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Southern Wesleyan University

Central, SC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1906
Founded
Private university
Type
350 acres
Campus
771
Total Students
896
Undergrad
279
Graduate
$28K
Tuition (In-State)
$28K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
100%
Acceptance Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
6-year
66%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: William Barker

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Southern Wesleyan University

Cultivating Christ-centered leaders since 1906, offering diverse traditional and online programs.

Southern Wesleyan University, a private institution rooted in a rich Christian heritage, has been shaping futures since its founding in 1906. Dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience, SWU prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service. With a commitment to both traditional campus life and innovative online learning, it offers a diverse academic environment where faith and learning converge.

Tracing its roots back to the "Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute," the university has undergone significant evolution, adapting its name and programs to meet changing educational needs. From its early days offering classes from first grade through college, it matured into a two-year junior college, then a full four-year institution, eventually earning university status and its current name in 1994. This journey reflects a century-long dedication to educational excellence and spiritual development.

Today, Southern Wesleyan University is accredited to award associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, boasting a student body of 1175 eager learners. Its academic strengths are bolstered by a forward-thinking approach to education, exemplified by its pioneering Leadership Education for Adult Professionals (LEAP) program. This initiative, which began in 1986, has evolved into robust fully online programs, making quality higher education accessible to working adults.

For prospective students and families, SWU offers a vibrant community focused on holistic growth. Whether through engaging in traditional campus programs or benefiting from flexible online formats, students are encouraged to develop intellectually, spiritually, and personally. It's an institution where a long history of faith-based education meets modern academic innovation.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1906, boasting over a century of educational heritage.
  • A private university rooted in Christian values and Wesleyan tradition.
  • Offers a comprehensive range of associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs.
  • Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • Pioneered adult learning with its LEAP program, evolving into extensive fully online offerings.
  • A close-knit community with an enrollment of 1175 students.

Timeline

1904
Representatives of Wesleyan Methodist churches met to consider establishing a college.
1906
Classes began; founded as the "Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute".
1909
Renamed "Wesleyan Methodist College".
1928
Began operating as a two-year junior college with a four-year theological program.
1958
Phased out pre-college programs, moved to a full four-year program; junior college program received accreditation.
1959
Renamed "Central Wesleyan College".
1973
Accredited to award bachelor's degrees.
1986
Added nontraditional "Leadership Education for Adult Professionals (LEAP)" program.
1994
Renamed "Southern Wesleyan University".
🏛️
120 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

William Barker
President
Robert McFarland
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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