North Carolina Wesleyan University, established in 1956 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is a private Methodist-affiliated liberal arts university offering 30+ undergraduate and graduate programs. NCWU's 200-acre campus features Georgian-style architecture combined with modern facilities like the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts and the new Braswell Building for health sciences. The university is known for its innovative adult studies program with evening and online options, as well as traditional undergraduate programs in criminal justice, business, and biology. NCWU maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research, and service opportunities.
NCWU's location in eastern North Carolina provides access to internships in healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors. The university's Battling Bishops compete in NCAA Division III athletics in the USA South Conference. NCWU's Global Studies program includes study abroad opportunities and an international student exchange program. The campus features a beautiful arboretum with walking trails and hosts cultural events open to the community through its Wesleyan Arts Council. The university's commitment to affordability includes generous merit scholarships and a tuition guarantee program.
North Carolina Wesleyan University Acceptance Rate
North Carolina Wesleyan University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 77.95%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
North Carolina Wesleyan University Admission Requirements
North Carolina Wesleyan University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at North Carolina Wesleyan University is 3.2. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.9 and 3.2, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
North Carolina Wesleyan University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at North Carolina Wesleyan University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.2, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.20 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.00 – 3.19 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.80 – 2.99 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.79 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At North Carolina Wesleyan University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
North Carolina Wesleyan University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
North Carolina Wesleyan University Average SAT Score: 990
The average SAT score of the admitted students at North Carolina Wesleyan University is 990 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 990 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1020 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. North Carolina Wesleyan University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 950, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to North Carolina Wesleyan University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 990 | 950 | 1020 |
It means that if you have scored less than 950 then you are below most of the admitted students at North Carolina Wesleyan University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1020 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into North Carolina Wesleyan University with a 1000 SAT?
With a 1000 SAT Score, your chances of admission at North Carolina Wesleyan University are good but the admission staff at North Carolina Wesleyan University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
North Carolina Wesleyan University Profile
Name: North Carolina Wesleyan University
City: Rocky Mount
URL: www.ncwu.edu/
State: North Carolina
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 27804
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from North Carolina Wesleyan University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at North Carolina Wesleyan University is USD: 48263. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at North Carolina Wesleyan University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
46.92% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 63.01 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to North Carolina Wesleyan University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist North Carolina Wesleyan University as your choice in the form.
How much a North Carolina Wesleyan University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 45873. An average North Carolina Wesleyan University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than North Carolina Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| Johnson University Florida | Johnson University Florida, FL | 940 | NA |
| Clayton State University | Clayton State University, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Gordon State College | Gordon State College, GA | 950 | 18 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | University of Hawaii-West Oahu, HI | 973 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, IN | 966 | 17 |
| St Luke's College | St Luke's College, IA | 980 | 18 |
| Baker University | Baker University, KS | 950 | 17 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as North Carolina Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | University of Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA | 994 | 19 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus State University, GA | 994 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than North Carolina Wesleyan University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion Military Institute, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1022 | 20 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Education, General
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Wesleyan University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $45873 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $48263 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of North Carolina Wesleyan University is 77.95 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.2. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.9, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.9, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.9 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.8 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to North Carolina Wesleyan University if my GPA is below 2.8
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.2, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to North Carolina Wesleyan University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 990 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 950-1020
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.