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Nebraska Wesleyan University

#921 in US ranking Lincoln, NE
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$57,378
Tuition & fees
$45,342
Avg. aid
$29,787
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
80%
SAT range
1020–1290
ACT range
22–27

Outcomes

Graduation rate
66%
Median salary
$44,275
1 yr after graduation

What does Nebraska Wesleyan University offer in terms of athletics?

Nebraska Wesleyan competes in NCAA Division III varsity athletics as a member of the American Rivers Conference. Students should not rely on an older athletics listing that identifies NWU as outside the NCAA; Division III membership is also important because Division III schools do not award athletic scholarships.

The Prairie Wolves' varsity offerings include sports such as football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, swimming and diving, wrestling, and track and field. A list of campus sports activities can also include clubs or recreation, which should not be mistaken for varsity teams. Students seeking competitive participation should check the current roster and recruiting process for their sport; those primarily interested in fitness or informal games should look separately at recreation opportunities.

What student groups and Associations are available at Nebraska Wesleyan University?

Nebraska Wesleyan offers ways to participate in student government, academic-interest groups, service activities, and the performing arts. Reported campus opportunities include a student-run newspaper, a student-run radio station, theatre, and choral groups.

These activities serve different interests: a student newspaper or radio station may appeal to someone seeking production experience, while theatre and music offer performance and behind-the-scenes roles. Recognized clubs and their activity levels can change from year to year, so the current student-organization directory is more useful than an old list when deciding whether a specific group is operating. Students who do not find an existing group for an interest can ask student activities about the process for establishing one.

Who studies at Nebraska Wesleyan University?

Nebraska Wesleyan reported total enrollment of 1,654 students. Its entering first-time cohort included roughly 350 students, and it also enrolled transfer students; the reported transfer-in count was 80.

Most students in the reported age distribution were in their late teens or early twenties, although students in older age groups were also enrolled. About 65% of students were reported as Nebraska residents, with substantial enrollment from other states and a smaller international population. These figures describe who enrolled, not who is eligible or likely to feel at home at NWU.

For an applicant, the overall enrollment suggests a different scale from a large public university, but campus size alone does not establish class availability or personal attention. Those questions are best assessed through the course schedule and the requirements of the intended major.

How does student life look like at Nebraska Wesleyan University?

Daily life at Nebraska Wesleyan combines a residential campus with a substantial commuter population. Reported figures put 46% of students in campus housing and 54% commuting, so activities and services need to work for students with different schedules.

Students can connect through performances, campus media, organizations, and athletic events without joining a varsity team. NWU also reports a health clinic and personal or psychological counseling services. New students should look at orientation and support available for their particular entry route: a first-year resident, a transfer student, and an adult learner may need different introductions to advising, campus services, and social activities.

What libraries are available to students at Nebraska Wesleyan University?

Cochrane-Woods Library is Nebraska Wesleyan's main campus library. It provides a place for individual and group academic work, and students can reserve study rooms.

For research assignments, the most useful library services may extend beyond the building: students should check the catalog, electronic articles and databases, research assistance, and options for obtaining materials the library does not hold. Remote access is particularly relevant to commuters and students studying away from campus. Reported library information does not identify a round-the-clock study area, so anyone relying on late-night access should check current building hours and room policies.

Nebraska Wesleyan University Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

1654

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

353

Member of Athletic Associations

NCAA

Total staff

92 full time, 67 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Nebraska Wesleyan University Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 1,463
Graduate: 191

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 1,488
Part-time: 166

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 177
Men: 176

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 93
Black or African American: 93
White: 1,036
American Indian or Alaska Native: 6
Asian: 27
Two or more races: 73
Unknown: 27

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Nebraska Wesleyan University Sports & Athletics

  • Member of NCAA

Varsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).

Sport

Varsity Intramural Aid

Baseball

Men––

Basketball

Both––

Cheerleading

Women––

Cross-country running

Both––

Football

Men––

Golf

Both––

Soccer

Both––

Softball

Women––

Swimming and diving

Both––

Tennis

Both––

Track and field

Both––

Volleyball

Women––

Wrestling

Men––

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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