Ohio Wesleyan University
Ohio Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Ohio Wesleyan University at a Glance
Ohio Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college in Delaware, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1842 by Methodist leaders and central Ohio residents, OWU is a member of the Ohio Five – a consortium of Ohio liberal arts colleges. Its 200-acre (81 ha) campus is 27 miles (44 km) north of Columbus, Ohio, and includes the main academic and residential campus, Perkins Observatory, and the Kraus Wilderness Preserve.
1842
184 years old
$325M
$325.3 million (2025)
1,600
200 acres
Identity
Is Ohio Wesleyan University Worth It?
Ohio Wesleyan University offers moderate value at $20,897/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $55,624, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 60% graduation rate means roughly 40% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Ohio Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #32 of 94 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Wofford College | 76 | $18,732 | $68,964 |
| #3 | Centre College | 66 | $20,781 | $66,240 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #6 | The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences | 54 | $18,378 | $68,303 |
| #32 | Ohio Wesleyan University | 40 | $20,897 | $55,624 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Ohio Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in OH.
Best Programs at Ohio Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Ohio Wesleyan University is Psychology, General at $27,600/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Psychology, General graduate from Ohio Wesleyan University earns $27,600, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $27,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Psychology, General graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,897/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
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Delaware, OH
- Student Body
- 1,516 students
- Admission Rate
- 56%
- Graduation Rate
- 60%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,897
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,624
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000