College statistics
- Address:
- 1055 N Bickett Rd
Wilberforce, OH
45384 - Sector Group:
- Private Not-for-Profit 4-Year or Above
- Official Website:
- www.wilberforce.edu/
- HBCU:
- Yes
- Setting:
- Rural
- Annual In-State Tuition:
- $14,718
- Annual Out-of-State Tuition:
- $14,718
- Room and Board:
- $8,537
- Acceptance Rate:
- 52.7%
- Endowment (End of Year):
- $7,100,500
- Research Activity Tier:
- No research designation
- Economic Mobility Index:
- Higher Access, Medium Earnings
- Primary Undergraduate Major:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Wilberforce is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country, located in a quiet rural setting outside Xenia, Ohio. The university serves a small student body in a close-knit community environment, with a strong historical mission rooted in the Black educational tradition. It's the kind of place where you'll know your classmates and professors will know your name.
The school enrolls 617 students and costs $25,676 per year total (tuition, room, and board combined) — making it genuinely affordable. Tuition alone is just $14,776 annually, regardless of whether you're from Ohio or out of state. With an acceptance rate around 53%, Wilberforce welcomes most applicants who apply, so the focus here is on supporting students once they arrive rather than filtering them at the gate.
The 6-year graduation rate is quite low at 16%, which is a real concern and something you'd want to discuss directly with admissions. This suggests the university struggles with student retention and completion. Wilberforce is best suited for students who are committed to finishing what they start and who thrive with close mentorship and support. If you're considering this school, ask hard questions about academic advising, tutoring, and what happens when students hit rough patches.