BUCKHANNON, West Virginia — West Virginia Wesleyan College will welcome more than 400 new students to campus for the 2026-2027 academic year, marking a more than 20% increase in new student enrollment and the College’s largest freshman class in more than five years.

The incoming class reflects a 75% increase in new students from Upshur County and more than 70% growth in West Virginia PROMISE Scholars.

Vice President for Enrollment Management John Waltz ‘01 said, “We are thrilled to welcome this incredible new student class for Orientation.  An increase of over 20% in new students and recent record numbers in West Virginia speak to the known value and quality of a Wesleyan education.  We thank our enrollment team, coaches, faculty, and staff for their unmatched commitment to individualized student service in this process.”

Academic achievement among incoming students is also strong. Approximately 90 new students enter Wesleyan with a 4.0 grade-point average or higher, while 200 have earned a 3.5 GPA or higher.

The incoming class represents a broad geographic reach, with students coming to Buckhannon from 28 states and 23 countries.

Pre-nursing leads intended majors, followed by exercise science. Other popular majors include business administration, sport business, psychology, biology, computer science, physics, elementary education, and criminal justice.

The strong interest in nursing coincides with the College’s celebration of a significant achievement. WVWC’s School of Nursing just announced a 100% first-time passage rate on the NCLEX and 100% employment in the Mountain State for its Class of 2026.

For the second consecutive year, West Virginia Wesleyan has filled its LPN to BSN cohort. A flexible, hybrid program designed to help working professionals, enrolled students will spend some time in the first semester on WVWC’s campus before transitioning to WVWC’s campus at Battlers Knob for remaining semesters.

WVWC will welcome all students Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 for Orientation Weekend. A complete schedule can be found at www.wvwc.edu/orientation. The first day of class will be Monday, Aug. 24.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 136 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.