
PO Box 1020 PO Box 1020, Central, SC 29630-1020, USA


Southern Wesleyan University fields a variety of varsity sports teams competing primarily in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The university's athletic program includes both men's and women's teams across several disciplines, offering student-athletes opportunities to participate in competitive college sports.
For male athletes, available sports include basketball, soccer, baseball, golf, and cross country. Women have opportunities to join basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, golf, cross country, and tennis teams. This diverse athletic offering supports a range of interests and fosters engagement in team-based and individual sports.
The university competes as a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), which provides a structured competitive environment for its athletic programs. Participation in these conference games allows students to experience regional rivalries and showcase their talents on a broader stage.
Beyond competition, Southern Wesleyan emphasizes balancing athletics with academics, encouraging student-athletes to maintain strong scholastic performance alongside their sports commitments. Facilities and coaching staff contribute to a supportive environment aimed at developing both athletic skill and personal growth.
Southern Wesleyan University offers a variety of student groups and associations catering to diverse interests. These include the Student Government Association, which provides students with a platform for leadership and campus representation. The university also supports faith-oriented activities through its Student Missions Focus and Ministry Teams, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement.
Students with interests in music can join the Music Club, which fosters artistic expression and collaboration. Additionally, the Ignite student athlete fellowship group offers a community for athletes to connect and support one another. With a total enrollment of 627 students, consisting of 257 men and 370 women, these organizations create a dynamic campus environment.
Southern Wesleyan University hosts a diverse student body with varying demographics and enrollment patterns. The total enrollment is modest, with 243 students encompassing both freshmen and transfers. Freshmen numbers are relatively low at 159, placing the university in the bottom 30% nationally for this category, while transfer students number 84, which is closer to average but still in the lower 40% percentile.
The university attracts a range of students from different age groups, primarily undergraduate learners. Most undergraduates fall between the ages of 18 and 21, with 259 students aged 18 to 19 and 250 aged 20 to 21. Older students are also represented, including those from 22 up to over 65 years old, indicating opportunities for non-traditional learners or those pursuing education later in life. Graduate students are fewer in comparison, with a noticeable presence in the 22 to 49 age range, especially concentrated between 40 and 64 years.
Geographically, Southern Wesleyan University has a predominantly in-state population, accounting for 59% of its student base, though this percentage is considered average and places the school in the bottom 40% compared to other institutions. Out-of-state students constitute 41%, a relatively high proportion, ranking the university in the top 30% for attracting students from beyond its home state. Domestic students from other parts of the U. S. are comparatively fewer, also making up 41%, which is markedly low relative to similar universities, falling within the bottom 10%. International enrollment is minimal, with virtually no students from foreign countries attending, positioning the institution in the lower 30% for international diversity.
When examining ethnic and racial composition, the student population is predominantly White, with 534 students, which remains an average proportion but ranks in the lower third nationally. African American students number 128, while Hispanic students total 63. Other groups such as Asian (5 students), Native American (1 student), and those identifying with two or more races (25 students) are present but in smaller numbers. Students with an unknown or unspecified racial background account for 13 individuals. Overall, the racial diversity levels are average yet remain on the lower side across most categories, indicating a moderately diverse but predominantly White student community.
Southern Wesleyan University offers a campus environment with several opportunities for student engagement through various arts and media activities. Students can participate in campus drama productions and join the campus chorus, providing creative outlets within the university community. The presence of a campus newspaper further supports student involvement in journalism and communication.
While the university does not have a campus radio station, band, or television station, the existing artistic and media options contribute to a vibrant student atmosphere. Additionally, the campus provides essential health services, including access to a health clinic and psychological counseling, supporting student well-being throughout their academic journey.
In terms of social and athletic life, Southern Wesleyan University is a member of both the NCAA and NCCAA athletic associations, offering students the chance to engage in collegiate sports. With a student-faculty ratio of 12 to 1, students might experience relatively personalized academic attention, fostering closer interaction with faculty members.
The student body is modest in size, with a total enrollment of approximately 1,166 and a relatively low number of 158 full-time degree-seeking students. The university represents a modest level of international diversity, with students from nine different countries, which is lower than average compared to other institutions.
Southern Wesleyan University offers students access to the Rickman Library, which serves as the institution's primary library facility. The university's library resources are modest compared to many institutions, with the total number of libraries on campus being one, placing it in the lower 40th percentile nationally.
The collection includes approximately 53,431 physical books, an amount that also ranks in the bottom 40 percent. Despite this, the university provides substantial digital resources, including about 221,471 digital subscriptions, a figure that ranks in the top 45 percent, indicating a stronger emphasis on electronic access over physical holdings.
In addition, the library offers nearly 593,459 eBooks and a database of 111 titles, both of which fall around the mid-range nationally. Students benefit from the availability of physical facilities as well as digital access, with trained staff assisting to support academic research and study.
Total enrollment
1166Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
158Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
155 full time, 78 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Rickman LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes