Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Central, South Carolina |
| Online | edu. |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Religious Affiliation | Wesleyan |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Southern Wesleyan University occupies a rural 350-acre campus in Central, South Carolina, positioned between Atlanta and Charlotte with proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 1906 by the Wesleyan Methodist Church (now The Wesleyan Church), the institution maintains its Christian liberal arts heritage while operating as a comprehensive university. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including recently constructed residence halls where most undergraduate students are required to live. Academic programs emphasize business, education, and religion, alongside professional programs in criminal justice and human services. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Warriors, participating in Conference Carolinas.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Insufficient data is available for this college to calculate an overall rating.
Rankings
Rankings for Southern Wesleyan University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#1043 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#597 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#27 in Best Colleges in South Carolina
#15 in Best Private Colleges in South Carolina
#11 in Best Value Colleges in South Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 980/1200 |
| ACT | 19/24 |
| GPA | 4.0 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,060 |
| Other Fees | $1,350 |
| Room and Board | $10,654 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,325 |
| Total One Year Cost | $41,909 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 66% |
| Education | 12% |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 3% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 3% |
| Psychology | 3% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering SWU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217776 IPEDS survey data for Southern Wesleyan University.
Current students may use the Southern Wesleyan University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025