Wilson College

Don’t let the 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. fool you: Wilson’s academic identity is sharpest in career-focused programs, particularly veterinary technology and nursing, which dominate its most popular majors list. The college leans into its rural setting with strong agricultural science offerings, including hands-on work at its campus farm. A 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small classes, and the curriculum is rooted in liberal arts requirements—think foreign languages and cultural studies. Recent expansions include new health profession tracks, though the college lacks engineering or business programs. U.S. News ranks it fifth for 'best value' among regional colleges, likely due to its affordability and pragmatic majors.

With 42% of students living on campus, Wilson’s vibe is a mix of residential camaraderie and commuter pragmatism. Traditions like Sarah Wilson Week (honoring the founder) and cultural festivals punctuate the calendar, while nine NCAA DIII sports—especially equestrian teams—anchor extracurriculars. The college promotes 'holistic development' through clubs ranging from agriculture societies to LGBTQ+ alliances, though the small size means fewer options than at larger schools. International students add diversity to a predominantly domestic student body, and the administration emphasizes safety with a low-crime campus. For nightlife, students often head to nearby Harrisburg or Hagerstown.

Wilson’s 52% six-year graduation rate lags behind national averages, but Pell Grant recipients graduate at just 40%, highlighting equity gaps. Alumni earnings are modest: $36,427 median income one year post-graduation, though specific data for top programs like nursing isn’t public. The college doesn’t publish detailed employment stats, but niche fields like vet tech likely fare better than humanities majors. Notably, 74.5% of Warren Wilson alumni (a similarly named school) land jobs quickly—a possible proxy for Wilson’s career-focused culture, though direct comparisons are unreliable.

At $24,323 net price (after aid), Wilson is a bargain by private college standards, with 97% of students receiving grants or scholarships. The sticker price of $39,582 drops significantly thanks to institutional aid, including $750–$7,395 annual awards and work-study options. The college’s 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 helps families estimate costs, though aid packages lean heavily on loans. For context, the average aid package is $25,243, making Wilson competitive against public universities in the region.

Wilson’s paradox is its open admissions paired with niche excellence—few schools with a 92% 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. boast nationally accredited vet tech labs or a working farm. The low net price and hyper-local community (think professors who know your name and cows you can pet between classes) appeal to hands-on learners. It’s not for everyone: limited STEM options and modest post-grad earnings deter some. But for aspiring nurses, vet techs, or agribusiness pros who want small classes without elite competition, Wilson delivers pragmatic value.