History

The university was founded in 1906 at its present location in the town of Central, five miles north of Clemson, South Carolina. Over the years, it has operated a high school and served as a junior college. In 1959, it was reorganized into a senior liberal arts college. Southern Wesleyan changed its name from Central Wesleyan College in October, 1994. It is sponsored by the Wesleyan Church.

Accreditation

Southern Wesleyan University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associates, bachelors and masters degrees. Accreditation contact information: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Decatur, GA, 30033-4097, (404) 679-4501, www.sacscoc.org.

It's teacher education programs are approved by the South Carolina State Board of Education using the Standards of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher education and Certification (NASDTEC). (Documents describing accreditation are on file in the Office of the President and may be reviewed upon request.)

*Increased learning opportunities through frequent interaction with faculty
*Commitment to Christian principles and the spiritual development of students
*Advisor contact with incoming students soon after their acceptance
*Study programs available in Washington, DC; Hollywood, CA; Costa Rica; England; Russia; and Egypt
*Programs for honor students (independent study, major honors)
*Adult and Graduate Studies programs throughout South Carolina, offering associate, bachelor's andMaster's degrees

Faculty

In the traditional program, 74% of the faculty have earned doctorates. Faculty members have studied at institutions such as Clemson, University of South Carolina, Furman, Emory, Oxford, University of Colorado, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Union Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary, Florida State University,  University of Georgia, and Pennsylvania State. They have distinguished themselves by receiving Fulbright Scholarships and  research grants; doing international work in China, Egypt, England, Haiti, India and South Africa; and having their work published.

Student Life

• The smaller student body offers ample opportunity for involvement. Here is a partial listing of opportunities on campus:
  Student Government Association, Music Club, Christian Service Organization, Concert Choir, Instrument Ensemble, Yearbook, Minority Awareness Association, Council for Exceptional Children, Rotoract, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Mission Fellowship, Dorm Councils, dramatic productions, and intramural competitions.
  
• Ten intercollegiate sports:

Men Baseball Basketball Cross Country Golf Soccer

Women Basketball Cross Country Soccer Softball Volleyball

• In leisure time, students make use of the modern Campus Life Center, gym, tennis courts, sand volleyball court, and nearby lakes. The campus is only 10 minutes away from Clemson and 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greenville and Anderson are both 30 minutes away. Atlanta and Charlotte are 2 hours away from campus.

Financial Aid

• Cost for full-time boarding student for 2005 - 2006 is approximately $20,950 - $22,500
• SWU participates in all federal financial aid programs
• South Carolina Tuition Grants are available for in-state Traditional students (up to $2,600 per student for the 2005 - 2006 academic year)
• Academic Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to full tuition for a year
• Divisional Scholarships
• Average financial aid packages for 2004 - 2005 is over $12,453
• 95% of students receive some form of aid
• Over $2,700,000 in aid is awarded each year to Traditional Students