Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
Southern Wesleyan University is a private suburban institution in Central, South Carolina. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1106.
A small campus of 771 undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
52% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,756 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,968.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Southern Wesleyan University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1106
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
54.2%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
5
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (46)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
66%
- •66% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Warriors
History & Fun Facts
- •History Rickman Library In 1904, representatives of Wesleyan Methodist churches in South Carolina and surrounding states met at Central to consider the possibility of establishing a college.
- •Classes at the new school began on October 15, 1906, with students from first grade through college.
- •Initially known as the "Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute" (1906–1908), subsequent names included "Wesleyan Methodist College" (1909–1959) and "Central Wesleyan College" (1959–1994).
- •The school was renamed Southern "Wesleyan University" in 1994.
- •Beginning in 1928, the college operated as a two-year junior college, with a four-year theological program.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average