Baldwin Wallace University

BW offers 60+ undergraduate programs, though it recently sunsetted 16 degree programs (including 9 undergraduate majors) to refocus resources. Business and performing arts dominate: 44% of graduates earn business degrees, while the conservatory-quality music and theater programs anchor the school's identity. The curriculum blends liberal arts with hands-on learning—every major includes internships or portfolio-building opportunities. Notably, BW's "competency curriculum" ensures all students develop career-ready skills regardless of major.

The campus vibe is active but not overwhelming—51% of students live on campus, with the rest commuting. Over 100 clubs range from academic societies to quirky interest groups, all organized under a council system. Arts culture thrives: free theater productions, concerts, and lectures fill the calendar. The Student Life Center keeps weekday hours (8:30 AM–5 PM), reflecting BW's work-hard ethos. TikTok campus tours show a leafy, compact campus where brick academic buildings neighbor practice rooms buzzing with music majors.

BW's 96% career outcome rate (employment or grad school within six months) is its crown jewel. Median earnings for recent grads hover around $40,037—76% earn more than the average high school graduate. The 65% graduation rate outpaces many regional peers, with most finishing in 4.2 years. Nearly half pursue advanced degrees, suggesting BW prepares students well for postgraduate rigor. The university touts these stats aggressively, linking them to its career-skills curriculum and internship mandates.

At $28,190 net price (after aid), BW positions itself as "affordable excellence." Every admitted first-year gets at least $14,000 in renewable merit scholarships—72.54% of students receive financial aid, with average packages totaling $36,568. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator reveals stark differences: some pay under $20k, while others face the full $48k sticker price. Salaries account for 44.8% of BW's $118M annual expenditures, suggesting funds flow toward faculty over flashy facilities.

BW punches above its weight in career prep despite modest selectivity. Its test-optional?Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. policy and high acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. make it accessible, while the near-guaranteed job placement rivals elite colleges. The arts programs—especially music theatre—operate at near-conservatory levels amid a business-heavy student body. This blend creates a campus where future accountants attend Broadway-quality shows between internships. For Ohioans seeking a safe bet with strong ROI, BW delivers.