aims to prepare graduates to articulate a Christian worldview in their field.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The core curriculum statement names articulating a Christian worldview in the chosen field as a curricular aim.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.smartcatalogiq.com/-/media/institution/southern-wesleyan-university/2025-2026%20Undergraduate%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Southern Wesleyan University's curriculum reflects the belief that our graduates must be able to create a reasoned defense of the Christian faith, demonstrate Christian character traits, and be able to articulate a Christian worldview in their chosen field.”
      The core curriculum aims to prepare graduates to articulate a Christian worldview in their field.
    2. Faith & Service | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At Southern Wesleyan University, we believe that our Christian faith strengthens our pursuit of truth and wisdom.”
      The university states that Christian faith strengthens academic inquiry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Religion (BA) major, per the 2025-26 catalog and the official Religion (BA) page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.smartcatalogiq.com/-/media/institution/southern-wesleyan-university/2025-2026%20Undergraduate%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Division of Religion at Southern Wesleyan University exists to serve Christ and His Church by equipping ministers and scholars of the Gospel”
      A Religion (BA) major is offered through the Division of Religion.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Doctrinal Statement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/about/employment/doctrinal-statement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “As a university owned by and organized for the purposes of The Wesleyan Church, Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) shares a common understanding of doctrine”
      The university is owned by and organized for the purposes of The Wesleyan Church and publishes a doctrinal statement.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

82 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)3 to 4 (3 current spiritual life staff listed. The emeritus chaplain is not counted.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | Office Directory | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/office-directory/group/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Rev. Heath Mullikin University Chaplain Office: Newton Hobson Chapel & Fine Arts Center 222”
      Rev. Heath Mullikin is listed as University Chaplain in the Spiritual Life directory.
      “Rev. Christy Van Steenburg Global Engagement Office: Newton Hobson 203”
      Rev. Christy Van Steenburg is listed for Global Engagement in the Spiritual Life directory.
    2. Spiritual Growth | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/spiritual-growth · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “contact the Coordinator of Spiritual Formation, Rev. Michaela Wickham at”
      Rev. Michaela Wickham is the Coordinator of Spiritual Formation.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Over 20 discipleship groups each semester, plus student-led ministries and FCA.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Growth | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/spiritual-growth · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Group sign-ups take place each semester with a continuing or new roster and over 20 groups to choose from.”
      Over 20 discipleship groups are offered, with sign-ups each semester.
    2. Student Involvement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/student-involvement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “How often do they meet – Worship Nights (once a month); Individual team huddles (varies, bi-weekly)”
      The FCA student group holds worship nights once a month.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithAll faculty (Official policy: every member of the faculty and administrative staff is expected to accept the Articles of Religion (value shown as All faculty).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Doctrinal Statement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/about/employment/doctrinal-statement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Every member of the university’s faculty and administrative staff is expected to accept in good faith the Articles of Religion of The Wesleyan Church”
      Faculty and administrative staff are expected to accept the Articles of Religion.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (A Lifeguard / Hall Chaplain resident ministry program is described.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Growth | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/spiritual-growth · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Lifeguard, Hall Chaplain program is designed to send students on a mission into the community of SWU”
      A student resident ministry program, the Lifeguard / Hall Chaplain program, is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Rev. Heath Mullikin, the University Chaplain, will be happy to assist you further. You can make an appointment to see him by visiting the Spiritual Life and Ministry Offices (located in the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center).”
      The University Chaplain meets students by appointment in the Spiritual Life and Ministry Offices.
    2. Global Engagement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/global-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For more information on Global Engagement, contact Christy Van Steenburg”
      Global Engagement is an office with a named contact.
BMissions and service: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

71 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Global Engagement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/global-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For more information on Global Engagement, contact Christy Van Steenburg”
      Global Engagement is an office with a named contact.
    2. Day of Service | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/day-of-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each year, campus closes and students, faculty and staff join together for worship and then are sent off to serve on campus and in our communities.”
      An annual campus Day of Service sends students out to serve locally.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable (Local serving opportunities are listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At SWU, students have the opportunity to grow in their faith through great chapel speakers and worship, discipleship groups, ministry teams, local serving opportunities and global missions experiences.”
      Students can take part in local serving and global missions opportunities.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Global Engagement offers missions opportunities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Global Engagement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/global-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Global Engagement offers opportunities that will challenge students to gain an increased cultural awareness and effectively serve Christ and His Kingdom in a global society”
      Global Engagement offers cross-cultural and global ministry opportunities.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Global Engagement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/global-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Global Engagement offers opportunities that will challenge students to gain an increased cultural awareness and effectively serve Christ and His Kingdom in a global society”
      Global Engagement offers cross-cultural and global ministry opportunities.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Global Engagement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/global-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to be on mission with Him.”
      Global engagement is described as service rooted in the Christian mission.

Strengths

  • Chapel is held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. each semester, with attendance required.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Regular chapel services are at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays each semester.”
      Chapel services are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. during each semester.
      “Each student is required to attend 24 spiritual formation events each semester.”
      Students are required to attend a set number of spiritual formation events each semester.
  • Over 20 discipleship groups are offered each semester.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Growth | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/spiritual-growth · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Group sign-ups take place each semester with a continuing or new roster and over 20 groups to choose from.”
      Over 20 discipleship groups are offered, with sign-ups each semester.
  • Quiet prayer spaces in a residence building are published as open 24/7.
    Sources (1)
    1. Residence Life & Housing | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/residence-life-housing · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This building offers more than 15,000 square feet of community space open 24/7 to residents, including quiet prayer spaces, study rooms, lounges, and a movie room.”
      Quiet prayer spaces in the Joiner-Hilson residence building are open 24/7.

Concerns

  • No Christian worldview or faith-and-learning course is required of all students in the core; the core statement names worldview as an aim.
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.smartcatalogiq.com/-/media/institution/southern-wesleyan-university/2025-2026%20Undergraduate%20Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Southern Wesleyan University's curriculum reflects the belief that our graduates must be able to create a reasoned defense of the Christian faith, demonstrate Christian character traits, and be able to articulate a Christian worldview in their chosen field.”
      The core curriculum aims to prepare graduates to articulate a Christian worldview in their field.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Spiritual Life and Ministry Offices, Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center

  • Address: 907 Wesleyan Dr, Central, SC 29630
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, study space

View on map ↗

Source: swu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, swu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Chapel | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Rev. Heath Mullikin, the University Chaplain, will be happy to assist you further. You can make an appointment to see him by visiting the Spiritual Life and Ministry Offices (located in the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center).”
    The University Chaplain meets students by appointment in the Spiritual Life and Ministry Offices.
  2. Global Engagement | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/global-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “For more information on Global Engagement, contact Christy Van Steenburg”
    Global Engagement is an office with a named contact.

Christian clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 6 on campus, 1 off campus

Service 2

  • Global Engagement missionsOff campus
    Global mission and cross-cultural opportunities.
    swu.edu
  • Day of ServiceOn campus
    Annual day when campus closes for worship and service projects on campus and in the community.
    swu.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Lifeguard / Hall Chaplain programOn campus
    Student-to-student resident ministry that prays for students, helps run chapel and leads discipleship.
    swu.edu

Clubs and groups 4

  • Discipleship groupsOn campus
    Sign-ups each semester
    Over 20 student discipleship groups on multiple subjects.
    swu.edu
  • Delight Ministries (women only)On campus
    Tuesdays 7:00 PM
    Student-led ministry meeting in Bryant Lodge.
    swu.edu
  • Reach MinistriesOn campus
    Sundays 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
    Student-led ministry meeting in ALIVE Chapel.
    swu.edu
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)On campus
    Worship nights once a month
    Student athletes' Christian group with faculty advisors.
    swu.edu, swu.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Monday, Wednesday10:00 AMNewton Hobson Chapel Auditorium · Regular chapel during the semester (page as read October 2026).

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Chapel | Southern Wesleyan Universityswu.edu/student-life/faith-service/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Regular chapel services are at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays each semester.”
    Chapel services are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. during each semester.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$14,084
$30,001–$48,000$14,218
$48,001–$75,000$14,230
$75,001–$110,000$14,899
Over $110,000$17,381

Full cost of attendance before aid: $39,914 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
887
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 38% · Women 62%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
39%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
41%
Total students1,188
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$15,464
Cost of attendance (per year)$39,914
Median federal debt at graduation$26,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
52%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
46%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
45%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
48%
First-year retention69%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$47,756
Admission rate100%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$25
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,221 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants43%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1040–1210ACT 22–28
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1140
SAT reading & writing530–620
SAT math510–590
ACT composite22–28
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 57 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Business administration$62,278
Criminology$52,534
Biology$47,882
Human services$47,528

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Business (general), Chemistry, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Computing and information science, English, Family and human development, History, Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Management information systems, Mathematics, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Nursing, Other parks, recreation, leisure, fitness, and kinesiology, Pre-health, Psychology, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Secondary education, Security science, Social sciences, Special education, Teacher education.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Business30%
Education13%
Family and consumer sciences8%
Public administration and social service8%
Parks, recreation and fitness6%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingSuburb
Part-time undergraduates22%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older21%
On-campus room and board (per year)$10,126
SportsNCAA Division II · Conference Carolinas
ROTCArmy · Air Force
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member10 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 6%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$10,055IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 64% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceGreenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)About 33 miles away · about 1 hour 5 minutes by car
Nearest major airportCharlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)About 108 miles away
Town population5,320Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreCharlotteAbout 114 miles away · about 2 hours 50 minutes by car
Typical weather43°F in January · 80°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Clemson University, SC, about 6 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

Map of Southern Wesleyan University, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 miSpiritual Life and Ministry Offices, Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center: 0.1 miSouthern Wesleyan University (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Southern Wesleyan University a Christian college?
Yes. Southern Wesleyan University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is The Wesleyan Church.
What is Southern Wesleyan University’s Compass Score?
74 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Southern Wesleyan University?
Chapel is listed at Newton Hobson Chapel Auditorium. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 217776
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (small programs)
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Wesleyan
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