Earlier this year, Wilberforce University was highlighted as showing great value on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. At that time, Wilberforce was ranked among a handful of private and public historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). According to that ranking, WU was among the leaders in graduation rates and low median total debt and tuition. Since then, the nation’s first, private HBCU was ranked as a best buy among Ohio private colleges and universities.
According to the 2023-2024 Counselors’s Guide that is published annually by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, Wilberforce University was ranked number 2 for lowest tuition cost among 52 private colleges for the 2022-2023 academic year. The University also was ranked number 1 for the lowest cost of room & board, among the 52 institutions for the same period. In the fall of 2023, the University increased tuition, along with room & board. This was the first tuition, room, & board increase at the University since 2012. However, even with the increase, when compared to the rates charged by the other 52 private colleges and universities for 2022-2023, Wilberforce University still ranked number 2 for overall affordability.
Wilberforce’s tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $12,020.
Earlier this year, while reflecting on the number of colleges with higher tuitions, Wilberforce’s president, Dr. Vann Newkirk said the university offers a quality education without a high tuition tag. His message to families: “Parents, if you are looking for a small, safe campus, with excellent programs, look no further than Wilberforce University.”
| University Details |
2022-2023 |
2023-2024 |
| Ohio Independent College Average* | $49,773 | $49,773 |
| Wilberforce University Cost | $20,250 | $22,476 |
* Average costs of independent colleges based on 2022-2023 data
