The SWU Viewbook will help you know more about Southern Wesleyan and see if it is the right fit for you. With information about majors, campus life, our faith-filled community, athletics, financial aid, and more, this is a great way to get to know SWU!
During my time at Southern Wesleyan, I was able to mature into a leader through different campus activities and organizations, through being a resident assistant, and through the challenge to develop my walk with God. I began my journey by pursuing my passion for the outdoors and all of the adventures they hold. As I developed my course of study at SWU, I was also able to help shape the Recreation and Sport Management major’s brand new Outdoor Leadership concentration. On top of all of the amazing opportunities for serving in this area, I was also able to spend a semester in the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as part of my undergraduate experience. Through these experiences as well as internships with Peak 7 Adventures, an outdoor adventure ministry, I feel very prepared for both my career and for whatever leadership opportunities are presented to me in life.
Nathan Stegenga
Recreation and Sports Management - Outdoor Leadership Concentration
Class of 2017
Biology
Business Administration
Accounting
Economics & Finance
Entrepreneurship
General Business
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Supply Chain Management
Chemistry
Church Music
Computer Information Systems
Busines Informatics
Media Informatics
Music Informatics
Criminal Justice Studies
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood and Family Studies
Elementary Education
English
Environmental Studies
Exercise Science
Forensic Science
History
Human Services
Administration
Counseling
Criminal Justice
Marriage and Family Services
Mathematics
Media Communication
Mass Media Studies
Media Production
Music
Music Education
Physical Education
Coaching
Fitness for Aging
Pre-Medicine / Pre-Dentistry
Psychology
Counseling
Criminal Justice
Developmental Psychology
Human Services
Recreation and Sport Management
Administration in Athletics and Recreation
Outdoor Leadership
Religion
Bible
Children's Ministry
Christian Ministry
Christian Worship
New Testament Greek
Sports Ministry
Youth Ministry
Special Education
Concentrations offered within majors in italics
I knew I wanted to have the experience to travel and see other cultures while in college. When I moved from Baltimore to South Carolina in my sophomore year of high school, it was hard for me to imagine myself spending my college years exploring the globe because of my location and financial concerns, but there was a hunger for new experiences that I simply could not deny. When I was presented with the opportunity to travel to Italy for spring break my freshman year at SWU, I simply could not give up a chance to see the world. Through study abroad opportunities and grant funded research, I was able to see broader horizons and explore two more nations before graduation. While I was away pursuing these great learning experiences, I found comfort in the knowledge that SWU was waiting for me with the same welcoming spirit that inspired my college choice. I am excited to continue my studies and passion for travel as I pursue a graduate school.
Mikkaela Bailey
History
Class of 2017
Ask a Southern Wesleyan student what’s so special about this place, and there’s a good chance you’ll hear the word “community.” While many private universities like to use the word “community,” we are redefining it. From move-in day to graduation day you’ll experience real community at Southern Wesleyan University. The community atmosphere we’re talking about is what makes this place magnetic.
At the center of Southern Wesleyan University is an unwavering dedication to Jesus Christ and the relentless pursuit of His Kingdom and work in our communities, our world, and us. At SWU, students have the opportunity to grow in their faith through worship and learning experiences. You can also put your faith into action through various local serving opportunities, global cross-cultural trips, or traveling summer ministry teams. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, there are opportunities for you to grow at Southern Wesleyan. It's really all about helping you find God's purpose for your life, preparing you for that purpose, and sending you out to impact the world.
I was looking to reinvent myself after high school. At the time, I did not know what I wanted for my future career, but I knew I wanted to be different and meet new people. Even though I came to SWU with a passion for music and not much else, God knew exactly what I was supposed to do when I arrived. He has led me to some amazing new friendships and experiences through my time at SWU, and it is crazy to think that there is more in store for me. I took on a leadership position in the SWU Gospel Choir, I started leading people in worship experiences through summer ministry teams, and I encountered God in new ways through music. God took this awesome thing I was already passionate about and transformed it into something much bigger than myself. Best of all, He transformed me through the experience.
Patrick Hampton
Music
Class of 2018
We understand that cost is important when choosing the right school. At Southern Wesleyan University, we believe an education should be affordable and accessible. College may be one of the biggest expenses you encounter over the next few years, but it can be one of the best investments you will ever make.
SWU alumni have lower student loan debt and higher average salaries than the national averages for college graduates, making an education at Southern Wesleyan an incredible investment in your future.
The average SWU graduate finishes with $23,200 in loan debt. This compares to the 2020 national average of $36,510 Source: National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS)
SWU ranked in the top 16% of colleges in the Southeast with highest average alumni salary after graduating college. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard Data
The 2017-18 average financial aid package for SWU freshmen and transfers without utilizing loans was $18,128. This reduces the tuition “sticker price” from $24,926 to $6,798. Additional assistance is available with work study opportunities and the use of student loans with favorable interest rates.
The median annual earnings among full-time workers over the age of 25 in the 1st quarter of 2021 was $32,968 higher for those with a bachelor’s degree compared to those with only a high school diploma. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Per most recent CCCU institutional surveys released in late 2019, SWU has an average net price cost that is $6,271* less than that of other CCCU schools.*net price = tuition, fees, room & board, less total grants & scholarships
Named one of the Best Value Christian Colleges and Universities by Christian Universities Online.org
Named one of the Most Affordable Christian Colleges and Universities by Christian Universities Online.org
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OneLife Institute is a Christian gap year program at SWU for students looking for a different type of educational experience. OneLife students earn college credits while gaining experiences through travel and serving opportunities outside of the classroom.
