Last week I spent a cold but lovely morning at Ohio Wesleyan University, a small liberal arts college in the appealing town of Delaware, Ohio. Having gone to college at Miami of Ohio, I have long been familiar with the school, but have never been on campus. I met with the gracious and enthusiastic Colorado admissions representative, Pat Kelly. We discussed merit aid, my biggest area of interest, and much more. Here is what I learned.
- Although transcripts are reviewed individually, a student with a rigorous high school course load who has a 28 ACT and a 3.5 GPA is likely eligible for a $17,000 merit aid, with the possibility of more.
- They invite top students to compete to be a Schubert Scholar, offering at least $1,000 additional assistance per year, up to full tuition, room and board.
- They have just opened a gorgeous new aquatic center.
- Across the curriculum, they are committed to study of global issues, and their student body is 10% international; students come from over 50 countries. In a school with just less than 2,000 undergraduates, the campus had a decidedly international feeling.
- 50% of their student body comes from Ohio, so the remaining 40% come to “O Woo” from 47 states.
- They offer a Summer Science Research Symposium in which students can tackle research issues for 10 weeks, both on and off campus, with accomplished mentors.
- Service is a big part of the OWU experience; there are six spring break “mission trips” offered each year, among them to an orphanage in Chicago, a homeless shelter in NYC, a Dakota reservation, and El Salvador.
- Pat said that they were known for being a friendly campus. I could not agree more.
This small homey school has a great deal to offer. Enjoy the OWU video on the home page, and you’ll feel like you were right there with me.
Barb Elbot
Educational Consultant
