Rochester, NYprivate nonprofitwww.roberts.edu/
Roberts Wesleyan University, a Christian liberal arts institution in Rochester, NY, blends rigorous academics with spiritual formation. Known for its intimate 10:1 student-faculty ratio and strong nursing program, it attracts students seeking a values-driven education with a 70% acceptance rate and a 64% graduation rate that punches above its weight.
Roberts Wesleyan maintains a moderately selective admissions process with a 70.6% acceptance rate (1,051 admits from 1,488 applications in 2024). The university is test-optional, explicitly stating that students with a GPA of 2.8+ are 'on track' for admission. Mid-50% SAT scores range from 990–1305, while ACT scores fall between 25–34. Notably, female applicants have a slightly higher Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. (76%) compared to male applicants (69%). Applications are accepted until August 23 with no application fee—a rarity among private institutions.
With 50+ majors and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, Roberts Wesleyan emphasizes close mentorship—78.3% of classes have fewer than 20 students. The most popular programs reflect its practical, service-oriented mission:
The curriculum integrates faith with learning across disciplines, offering pre-professional tracks and a 64% graduation rate that outperforms many regional peers. Unique among Christian colleges, it maintains NCAA Division II athletics with academic success rates tracked separately for athletes.
A 61% on-campus housing rate fosters tight-knit community, bolstered by:
Reviews highlight the 'supportive but not suffocating' Christian environment, with Rochester providing off-campus balance. The university actively promotes diversity initiatives, though the suburban campus leans quieter—students create much of the social energy through 50+ organized activities.
Roberts Wesleyan's 64% six-year graduation rate notably exceeds predictions for its demographic profile. Early-career alumni earn ~$39,000 annually, consistent with its mix of helping professions (nursing, education) and business majors. The NCAA reports strong Academic Success Rates (ASR) for athletes—83% vs. the federal rate of 64%—suggesting robust support for student-athletes. While not a powerhouse research institution, its career-oriented programs YieldThe share of admitted students who actually choose to enroll. Colleges watch it closely, which is why some weigh how interested you seem. solid regional employment, particularly in healthcare and education sectors.
At $24,202 net price (after average aid), Roberts Wesleyan delivers 94% of first-years receive need-based aid, with average awards of $28,950. Key affordability levers:
The university transparently promotes its Net Price Calculator, acknowledging that 80% of students rely on financial aid packages averaging $33,836.
Roberts Wesleyan carves a distinct niche by bridging evangelical Christian values with career-ready academics—its nursing program alone graduates more students annually than many liberal arts colleges' entire classes. The test-optional policy and August application deadline demonstrate unusual flexibility for a faith-based school, while maintaining higher graduation rates than comparable institutions. Its suburban Rochester location offers both quiet campus life and access to a mid-sized city's internships—a rare balance in its sector.