Overview
From Warren Wilson
Think deeply. Care fiercely. Work hard.
The Warren Wilson education gives you breadth with a time-honored liberal arts core and depth through our varied majors and minors. But we don’t stop there. Because like you, we believe that the best learning happens when you strike out, leave the shallows, and go deep.
So we amplify your classroom experiences through two additional graduation requirements:
On-campus work
Community engagement
Our Work Program sets you apart when you’re applying for jobs — you’ll already have a resume full of accomplishments. And participation in our Community Engagement Commitment adds service experience while providing you opportunity to advocate for causes you care about.
These core experiences are integrated with experiential learning opportunities like internships, study abroad, and career preparation.
Better Career Preparation
We know that the marketplace demands the broad-based skills developed with a liberal-arts education. But we also know that’s not enough. So you’ll graduate with that plus applied experiences offered only at Warren Wilson. By the time you graduate, you will have: solved problems in a professional environment, developed your leadership on a team, calculated the impact of your decisions in a workplace, and delivered on your commitment to your supervisor and colleagues.
Our students can and do change the world. When you graduate, you won’t say you learned how to do it. You will say you’ve done it.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Affordability Overview
From Warren Wilson
The “Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025” has named Warren Wilson College a “best buy” for the 19th time. With “quality academic offerings and affordable cost,” and a five-star student quality of life rating—not to mention “a strong international and environmental orientation”—we’re in a select class. And now with 40% lower tuition.
All admitted undergraduates are considered for Merit Scholarships, which are awarded by our Admissions Office at the time of acceptance. No separate application is required.
With Merit Scholarships, your Work Award and other need-based aid, we’re committed to making Warren Wilson an affordable option.
$40,790
$14,201
$26,589
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$40,790The sticker price at Warren Wilson is $40,790. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Warren Wilson would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Warren Wilson College Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Warren Wilson College, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Warren Wilson College is 002979.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Using State Grants at Warren Wilson
If you're a North Carolina resident with demonstrated financial need, be sure to look into state grants to help pay for Warren Wilson. The state offers two major need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays. If you meet the requirements and the funds have not been exhausted, you will receive the money.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more North Carolina scholarshipsPell Grants at Warren Wilson College
36% of students at Warren Wilson College receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Warren Wilson. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From Warren Wilson
We are more than just a college—we are a community seeking individuals who are driven and excited to make a positive impact on the world. Whether it’s through academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, or unique experiences beyond the classroom, we celebrate your journey and welcome students from diverse backgrounds. Join us and become part of a college that values hands-on learning, service, and sustainability.
As always, we are proudly test-optional, meaning your academic achievements, character, and experiences outside the classroom are what truly matter.
84%
27
Is Warren Wilson test-optional?
Warren Wilson College is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
8:1
Graduation Rate
45%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Natural Resources & Conservation
17%
17% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
13%
13% of graduates
Psychology
13%
13% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
12%
12% of graduates
English Language & Literature
9%
9% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
9%
9% of graduates
Social Sciences
9%
9% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
5%
5% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
5%
5% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
3%
3% of graduates
History
3%
3% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
697
Pell Grant 35%
Undergrad Students Over 25 5%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%
Percent Male / Female 35% / 65%
Ethnic Diversity at Warren Wilson
77% White
8% Hispanic
5% Black
4% Multiracial
3% International / Non-Citizen
2% Unknown
1% Asian / Pacific Islander
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From Warren Wilson
At Warren Wilson, we believe that the best outcomes integrate professional success with authentic, well-lived lives. It’s why we not only look at the traditional markers to measure how we’re preparing our students for the world, but also the non-traditional. Not only how quickly our alumni find jobs, but whether the job was meaningful. Not only whether they were employed, but whether their employment allowed them to continue to grow and learn. Did they get into the graduate school they applied to or travel abroad like they’d dreamed? Did Warren Wilson College prepare them to pursue their dreams?
We think you’ll agree that we’re pretty good at all of that.
Employment After Graduation
90% of Warren Wilson alumni received their first paying job within the first six months following graduation. (National comparison: 77%)
74% of Warren Wilson alumni reported that their first paying job post-graduation allowed them to continue to grow and learn. (National comparison: 66%)
71% of our alumni 1 year after graduation reported that their current job is work they find meaningful. (National comparison: 68%)
90% of our alumni 1 year after graduation and 94% of those 5 years out indicated that their on-campus employment significantly contributed to their learning and personal development. (National comparison: 66% and 64%)
97% of Warren Wilson alumni reported that their participation in the Work Program helped prepare them for their career.
Graduate Income
$36,260
Median Debt $25,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $265
Graduation Rate 45%
What is the graduation rate at Warren Wilson College?
45% of students who start at Warren Wilson College finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 13% less than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Warren Wilson College go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Warren Wilson College is $36,260. This is $14,131 less than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Warren Wilson College who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Warren Wilson take out in loans?
Graduates of Warren Wilson take out a median of $25,000 in federal student loans. This is $11,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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