Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, United States
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, United States
Founded
1842
Institution Type
Private Liberal Arts
Total Students
1,525
Student-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Discover Ohio Wesleyan University
Discover Ohio Wesleyan University
Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is a private liberal arts college founded in 1842 by Methodist leaders and central Ohio residents. Located on a 200-acre campus in Delaware, Ohio, approximately 27 miles north of Columbus, OWU is a member of the Ohio Five consortium of Ohio liberal arts colleges.
OWU is one of only 45 schools featured in the book Colleges That Change Lives and is ranked as a top national liberal arts college by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, and about a third of students graduate with multiple majors.
Through its signature program, The OWU Connection, every student has guaranteed opportunities for mentored research, travel-learning courses, and internships. Students come from across the United States and more than 25 countries, creating a richly diverse campus community.
Key Milestones
- 1842: Founded by Methodist leaders and central Ohio residents as a nonsectarian institution committed to democratic ideals of teaching.
- 1877: The Ohio Wesleyan Female College merged with the university, making OWU a coeducational institution.
- 1962: Established an exchange program with Waseda University in Japan through the Great Lakes Colleges Association.
- 1988: Founded the Salamanca program for student and faculty exchange with the University of Salamanca in Spain.
Academic Structure & Programs
Academic Structure & Programs
Ohio Wesleyan offers more than 70 majors spanning the liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional fields. With an average class size of just 15 students and all instruction provided by faculty rather than graduate teaching assistants, OWU delivers a personalized and rigorous academic experience.
Humanities & Fine Arts
Programs in the humanities and fine arts cultivate critical thinking, creative expression, and cross-cultural understanding through disciplines such as literature, philosophy, and studio art.
- English Literature
- Fine Arts
- Philosophy
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
The sciences at OWU are housed in the Schimmel/Conrades Science Center, which features advanced labs including a scanning transmission electron microscope for hands-on undergraduate research.
- Zoology
- Neuroscience
- Chemistry
Social Sciences
Social science programs at OWU are among the most popular, combining rigorous coursework with real-world application through internships and research opportunities.
- Economics
- Political Science
- Psychology
Business & Data Analytics
OWU's business and analytics programs prepare students for careers in finance, management, and data-driven industries with a strong liberal arts foundation and practical experience.
- Business Administration
- Data Analytics
- Accounting
Education & Communication
Programs in education and communication equip students with the skills needed for careers in teaching, media, and public engagement, supported by hands-on fieldwork and student teaching.
- Education
- Communication
- Journalism
Pre-Professional Programs
OWU offers strong pre-professional preparation within a classic liberal arts curriculum, with professional school acceptance rates nearly double the national average in key fields.
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Law
- Pre-Engineering
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- ApplicationCommon Application accepted
- High School GPAStrong college-preparatory record required
- SAT/ACTTest-optional; middle 50% SAT 1105-1350, ACT 25-31
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for non-native English speakers
- RecommendationsAt least one letter of recommendation required
Graduate & Transfer Admission
- Transfer GPAMinimum 2.5 GPA required for transfer students
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all prior institutions
- Scholarship EligibilityScholarship opportunities available starting at 3.0 GPA
- ApplicationCommon Application accepted for transfer students
- Financial CertificationInternational students must certify financial support for I-20 issuance
Binding early decision for students who have identified OWU as their first choice.
Apply by this date to receive priority consideration for merit scholarships including the Wesleyan and Schubert Scholarships.
Final deadline for fall semester enrollment applications. Applicants are notified on a rolling basis starting mid-October.
Priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA or International Student Financial Aid Application for maximum aid consideration.
Tuition & Scholarships
Tuition & Scholarships
Ohio Wesleyan is committed to making a liberal arts education accessible. As a private institution, tuition is the same for all students regardless of state residency. Ninety-nine percent of OWU students receive merit-based and/or need-based financial aid.
| Expense Category | All Students (Annual) | With Avg. Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 54,954 | USD 54,954 |
| Room & Board | USD 13,550 | USD 13,550 |
| Books & Supplies | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 |
| Personal & Transportation | USD 2,598 | USD 2,598 |
| Total | USD 72,102 | USD 72,102 |
Merit Scholarships
All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships starting at USD 25,000 per year, with top awards reaching full tuition through the Schubert Scholarship.
- Award Range: USD 25,000 to full tuition
- Application Required: No separate application needed
- Renewable: Yes, for up to 4 years with good standing
Meek Community Service & Leadership Scholarship
This scholarship rewards incoming first-year students who demonstrate outstanding community service and strong leadership skills, valued at USD 10,000 per year.
- Award Amount: USD 10,000 per year (USD 40,000 over 4 years)
- Recipients Per Year: Two incoming first-year students
- Priority Deadline: January 15 (final deadline March 1)
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
Ohio Wesleyan's 200-acre campus in Delaware, Ohio blends historic architecture with modern facilities. The campus includes the main academic and residential area, the Perkins Observatory, and the Kraus Wilderness Preserve, providing students with diverse spaces for learning and recreation.
A state-of-the-art facility housing labs, classrooms, and a scanning transmission electron microscope for undergraduate research.
The hub of campus life, featuring dining options, meeting spaces, student organization offices, and gathering areas.
An environmentally friendly aquatics center heated and cooled with the aid of 90 geothermal wells, featuring a pool and fitness facilities.
Housing & Dining
Residential Life
Students are expected to live on campus all four years. OWU offers six residence halls and unique Small Living Units (SLUs) for sophomores and upperclassmen.
- 6 residence halls with single and double occupancy options
- Small Living Units (SLUs) for themed intentional communities
- Honors House available for upper-class honors students
Dining & Wellness
OWU provides comprehensive dining services and on-campus health and wellness support for all students.
- Multiple dining options in the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center
- On-campus health and wellness services supported by the Health Fee
- 24-hour dining service and late-night transport available
Student Life at OWU
Student Life at OWU
Ohio Wesleyan students are highly engaged on campus, with over 100 student clubs, organizations, and activities. Students contribute more than 40,000 hours per year in volunteer service, reflecting the university's founding commitment to community and activism.
Location & City Life
Location & City Life
Delaware, Ohio
Delaware is a friendly, historic city with nearly 44,000 residents, recognized by Money Magazine as one of the Top 50 Places to Live in America. Located just 27 miles north of Columbus, Ohio's capital and the nation's 14th-largest city, students enjoy small-town living with easy access to a major metropolitan area.
Proximity to Columbus
Just a 25-minute drive from Columbus, offering abundant internship, cultural, and entertainment opportunities in Ohio's capital city.
The Little Brown Jug
Delaware hosts the Little Brown Jug, one of the largest harness racing events in the United States, held annually at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.
Outdoor Recreation
Delaware State Parks provide facilities for fishing, boating, camping, and swimming, while OWU's own Kraus Wilderness Preserve offers ecological study opportunities.
Growing Community
Delaware County is one of Ohio's fastest-growing communities, recognized for its strong schools, low unemployment, and desirable quality of life.
Career Outcomes & Alumni
Career Outcomes & Alumni
Where OWU Graduates Go
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
OWU provides international merit awards to every admitted student regardless of academic profile or financial need. The Office of International and Off-Campus Programs offers personalized guidance throughout your OWU journey.
F-1 and J-1 students must certify financial support before OWU can issue Form I-20. International students should submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) for need-based aid consideration.
The Career Connection office uses the Discover-Design-Achieve method to help all students, including international students, with career counseling, internship matching, and professional development.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University Rankings
University Rankings
Ohio Wesleyan University is consistently recognized among the top national liberal arts colleges by major ranking publications. OWU is also featured in The Princeton Review's Best 391 Colleges and in Forbes' America's Top Colleges list.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| STEM Doctoral Pipeline | National Science Foundation | #68 among all U.S. colleges |
| Entrepreneurship | Forbes | #17 in America for % of graduates who own a business |
| Global Best Universities | Study Abroad Aide | #1,923 worldwide (top 23%) |
| Ohio Influence | Columbus Navigator / AcademicInfluence.com | #18 most influential colleges in Ohio |
Features
"Private liberal arts college founded in 1842, OWU offers a close-knit, enriching undergrad experience with a low 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ~1,500 students, and ~5.6% international enrollment. The OWU Connection integrates interdisciplinary learning, research, and internships. Graduates see strong outcomes: 97% employed/in grad school, and 81% in chosen fields. Notable recognitions include top-18% global rank for academic and international profile, inclusion in Colleges That Change Lives, and Forbes ranking at #494."
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
November - January
Location
61 S Sandusky St, Delaware, OH 43015
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