Roanoke College vs Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU)
Roanoke College and Virginia Wesleyan University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Virginia, offer distinct educational experiences. Roanoke College, nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its selectivity. Its student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students. Virginia Wesleyan University, located in the vibrant city of Virginia Beach, has a higher acceptance rate, making it more accessible to a broader range of students. Its student body is predominantly undergraduate, creating a close-knit community. While Roanoke College excels in liberal arts and sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University shines in business and healthcare programs. Both institutions offer a variety of majors, ensuring students find their academic passions. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these exceptional universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations and goals.
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![]() Roanoke College |
![]() Virginia Wesleyan University |
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Overview |
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Location | Salem, Virginia | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
Campus setting | Suburb: Midsize | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | 4-1-4 |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 76.0% | 66.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Evangelical | Methodism |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 80.4% | 86.4% |
Application fees | $30 | |
SAT range | 1080 - 1230 | 1150 - 1380 |
ACT range | 22 - 27 | 27 - 31 |
Students submitting SAT score | 35.0% | 13.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 10.0% | 4.0% |
Total number of applicants | 4,953 | 2,076 |
Total number of admissions given out | 3,981 | 1,793 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 465 | 341 |
Yield rate | 11.7% | 19.0% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $66,888 | $51,994 |
Average net price | $27,758 | $22,584 |
Tuition | $46,510 | $36,010 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,960
Meal plan:
$8,030
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$10,264 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $35,752 |
99.0%
Average amount $27,737 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
68.0%
Average amount $5,678 |
62.0%
Average amount $5,299 |
Students taking out private loans |
12.0%
Average amount $17,112 |
13.0%
Average amount $13,485 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,863
Men 45.8% Women 54.2% |
1,241
Men 39.2% Women 60.8% |
Graduate students | N/A |
83
Men 41.0% Women 59.0% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 47.6% | N/A |
International students | 2.2% | 1.4% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Midsize | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 1,540 | 858 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Virginia Maryland North Carolina Pennsylvania New York | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 11:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 69.6% | 46.8% |
Dropout rate | 6.9% | 16.2% |
Transferred out | 23.3% | 36.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
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