Research.com
Wilson College logo

Wilson College

#405 in US ranking Chambersburg, PA
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

Represent this school?

Update this profile on Research.com

Cost

Cost / year
$39,715
Tuition & fees
$27,150
Avg. aid
$14,784
Receiving aid
99%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
92%
SAT range
930–1180

Outcomes

Graduation rate
48%
Median salary
$50,515
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of Wilson College?

Wilson College was founded in 1869 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as a college for women. Its name honors Sarah Wilson, whose support helped establish the institution. That history remains part of the college's identity, although Wilson now admits students of all genders.

The college later expanded beyond its traditional residential undergraduate model, adding opportunities for adult learners and graduate students. Its decision to admit men to its traditional undergraduate programs in the 2010s was a significant change. Today, applicants will find a small private college whose offerings extend from liberal arts subjects to education, health professions, business, and animal-related fields.

What are the faculties and departments at Wilson College?

Wilson College offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts and professional fields. Its academic offerings include biology, psychology, business, education, nursing, and programs related to animals and veterinary care.

Prospective students should compare the credential as well as the subject: a bachelor's major, a graduate degree, and a program designed for professional certification can have different admission requirements and outcomes. Students considering teaching, nursing, or veterinary technology should check the current program catalog for clinical or fieldwork requirements and for the specific steps needed to qualify for a license or certification. A Wilson degree alone should not be assumed to satisfy another state's licensing rules.

The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 15 to 1. That institution-wide measure gives a sense of scale, but it does not describe the size or availability of a particular course.

What is the location of Wilson College?

Wilson College is in Chambersburg, in south-central Pennsylvania. Its campus provides a residential college setting, while the surrounding town supplies everyday services and off-campus options for students.

Location matters differently for residents and commuters. A little more than half of students are reported as commuters, so applicants planning to drive should consider travel time and the availability of parking during their usual class hours. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, subject to college procedures. Harrisburg International Airport is a regional air-travel option, but students should plan separately for ground transportation between the airport and Chambersburg.

What is the mission and vision of Wilson College?

Wilson College's stated educational purpose centers on a liberal arts education connected to practical preparation and engagement beyond the classroom. Its history as a women's college is an important part of that mission, even as its present-day student body includes people of all genders and ages.

For an applicant, the useful question is how that educational approach works in the intended program. A prospective nursing student, for example, should examine clinical requirements; a future teacher should examine supervised teaching and certification pathways. Institutional statements describe priorities, not a guarantee of a particular academic or career outcome.

Wilson College Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Wilson College

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

City: Small

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

Religious affiliation

Protestant (Presbyterian Church of U.S.A.)

School type

Comprehensive higher education institution

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1869

Wilson College Accreditation

Wilson College is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.

Wilson College Programs and Degrees

iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconMaster's degree

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.

Recently Published Articles