Wooster, OH 
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From Wooster
Wooster offers an excellent, comprehensive liberal arts education in a spirited residential setting, culminating in every student creating new knowledge through a rigorous, in-depth project of inquiry or creative expression that we call Independent Study, or I.S. Working in partnership with a faculty mentor to conceive, organize, and complete a significant project on a topic of the student’s own choosing, every Wooster graduate develops abilities valued by employers and graduate schools alike: initiative, collaboration, self-confidence, independent judgment, creative problem solving, and strong written and oral communication skills.
Wooster is a vibrant, diverse, unpretentious community of learners with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students can be themselves at Wooster, discover and pursue their passions, connect learning in the classroom to the real world through paid internships, research fellowships, and other experiential opportunities, and forge lifelong bonds with faculty, coaches, and staff.
Events & Resources
Merit Aid
All applicants are automatically considered for merit aid at Wooster. We also have some competitive scholarships- for Model UN, theater and dance, music, Scottish Arts (any pipers out there?), and the College Scholar Award- a competitive academic award.
Visit in Person and receive a $4,000 Wooster Visit Award
Students who attend an on-campus, in-person visit coordinated through the Office of Admissions will automatically receive a $4,000 ($1,000 annually) Wooster Visit Award upon admission. Find a day that works for you, register for your visit and secure your award.
Virtual Connections
Sign up to talk with an Admissions staff member or Wooster senior to learn more about our college.
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
1,960
Pell Grant 19%
Undergrad Students Over 25 1%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%
Percent Male / Female 49% / 51%
Ethnic Diversity at Wooster
60% White
15% International / Non-Citizen
10% Black
6% Hispanic
4% Asian / Pacific Islander
4% Multiracial
1% Unknown
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
11:1
Graduation Rate
74%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
20%
20% of graduates
Social Sciences
20%
20% of graduates
Physical Sciences
7%
7% of graduates
Psychology
7%
7% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
5%
5% of graduates
Mathematics
5%
5% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
5%
5% of graduates
History
5%
5% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
5% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
4%
4% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
3%
3% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
3%
3% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
2%
2% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Affordability Overview
From Wooster
There’s a reason The College of Wooster is singled out by college experts for our affordability and why each year we are listed as a Best Value College. With a test-blind process for merit scholarships and a commitment to transparency on costs, Wooster provides families with the information they need to understand how affordable a quality liberal arts education can be
Scholarships Overview
From Wooster
To support our efforts to enroll a diverse, talented group of first-year students, Wooster offers a number of competition and performance-based scholarships. We also are proud partners of organizations like SAGE Scholars, which encourages students to consider their college options early. As a test-optional school, Wooster does not consider SAT or ACT scores in consideration of any merit-based scholarship.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$76,131
$51,136
$24,995
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$76,131for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Wooster is $76,131. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any 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 Wooster would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Using State Grants at Wooster
If you're an Ohio resident considering Wooster, be sure to look into state grants like the Ohio College Opportunity Grant and Choose Ohio First. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant for students with high demonstrated financial need. You can use it at both private and public schools, and the award varies based on need and academic program. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is available to Ohio students pursuing a STEM degree in-state.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Ohio scholarships
The College of Wooster Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at The College of Wooster need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for The College of Wooster is 003037.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Colleges that Change Lives
Wooster is a member of the Colleges that Change Lives coalition. This is a coalition based on Loren Pope’s 1996 book about colleges that provide an education that is valuable beyond the numbers. There are many types of schools on this list, but the organization has vetted each school to ensure it is student-friendly, offering small classes and individual attention to each pupil. These schools also tend to take a holistic approach to admissions and demonstrate strong outcomes for their alumni. Schools on this list have all undergone a thorough review to ensure that they provide a quality education to their students.
Midwest Student Tuition Exchange
Wooster is in a state that participates in the Midwest Student Exchange. That means that if you are a resident of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, you may qualify for discounted tuition at Wooster. This program applies to both private and public institutions, although the discount at private institutions is lower. Check their website for more information on eligibility and what your discount would be.
Pell Grants at The College of Wooster
22% of students at The College of Wooster receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to The College of Wooster.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Wooster students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions Overview
From Wooster
These requirements are intended for first-year applicants with U.S. citizenship. Applicants can choose any one of the following application methods: Common Application, Apply Coalition on Scoir, or the Wooster Priority Application. Wooster has a test-optional admissions policy. Test scores will not be used in consideration for merit-based scholarships. An interview with an admissions representative is not required for admission but required for consideration for the College Scholar Award. We encourage home-schooled students to apply- no additional requirements for homeschoolers. It is FREE to apply to The College of Wooster for domestic and international students.
Admissions Snapshot
56%
29
1288 is the median SAT score and 29 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Wooster. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Coalition Colleges
Wooster is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Wooster via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Is Wooster test-optional?
The College of Wooster is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into The College of Wooster?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to The College of Wooster receive between a 27 and a 32 on their ACT, or a 1200 and a 1415 on their SAT.
Early Action
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Wooster?
Students must apply by February 15 to enroll at Wooster during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Wooster students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 15.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Wooster, remember that the deadline is November 30.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Wooster?
Applying to Wooster with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Should I apply Early Action at Wooster?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Student Outcomes Overview
From Wooster
Our rankings reflect our commitment to mentored research, small classes, challenging academics with faculty mentors, and internship support:
#2 Most Accessible Professors (Princeton Review)
#3 Senior Capstone (U.S. News)
#8 Best College Library (U.S. News)
#8 Best Science Lab Facilities (Princeton Review)
#11 Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact (Private Schools) (Princeton Review)
#14 Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects (U.S. News)
#15 Top 20 Best Schools for Internships (Private Schools) (Princeton Review)
#17 Most International Students (U.S. News)
#17 Lots of Race/Class Interaction (Princeton Review)
#18 Professors Get High Marks (Princeton Review)
#18 Most Liberal Students (Princeton Review)
#19 Best Classroom Experience (Princeton Review)
#20 Best Undergraduate Teaching (U.S. News)
#21 Best Career Services (Princeton Review)
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$59,629
Median Debt $26,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $281
Graduation Rate 74%
What is the graduation rate at The College of Wooster?
74% of students who start at The College of Wooster end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 16% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of The College of Wooster go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at The College of Wooster, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $59,629. This is $9,238 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Wooster take out in loans?
Graduates of Wooster have to take out a median of $26,500 in federal student loans. This is $13,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our 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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The College of Wooster
