Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — close-knit campus
Tennessee Wesleyan University is a private institution in Athens with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1051, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 832 undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
44% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $45,989 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,879.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Tennessee 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: 1051
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
41.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,000
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
64%
- •64% 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
History & Fun Facts
- •History Tennessee Wesleyan was founded in 1857 as "Athens Female College".
- •In 1866 the name was altered to "East Tennessee Wesleyan College", and in 1867 it became "East Tennessee Wesleyan University".
- •In 1889, it merged with Chattanooga University to form "U.
- •Seventeen years later (1906), it was renamed the "Athens School of the University of Chattanooga".
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average