Virginia Wesleyan University
VWU
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — close-knit campus
Virginia Wesleyan University is a private institution in Virginia Beach with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1281, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.2K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
49% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $50,074 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,583.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History The school was chartered in 1961 as Virginia Wesleyan College under the initiative of Methodist minister Joseph Shackford Johnston, later the college's first president.
- •Presidents of Wesleyan Name Tenure Scott Douglas Miller 2015–present William Thomas Greer Jr.
- •1992–2015 Lambuth McGeehee Clarke 1966–1992 Joseph Shackford Johnston 1965 ^ Mansfield, Stephen S.
- •Wisdom Lights the Way: Virginia Wesleyan College's First Half-Century.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1281
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
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
52.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
0.4%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,000
Programs (37)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
67%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
8
Peer Average
13
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from VA state average + large city premium