Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Virginia Beach, Virginia
71.3% Acceptance Rate
Virginia Wesleyan University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
71.3%Acceptance Rate
3.39Avg GPA
1281Avg SAT
29Avg ACT
$51,192Annual Cost
$50,074Grad Salary
26.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
71.3%
Avg GPA
3.39
Avg SAT
1281
Avg ACT
29
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1140–1350
ACT Middle 50%
28–29
Need-Based Aid
26.2% receive Pell
Virginia Wesleyan University is a private, liberal arts institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, civic engagement, and character development. Offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university fosters a supportive and engaged campus community that encourages critical inquiry and personal growth. Its focus on preparing students for leadership in a variety of fields makes it a meaningful and high-value choice for those seeking a values-centered and well-rounded education.
Virginia Wesleyan University Acceptance Rate
Virginia Wesleyan University is moderately selective. 71.3% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What VWU Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 71.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.94
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Virginia Wesleyan University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Virginia Wesleyan University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
VWU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (2026/02/01 (Merit scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
VWU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at VWU is 3.39. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.09–3.39 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.59–3.79.VWU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context, such as leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.99 – 3.18
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.98
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Virginia Wesleyan University was officially renamed Batten University effective July 1, 2026, honoring the Batten family's philanthropic legacy; students enrolled before that date may request either diploma name.
- The Sentara College of Health Sciences (founded 1892) is being integrated into the university, pending accreditation approval.
- Batten Honors College students can study in Tokyo, Japan through the Jane P. Batten and David R. Black School for International Studies as part of their existing tuition and scholarships.
- General admission requires no essay or letters of recommendation - just a completed application and official high school transcript; test scores are optional.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at VWU
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Virginia Wesleyan University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at VWU. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into VWU Without SAT or ACT?
VWU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Virginia Wesleyan University Average SAT Score: 1281
Admitted students at Virginia Wesleyan University average a 1281 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1281 — Slightly Competitive
A 1281 average tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1350 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Virginia Wesleyan University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1140? A retake is worth it at VWU. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 630 | 580 | 680 |
| SAT Reading | 615 | 560 | 670 |
| SAT Composite | 1281 | 1140 | 1350 |
A score under 1140 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1350+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) with a 1350 SAT?
At 1350, your SAT is squarely in VWU's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) ACT Requirements
VWU's admitted students average an ACT of 29.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 29 — Competitive
An average of 29 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 25 | 26 |
| ACT English | 28 | 25 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 28 | 29 |
Can I get into Virginia Wesleyan University with a 29 ACT?
At 29, you're in the top quarter of VWU's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, VWU weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for VWU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
VWU takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Know you're applying to an institution mid-rename - confirm which name appears on your materials
Virginia Wesleyan University officially became Batten University on July 1, 2026, honoring philanthropist Jane Batten and her family. Students enrolled before this date can request a diploma bearing either name, but new applicants should expect "Batten University" branding going forward. Confirm with admissions which name will appear on your specific application materials, transcripts, and eventual diploma, since the transition happened only days before this cycle's decisions are being made.
Ask directly about the Sentara College of Health Sciences integration if you're pursuing health programs
The university is integrating the Sentara College of Health Sciences (a professional institution founded in 1892) pending accreditation approval, alongside its rename. If you're interested in health-related majors, ask admissions specifically about the current accreditation status and timeline of this integration before enrolling, since "pending accreditation approval" means the structure isn't fully finalized yet.
Use the Batten Honors College for a guaranteed, tuition-included study-abroad semester in Tokyo
Students in the Batten Honors College can study in Tokyo, Japan at the Jane P. Batten and David R. Black School for International Studies as part of their existing tuition and scholarships - not an added cost. If international study is a priority, apply specifically for Honors College admission and ask how the Tokyo program integrates into your intended major's four-year plan.
Apply with a genuinely low-friction process - no essay or letters of recommendation required
The university's application is free and requires no essay or letters of recommendation for an admission decision - just a completed application and official high school transcript, with test scores optional. If you're short on time or resources for a full application package, prioritize applying here early since the actual submission bar is unusually low compared to peer institutions.
Expert Insight:
Applicants researching this school online may find a mix of "Virginia Wesleyan University" and "Batten University" content, given the rename took effect July 1, 2026, just days before this conversation - some alumni and community members have publicly protested the change. Confirm you're looking at current, post-rename information (particularly regarding the Sentara College of Health Sciences integration status) rather than outdated Virginia Wesleyan-branded pages that may not reflect the latest structural changes.
VWU Profile
Full Name
Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU)
City
Virginia Beach
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
23455
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a VWU Degree Worth It?
At $51,192/year against a $50,074 median graduate salary, VWU is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $71,500, and graduates see a 2.73% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from VWU Cost?
Listed tuition runs $51,192/year at VWU. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At VWU, 26.2% receive a Pell Grant and 47.6% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming VWU on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a VWU Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, VWU graduates report a median income of $50,074, about 23% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Virginia Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA | 1254 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Virginia Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Virginia Wesleyan University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
Degree Programs at VWU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About VWU Admissions
Virginia Wesleyan University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $50,074/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Virginia Wesleyan University runs high, at roughly $51,192+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
26.2% of Virginia Wesleyan University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Virginia Wesleyan University's acceptance rate is 71.3%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Virginia Wesleyan University students is 3.39, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.09 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Virginia Wesleyan University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.99 or below makes admission tougher at Virginia Wesleyan University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Virginia Wesleyan University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1281, and within the 1140–1350 range, keeps you competitive.
Virginia Wesleyan University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before 2026/02/01 (Merit scholarship priority). That's Virginia Wesleyan University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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