Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Beach, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's degrees · City
Overall Grade
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About Virginia Wesleyan University
Batten University (formerly Virginia Wesleyan University) is a private university in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. The university is nonsectarian but historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church. It enrolls 4,632 learners in all locations: 1,676 students annually in undergraduate and graduate programs, 2,601 in VWU Global Campus (online and continuing education), and 355 students at LUJ/VWU Global (Japan). Virginia Wesleyan transitioned from a college to a university in 2017. The Batten University campus is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Academy, an educational institution that educates and guides students with learning disabilities, and the Tidewater Collegiate Academy, a teaching laboratory that extends from the primary grades through high school. Batten collaborates with Virginia Beach Economic Development for a work development center, The Hive, in Virginia Beach. In 2025, the University opened VWU-Chesapeake, a comprehensive program for those incarcerated at St. Brides Correctional Center and Indian Creek Correctional Center. In August 2025, university leadership announced that the university will operate as Batten University beginning July 1, 2026. Thi
Excerpt from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
73%
Acceptance
$19,676
Net price
1,256
Enrollment
42%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
73%
Acceptance rate
—
SAT average
29
ACT midpoint
Cost & Financial Aid
$19,676
Average net price
$37,500
In-state tuition
$37,500
Out-of-state tuition
$11,930
Room & board
$1,500
Books & supplies
$51,255
Total cost of attendance
27%
Students receiving Pell grants
45%
Students with federal loans
$27,000
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$50,074
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$39,200
Median earnings (6 yrs)
42%
Graduation rate
74%
Retention rate
78%
Earn more than a HS grad
$10,936
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
1,256
Total enrollment
6%
Part-time
21
Avg. age at entry
31%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
Virginia Wesleyan University FAQ
Is Virginia Wesleyan University a public or private school?
Virginia Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit institution located in Virginia Beach, VA.
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Wesleyan University?
Virginia Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 73%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does Virginia Wesleyan University cost?
The average annual net price at Virginia Wesleyan University is $19,676 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $37,500.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Wesleyan University?
About 42% of students at Virginia Wesleyan University complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do Virginia Wesleyan University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Wesleyan University students earn a median of $50,074 per year.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Virginia Wesleyan University?
Admitted students at Virginia Wesleyan University have an ACT midpoint of 29. Requirements vary, so check the school's admissions office for the latest.
How many students attend Virginia Wesleyan University?
Virginia Wesleyan University enrolls about 1,256 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — Stayse · CC BY-SA 4.0. Additional images are representative.
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