Overview
Founded in 1856 by the Methodist Episcopal Church and named after British abolitionist William Wilberforce, Wilberforce University holds the distinction of being the first private historically Black university in the United States. It has a storied history of educating Black students during and after slavery, later coming under the ownership of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 1863. The university has weathered financial and enrollment challenges over the decades but remains a symbol of African American educational achievement and perseverance.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Wilberforce, Ohio |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Total students | 500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 45% |
| Graduation rate | 30% |
| Average starting salary | $36,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $14,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $14,000 |
| Room & board | $9,500 |
| Average financial aid | $12,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 95% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 800-950 |
| ACT range | 14-18 |
| Average GPA | 2.8 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Education
- Biology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.