
204 E College Street, Athens, TN 37303, USA


Tennessee Wesleyan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. This regional accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards of academic quality and institutional effectiveness.
In addition to its institutional accreditation, several individual programs at Tennessee Wesleyan University have earned specialized accreditation or approval. For example, the nursing program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, affirming its compliance with state educational and professional standards.
The university's adherence to these accreditations is an important consideration for prospective students, as it influences credit transferability, eligibility for federal financial aid, and recognition of degrees by employers and other institutions.
Tennessee Wesleyan University requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or possess a secondary school diploma with an official academic record. A minimum secondary school GPA is mandatory for admission consideration. While the university does not have an open admission policy, standardized test scores such as the SAT are not required; however, the TOEFL is a necessity for non-native English speakers. Recommendations and additional admission test scores are generally not required but are recommended, as is a demonstration of certain competencies.
The university accepts dual credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits toward degree programs, facilitating some academic advancement for incoming students. Computer ownership or leasing is not a requirement for application or enrollment at Tennessee Wesleyan University.
The acceptance rate is approximately 59%, indicating a somewhat selective admission process, with about 988 applicants and 587 admissions annually. The average SAT score of enrolled students is around 1055, placing them in the lower quartile nationally, while the average ACT score is 21, which also places students in the bottom 25 percentile nationally. Most enrolled students score an ACT score between 17 and 23.
Tennessee Wesleyan University requires prospective students to submit a nonrefundable application fee as part of their admissions process. This fee helps cover administrative costs associated with processing applications.
The university provides fee waivers for eligible applicants, aiming to reduce financial barriers for those facing economic hardship. These waivers must be requested and are granted based on specific criteria demonstrating financial need or other qualifying circumstances.
Applicants seeking a waiver are encouraged to contact the admissions office early to understand the documentation required and the procedure to apply for the fee exemption.
Tennessee Wesleyan University participates in an ROTC program through its status as a cooperating host institution. This means that while the university itself does not host an ROTC branch unit directly on its campus, it collaborates with another institution where the ROTC branch is established. Prospective students at Tennessee Wesleyan University interested in ROTC training would thus engage with the program via this affiliated host institution rather than enrolling in an ROTC unit on their own campus.
Tennessee Wesleyan University welcomes transfer students for several enrollment periods, including the fall, spring, and summer terms. While winter transfer data is not available, prospective students can plan accordingly for the other semesters. The university maintains a minimally difficult admissions process for those transferring, aiming to facilitate a smooth transition.
Credits from previous institutions are accepted, which allows transfer students to continue their education without unnecessary repetition of coursework. Additionally, the university acknowledges several standardized exams for credit, including CLEP General, CLEP Subject, and DANTES tests, providing multiple avenues for students to validate prior learning. Recommendations are also considered as part of the admissions process, supporting a holistic review of applicants.
Tennessee Wesleyan University offers its students opportunities to engage in international study programs designed to complement their academic experience. These programs allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning credit toward their degrees. Participants can choose from a variety of locations and program lengths tailored to fit their academic schedules and personal interests. The programs are structured to enhance global awareness and provide practical exposure to diverse educational environments outside the United States.
Students interested in studying abroad should work closely with the university's Office of International Programs to identify partnerships and approved programs that align with their field of study. The university supports faculty-led trips as well as semester-long exchanges with select partner institutions, providing flexibility for different academic calendars and goals. Additionally, the study abroad experiences often include cultural excursions, language immersion, and opportunities for service learning, which enrich the overall educational value.
By participating in these programs, Tennessee Wesleyan University students can develop a broader worldview and gain skills beneficial in an increasingly globalized workforce. The institution emphasizes the importance of international education as a means to promote intercultural competence and lifelong learning habits among its students.
Median composite SAT score
1055Median composite ACT score
21Percent of students submitting ACT scores
85%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
6%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer