One of the Nation's premier small liberal arts colleges, Ohio Wesleyan University—or OWU (pronounced “oh-WOO”)—Ohio Wesleyan boasts a rigorous curriculum, exceptionally strong mentoring relationships between students and faculty, and a host of experiential learning opportunities that link the liberal arts to practical realities and prepare students for service and leadership in their careers and communities.

Chartered in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan is a highly selective, coeducational, residential, privately supported liberal arts college located 20 minutes north of Columbus in Delaware, Ohio, a vibrant community of more than 34,000 and seat of one of the fastest-growing counties in the country.

With a campus of more than 200 acres adjoining downtown Delaware, the Ohio Wesleyan community includes 137 full-time faculty members and some 1,850 students. OWU is profiled in Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope and is consistently highly ranked by such organizations and publications as The Princeton Review, The Templeton Foundation, the National Survey of Student Engagement, Washington Monthly, and U.S. News and World Report.

There is no typical Ohio Wesleyan student. You will be valued for what you can contribute to the campus community. When you arrive, you’ll find a multifaceted group of students from 47 U.S. states and 50 countries. Eleven percent are U.S. multicultural students and 10 percent are international students. This eclectic student body helps all OWU students become more aware of concerns that affect countries throughout the globe and prepares them for life and careers in a rapidly shrinking and culturally diverse world.

History

Founded by Methodists in 1842, OWU maintains an active affiliation with The United Methodist Church but is recognized nationally for welcoming students of all religious faiths. The University provides support for all denominations and coordinates an active program of social action and community service.

 Known early in its history as the “West Point of Missions” because of the number of graduates who served abroad as missionaries, Ohio Wesleyan later was recognized for the number of alumni who served as Peace Corps volunteers.

Today, you’ll find that more than 80 percent of your OWU friends and classmates participate in volunteerism and community service. If you’re passionate about helping others, OWU is the place for you. Our students have:

• Built HIV/AIDS clinics in Africa

• Served with the Sisters of Charity in Rome

• Established the Student Initiative for International Development, a microloan program that raises and lends money to entrepreneurs in developing countries

• Created a nationwide network for study of the effects of Agent Orange

• Helped to rebuild parts of New Orleans hard hit by Hurricane Katrina

• Confronted poverty in Washington, D.C. and Chicago

You can also be active in local organizations and agencies ranging from the Delaware Humane Society to the Delaware County Juvenile Court, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and many, many more. (See What to Do at OWU for a comprehensive list of organizations) Giving back. Paying forward. Both are deeply ingrained in the spirit of Ohio Wesleyan.

Throughout the generations, Ohio Wesleyan has produced leaders in the arts, humanities, science, social sciences, and sports. Today, our faculty, students, and alumni continue to be recognized for their contributions across the entire spectrum of human endeavor. We encourage you to find your passion here—and to follow it.

Check out Ohio Wesleyan University's Official Youtube Channel!