Q & A

Prospective Students
Where To Live
Student Financial Services

College Characteristics

A: Wilberforce University creates a strong feeling of possibility. Students with big dreams, dream even bigger ones. Students who were looking for a second chance find it. This excitement and energy is complemented by our peaceful surroundings and friendly people. Wilberforce is a spiritual place. While we may come from many different religious backgrounds, we celebrate our common beliefs to build futures based on faith and caring.

Our campus brings people together. Residence halls and classrooms are within easy walking distance, making it simple to get acquainted and stay in touch with other students and professors. Located near the historic city of Xenia, Ohio, the area surrounding Wilberforce offers many shopping, entertainment, and recreational activities. There are also expanses of farmland nearby that lend themselves to quiet reflection.

Q: Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town, rural setting)?

A: The rural village of Wilberforce is close to Xenia, OH, a historic city that is home to nearly 25,000 people. The area offers many shopping and recreational activities such as the Factory outlet malls or Shawnee Park, where you could picnic, fish, take a quiet stroll, or attend one of many concerts and festivals. Because of our close proximity to other urban centers in Ohio, Wilberforce students can take advantage of many cultural and employment opportunities. We are approximately 20 miles outside of Dayton, 60 miles outside of Cincinnati and Columbus, respectively.

Q: Is the college public, private, church affiliated?

A: Wilberforce University is a private African Methodist Episcopalian Institution.

Q: What is the current student enrollment?

A: In total we have approximately 1200 students.
Undergraduate: approximately 800 students
Continuing Education: approximately 400 students

Q: Does the college have general education or course description requirements? What are they?

A: Wilberforce has general education requirements. Wilberforce requires completion of a minimum of 15 units of credit in the following high school courses:

- 4 units of English
- 2-3 units of mathematics
- 2 units of social science
- 3-5 units of additional courses

Q: What is the academic calendar?

A: Wilberforce University is on a semester calendar. Fall semester begins in August at Wilberforce. Although this is quite earlier than most institutions, it allows students the opportunity to have one long winter break as opposed to 2 breaks in a semester. Spring semester begins in January.

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Social Life

Q: What is the average age of the Freshman class?

A: The average age of the entering freshman class is 18

Q: What is the male-to-female ratio of the Freshman class?

A: The male to female ratio is 1:2.

Q: What percent of the Freshman class reside on campus?

A: Over 95% of our entering freshman class reside on campus. It is mandatory to reside on campus as a freshman unless you receive approval to live off-campus from the Director of Residence Life.

Q: Are dorms co-ed or single sex?

A: We have 7 dormitories on campus. There are 2 all male dorms, 2 all female dorms, 1 Upperclassmen dorm (GPA requirement), 1 co-ed Honor’s dorm (GPA requirement) , and 1 Family Housing complex.

Q: What are the procedures for selecting a roommate?

A: Once you are admitted to the university you have the opportunity to indicate on your housing contract a roommate preference. In the event you have no preference, one will be randomly selected. Most selections are based on class and gender.

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Financial Aid

Q: What percent of students receive financial aid based on financial need?

A: Over 95% of Wilberforce students receive some form of financial aid based on financial need.

Q: What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic abilities?

A: Approximately 6% of the entering Freshman class received an institutional scholarship based on their academic abilities.

Q: Will my financial aid be adjusted if my need increases?

A: Wilberforce University values every student and understands the needs of our customers. We work diligently with each student to provide them with various financial vehicles to ensure they have an array of opportunities to fund their education at the University.

Q: What are financial aid applications and procedures?

A: In January students may begin to submit their FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov to qualify for financial aid for the upcoming fall school year. Each year, in January, students will have to re-file this document to be considered for financial aid for the each school year thereafter.

Wilberforce requires all students to complete and submit their FAFSA by February 1st to be considered for Alumni Scholarships and March 15 for Wilberforce institutional scholarships. All requests for financial aid should be completed and submitted to Wilberforce by March 15th to receive the most optimal financial aid packet. The school code for Wilberforce University is 0003141.

Q: When are financial aid applicants notified of their awards?

A: Applicants are typically notified of their awards in April and May.

Q: Are there campus jobs and off-campus jobs available?

A: There are various campus jobs available through work study. Most students that receive some type of financial aid will obtain work study through their financial aid package. Also, there are many students that attain work opportunities in the small town of Xenia, OH, which is located about 8 minutes outside of Wilberforce, OH.

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Academics

Q: How will Wilberforce prepare me for a career?

A: There is no better place to acquire professional experience that counts. Wilberforce University has been a leader in cooperative education for more than 40 years. Our Cooperative Education and Career Services Center excels at matching students to work situations that reflect their academic interests and career goals. Every student is required to complete two co-op assignments. These are typically paid experiences that allow the student to offset the cost of their education as they learn valuable skills, make professional connections, and add to their résumés. Students alternate periods of academic work with periods of full- or part-time employment related to their major. Co-op experiences may be anywhere in the country and many students choose to work close to home.

Q: I haven't decided what to study in college. Is this a problem?

A: Not at Wilberforce. Many of our students take some time to choose a major. We look at this in a positive way, as it allows them to take advantage of our many opportunities to explore. Our general studies requirements expose students to a wide range of topics such as African and African-American studies, humanistic traditions, music, art, religion, non-western studies, communication, literature and language, behavioral science, economics and political science, physical and life science, and health. One of these is sure to spark a career interest. Another strong advantage for undecided students is our mandatory cooperative education program. Students may complete their first co-op assignment early in their sophomore year. As they work alongside professionals, they can assess whether or not they have chosen the best possible career path while there is still time to change their minds. And, as part of our Preparation for Co-op course, they use an online assessment tool to inform their career choice by creating a profile of their interests, skills, values, personality, and preferred activities. Finally, our small size allows students to develop close relationships with faculty. Students feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their future options. As a result, they benefit from several points of view rather than feeling that only their assigned advisor is available to help them with this important life decision.

Q: What does Wilberforce do to prepare students for a technology-filled world?

A: Computers in every residence hall room are only the beginning. Each resident student at Wilberforce has access to a networked 450MHz Pentium III computer. Students can use email, the Internet, and other on-line resources-all from the comfort of their room at any hour of the day or night. Computer Labs are also available for group work or for more complex tasks such as graphic design.

Because technology is evolving at such a rapid pace, what is most important to us is that students develop a technical aptitude. Professors build their courses around the appropriate technological tools for each subject area. By the time students graduate they will have learned to apply technology to real problems they may face in their professions. And they'll have the ability to quickly understand and use emerging technologies.

Q: What is the average class size?

A: 13:1

Q: What types of resources are available for students who need academic support?

A: Office of Academic Support provides tutoring services for students who are struggling in specific areas, Early Alert Mentoring Services – teachers will notify when a student has progressed poorly during a semester and may need some motivational assistance in bringing their grades up.

Q: What was the grade point average for the freshman class last year?

A: The grade point average for the entering freshman class was approximately a 2.5 GPA

Q: What majors do you offer?

A: We have majors in accounting, management, marketing, biology, health services administration, computer science, computer information systems, computer engineering, electrical engineering, literature, mass media/communications, music (piano, voice, theory, composition), political science, psychology, rehabilitation services (generalist, mental health), social work, sociology

Q: How is a faculty advisor assigned to students?

A: All entering students will meet with an advisor to determine their goals for the academic year. Once those goals are determined, students are typically partnered with a member of the faculty within their major who will help them throughout their years at Wilberforce.

Q: What is the consortium program?

A: Vision Statement

The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) will be a catalyst for regional educational cooperation that aggressively promotes the sharing of resources and expertise among its institutional members and strengthens their economic and cultural communities.

Mission Statement

The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education is a consortium dedicated to advancing higher education in the region through active collaboration, resource and knowledge building, and effective professional development programs.

Cross Registration

The Cross Registration Program allows students who are degree-seeking or participating in certification programs access to academic opportunities not available at their own institutions. Students attending colleges and universities within SOCHE may register for courses that are applicable to their degree or certification program offered by other SOCHE institutions. All classes, including those offered through distance education, are generally open.

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Student Population

Q: What do students do when they are not in class?

A: Our students are strongly encouraged to get involved. They might hear how good they'd be at something from a professor, or be invited to a meeting by a friend. Even if they are a bit shy at first, they won't be able to resist the temptation to find new ways to express themselves, develop leadership skills, bond with other students - and have fun.

You can pursue a current interest or choose a new one from among 40 student organizations. These range from student government to honor societies, from the Imani Spiritual Dancers to the Jazz Ensemble, from campus ministries to Students in Free Enterprise. Our students also get involved in the larger community by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, literacy programs, youth mentor programs, and agencies such as the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, and United Way. For the athletically inclined, we offer varsity teams in men's and women's basketball, cross-country, golf, and track & field. Wilberforce competes in the American Mideast Conference, the largest conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II.

Q: Where do students live?

A: We require all freshmen to live on campus. This helps them to acclimate to college life, bond with other students, and participate in extracurricular activities. We offer many programs to enhance each student's spiritual, social, and academic experience at Wilberforce. Some activities are organized, such as campus wide worship services, resident assistant training, and health programs. Others - impromptu prayer gatherings, birthday celebrations, and friendly competitions between floors, for instance, are more spontaneous. Most students enjoy their residential experience so much that they continue to live on campus after their freshman year. On-campus living options include traditional residence halls, the honors student duplexes in Timken Court, and apartment complexes for upper-class honors students, married students, or students with dependents. Each resident facility is conveniently located near campus activities, dining areas, and laundry areas.

Q: How does Wilberforce give students a sense of their place in the world?

A: As a historically black university, Wilberforce has always offered students multiple points of view. Our Institute for African-American Studies, Caribbean Studies Program, and Black Heritage Series offer insights into our collective history. And, we make it possible for students to live, work, and study in diverse cultures all over the world, such as Israel, England, Nigeria, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Egypt, and the Caribbean, to name a few. These experiences are designed to give students a sense of where they've come from and how others live, so that they can better determine their own future.

Q: Where do the majority of students come from?

A: Majority of the students that attend Wilberforce come from the Midwest, California, and East Coast

Q: Do most students commute or live on-campus?

A: Most students live on-campus.

Q: What types of student activities are there?

A: Wilberforce University has various student activities on campus. We have many academic, social, and athletic organizations. Please visit www.wilberforce.edu to view each organizations informational website.

Q: Are sororities and fraternities on-campus?

A: Yes.

Q: What athletic programs are available??

A: Wilberforce is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II. Intercollegiate teams play in the American Mideast Conference, the largest conference in the NAIA. Men’s and women’s teams compete in basketball, cross-country, and golf.

Q: Does the college have a campus visitation program?

A: Our annual open house takes place during our Homecoming weekend which is typically scheduled in November. If you are unable to join us for open house, please contact the admissions office at 1-800-367-8568 to schedule a tour with our student ambassadors.

Q: Is housing available/ guaranteed for freshmen? Is it available for all four years?

A: Since we require all freshmen to stay on campus for their first we ensure there is housing available for entering students. If interested in staying on campus all four years, we do try to accommodate all full-time students.

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Cost

Q: Is Wilberforce affordable?

A: Yes. Approximately 95 percent of our students receive financial assistance and 70 percent receive enough to cover all of their direct charges, including books. We can help your child access grants and scholarships, work-study programs, and low-interest loans. Keep in mind that our cooperative education program offers another way to defray the cost of college. In addition to gaining valuable experience, your son or daughter can earn a considerable portion of his or her college expenses. This further eases the financial burden on your family and minimizes the need for college loans. To apply for aid, make sure your son or daughter submits the following forms every year:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These forms can be found in the high school guidance office or students can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• Wilberforce University Financial Aid Application
• A signed Pell Grant Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Verification Worksheet/Statement according to dependency status
• Copies of the student's and parents' Federal Income Tax Returns (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ)
• Agency letter indicating the non- taxable income received by your family during the year, if applicable. Example agencies include the Social Security Administration, Bureau of Child Support, Department of Human Resources, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Welfare, Veterans Administration benefits, etc.
• No-File Statement(s), if you or your child did not file Federal Income Tax Returns (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ)
• Federal Stafford Loan Application, if your child will require a loan to help pay college expenses

Q: What are the costs for tuition, room and board?

A: Tuition: $10,780 per year
Room & Board: $5320 per year

Q: How much did costs increase from last year to this year?

A: Over the past few years, Wilberforce University has not increased tuition.

Q: Is there a difference in the costs for in-state and out-of-state students?

A: The costs for in-state and out-of-state students at Wilberforce are the same.

Q: Are accepted students required to place deposits for tuition and housing? Are these refundable?

A: In order to reserve your room for the fall semester we require you to submit a $225.00 non-refundable housing deposit by June 1st.

Q: When do the bills have to be paid?

A: Payment arrangements should be made either through financial aid or through monthly installments.

Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for Federal And State grants, Federal Work-Study and Loans.

Monthly Installments: Wilberforce offers a convenience monthly payment plan to pay for tuition, fees, room and board.

Q: What steps do I take to apply?

A: Please encourage your son or daughter to apply early. The deadline for application is June 1st for the Fall semester and November 15th for the Spring semester. Application packages are available from the Office of Admissions or students may apply online. If your child has an outstanding academic record, he or she may apply for early admission. This allows them to waive their senior year of high school and enroll full-time at Wilberforce. The completed application file should include:

• Official high school transcript showing grades received in all courses from ninth grade on and your child's rank in class or the results of the GED
• Results of the ACT or SAT (this may already be on the high school transcript). All testing should be completed by January for Fall/August admission. It is not necessary to wait until all of the required tests have been taken before submitting an application.
• $20.00 application fee ($25 if the application is submitted after the deadline)

Upon acceptance, you will receive a letter of acceptance, a permit to register, and a health information form. Within two weeks of notification of acceptance, all students must pay a nonrefundable $25 Matriculation Fee.

Experience Wilberforce for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon. There's no better way to get to know us. Just tell us what you're interested in and we'll arrange a tour and meetings with the people best qualified to answer your questions. You might want to discuss options with faculty members, talk to students, or be introduced to a coach.

Q: What high school courses are required?

A: Wilberforce has general education requirements. Wilberforce requires completion of a minimum of 15 units of credit in the following high school courses:

• 4 units of English
• 2-3 units of mathematics
• 2 units of social science
• 3-5 units of additional courses

(These units should include some combination of foreign language, computer science, fine arts, laboratory science, or further courses in the above mentioned areas.)

If you are interested in receiving an institutional scholarship we require that you provide a transcript with the following number of acceptable units (12-15) which should include the following:

• 4 units of English
• 2-3 units of mathematics (including algebra)
• 2 units of social studies (including U.S. history)
• 2-3 units of science (including general science and one laboratory science)
• 3-4 electives

Q: Are entrance tests required?

A: We do not require you to take an entrance exam. However, once admitted to the university you are required to take a placement test before you begin registering for classes.

Q: Is a certain grade point average or class rank required?

A: You must have a high school grade point average of 2.0 or above. In order to qualify for an Academic Scholarship, you must rank in the upper third of the high school graduation class with a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.25

Q: Will my activities and school involvement be considered?

A: Although extra-curricular activities is not a criteria for admission to the university, listing your extra curricular activities plays a vital role in helping the admission committee understand the character and quality of a student hoping to gain admittance to the University.

Q: Is there an essay on the application? Is it read?

A: We require all applicants to submit a complete typewritten essay entitled “What Goals I Plan to Accomplish Through a College Education.” (The essay should be a minimum of five paragraphs). Please ensure that you spell check and grammar check your essay as each essay is read and plays a critical role in your admittance to the University.

Q: Is there an early decision or early action plan?

A: If you would like to know the status of your admittance to the University by February for the Fall semester, we request that you submit all completed Admissions material by the Priority admissions deadline of January 1st.

Q: Are personal interviews or letters of recommendation required?

A: We do not conduct personal interviews. However, you must submit two letters of recommendation. (The letters should be from a teacher, guidance counselor, other school administrator such as, principal, dean, or religious leader/ pastor).

Q: What are the application filing dates?

A: Priority Admissions Deadline is January 1st

Regular Admissions Deadline is June 1st