Kentucky Wesleyan College
Kentucky Wesleyan College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Kentucky Wesleyan College at a Glance
Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) is a private Methodist college in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States. Fall 2018 enrollment was 830 students.
1858
168 years old
$38M
$38.1 million (2024)
785
55 acres
Identity
Is Kentucky Wesleyan College Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Kentucky Wesleyan College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,747 — 13% below average — while paying $17,131/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $23,250 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Kentucky Wesleyan College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Kentucky Wesleyan College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KY
Ranked #26 of 122 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #5 | Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | 43 | $15,488 | $57,556 |
| #6 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #26 | Kentucky Wesleyan College | 34 | $17,131 | $46,747 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Kentucky Wesleyan College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in KY.
Best Programs at Kentucky Wesleyan College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Kentucky Wesleyan College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,131/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Owensboro, KY
- Student Body
- 842 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,131
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,747
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250