Virginia Wesleyan University

Norfolk, VA

65.0%

Acceptance Rate

1150

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.25

Avg GPA

Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) is a private comprehensive university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Founded in 1961 as Virginia Wesleyan College, the institution achieved university status in 2017, reflecting its expanded academic offerings and enhanced institutional capacity. VWU combines the intimacy and personalized attention of a small college with the resources and opportunities of a growing university in one of the most dynamic metropolitan regions on the East Coast. The university's mission centers on providing a rigorous liberal arts education that prepares students for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship. The educational philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and experiential learning, recognizing that success in the 21st century requires both specialized expertise and broad intellectual capabilities. Students emerge prepared not only for their first jobs but for lifelong learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing world. VWU's distinctive character reflects its United Methodist heritage, which emphasizes service, inclusivity, and the development of the whole person. The university welcomes students of all faith backgrounds while maintaining traditions of spiritual exploration and ethical reflection. The beautiful 300-acre campus, featuring lakes, woodland, and abundant wildlife, provides an inspiring environment for personal and intellectual growth. Strong faculty-student relationships and a supportive community help students discover their passions and develop their potential.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 65.0%
SAT Range: 1050–1250
ACT Range: N/A
Avg GPA: 3.25

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

Graduation Rate: N/A
Retention Rate: N/A
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Tuition (Int'l): N/A

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Virginia Wesleyan centers on the residential experience. Most students live on campus in dormitories or campus apartments, creating a community where academic and social life interweave. The first-year experience program helps new students transition to college life and form connections that sustain them through graduation. Student organizations cover interests from academic and professional groups to religious organizations and social clubs. The Campus Activities Board programs entertainment, from concerts and comedians to movie nights and seasonal events. Greek life provides additional social structure for interested students, though it does not dominate campus culture. NCAA Division III athletics mean student-athletes compete seriously while maintaining time for academics and other activities. Sports including football, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming draw participants and spectators. Intramural and recreational programs serve students wanting physical activity without varsity commitment. The Wesleyan Engaged initiative formalizes the university's commitment to service learning and community engagement. Students participate in volunteer projects, service-learning courses, and civic activities that extend learning beyond campus boundaries. This emphasis on service reflects the Methodist heritage and prepares graduates for lives of engaged citizenship.

Location & Surroundings

Virginia Beach provides a unique setting combining beach resort atmosphere with metropolitan convenience. The campus sits inland from the oceanfront but within easy driving distance of beaches, boardwalks, and water activities. The broader Hampton Roads region of over 1.7 million people offers urban amenities while the immediate neighborhood feels suburban and safe. Military installations throughout the region shape the local economy and culture. Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base, along with other installations bring military families and defense contractors to the area. This presence creates employment opportunities and gives the region a distinctive character that attracts some students while others simply appreciate the economic stability it provides. Climate features mild winters and warm, humid summers typical of the mid-Atlantic coast. Beach weather extends from late spring through early fall, and winter snowfall is modest. The coastal location means occasional tropical weather influences, though direct hurricane impacts are infrequent. Transportation options include the Norfolk International Airport for air travel and Hampton Roads Transit for public transportation. Most students find cars helpful for exploring the region, reaching shopping and entertainment, and traveling home. Interstate highways connect to Washington D.C., Richmond, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition, fees, room, and board at Virginia Wesleyan total approximately $50,000 annually at published rates, though most students pay substantially less after institutional scholarships and financial aid. Merit scholarships reward academic achievement and can reduce costs significantly. Need-based aid addresses financial barriers for students from families with limited resources. The financial aid office works with families to identify funding sources and create affordable payment plans. Work-study programs provide employment opportunities that help students manage expenses while gaining work experience. Some students also find off-campus employment in the regional economy. Career outcomes span the professional fields represented in the curriculum and beyond. Business, education, criminal justice, and healthcare administration graduates find positions throughout Hampton Roads and the broader region. The liberal arts emphasis produces graduates with adaptable skills valued across industries. Alumni networks in the region help current students and recent graduates connect with opportunities. Internship experiences often lead to job offers, and many employers recruit regularly on campus. Graduate school acceptance rates reflect the preparation students receive, with graduates pursuing advanced degrees in law, medicine, business, and various academic fields.