Texas Wesleyan University (TXWES) is a private university in Fort Worth, Texas, with a 61% acceptance rate and undergraduate tuition of approximately $37,934/year.
What sets it apart for international students: an automatic $21,000 scholarship applied every year for eligible international students enrolled full-time — no separate application required. Located in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, TXWES combines small class sizes (13:1 ratio) with big-city access. Here’s the full breakdown.
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What Is Texas Wesleyan University?
Texas Wesleyan University was founded in 1890 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, originally under the name Polytechnic College. It became Texas Wesleyan College in 1934 and earned university status in 1989. Today, it operates from its main campus at 1201 Wesleyan Street in the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood of Fort Worth — a location that places students directly inside one of the most economically dynamic metro areas in the United States.
TXWES is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, which shapes the university’s emphasis on ethics, service, and community leadership — but doesn’t restrict academic programs or student life to religious requirements. Students of all backgrounds and beliefs attend and thrive here.
The university’s defining characteristic is its size. With around 2,600 students total and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Texas Wesleyan operates at a scale where professors know their students by name, office hours are actually attended, and academic advising is genuinely personalized. For students who felt lost in large lecture halls, TXWES is a deliberate alternative.
Texas Wesleyan is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The School of Law holds accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA), and the nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing).
Texas Wesleyan University at a Glance — Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1890 |
| Location | Fort Worth, Texas (Polytechnic Heights) |
| Type | Private University (United Methodist affiliated) |
| Total Enrollment | ~2,600 students |
| International Students | ~172 from multiple countries |
| Acceptance Rate | ~61% |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
| Average High School GPA (Admitted) | 3.35 |
| Median SAT Score | 1,040 |
| Degree Programs | 36 undergraduate and graduate programs |
| Athletic Teams | 16 teams, NCAA Division II, 24 championships |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC; ABA (Law); ACEN (Nursing) |
| Website | txwes.edu |
Programs and Schools at Texas Wesleyan
Texas Wesleyan offers programs across four main academic divisions, covering undergraduate and graduate levels. The catalog includes 51 undergraduate majors and a focused set of graduate programs concentrated in high-demand professional fields.
School of Business
The School of Business offers undergraduate degrees in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management, along with an MBA program. The MBA is available in multiple formats, including evening classes and accelerated options, designed for working professionals. The program focuses on applied business skills, ethics, and leadership — core themes at a United Methodist-affiliated institution.
School of Education
Education is one of TXWES’s oldest and most established programs. The school offers undergraduate teacher certification tracks and graduate programs in educational leadership. Of note: TXWES participates in the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, a federally funded initiative that provides scholarships, stipends, and support to recruit STEM graduates into K-12 teaching careers. For students interested in combining STEM expertise with education, this is a significant opportunity.
School of Health Professions
Health sciences is one of Texas Wesleyan’s fastest-growing areas. Programs include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — one of TXWES’s most in-demand programs, ACEN-accredited
- Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA) — a specialized graduate program producing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), one of the highest-paying nursing specializations
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) — available to MSNA alumni with scholarship incentives for qualifying graduates
- Master of Science in Professional Counseling
- Kinesiology and Health programs
The nursing anesthesia program deserves special attention: CRNAs are among the highest-compensated healthcare professionals in the U.S., with median salaries above $200,000. TXWES’s MSNA program, combined with its DNAP pathway, creates a clear route into this field from a university that’s small enough to provide individualized mentorship through the demanding curriculum.
School of Arts and Sciences
The School of Arts and Sciences covers a broad range of disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mass Communication, Psychology, Criminal Justice, English, History, Political Science, and more. The Computer Science program is particularly relevant for students targeting the DFW tech market, and the Mass Communication program gives students access to real media opportunities in one of the country’s largest media markets.
School of Law (Texas Wesleyan School of Law)
Texas Wesleyan’s School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in Texas, ABA-accredited, and focused on producing practice-ready attorneys. The law school serves a regional market with strong demand — Fort Worth and the broader DFW metro area have a substantial legal sector. The law school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program and is particularly known for its trial advocacy and litigation training.
Texas Wesleyan Tuition and Cost of Attendance
As a private university, TXWES has a higher sticker price than Texas public universities — but the scholarship structure, especially for international students, changes the net cost picture significantly.
Undergraduate Tuition
| Expense | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | ~$37,934/year |
| On-Campus Housing (Residence Halls) | ~$8,342–$10,000/year |
| Meal Plan | ~$5,344/year |
| Books & Supplies | ~$1,200/year |
| Personal Expenses | ~$2,500/year |
| Estimated Total COA | ~$48,000–$55,000/year |
Graduate Tuition
| Program Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Graduate Programs (per credit hour) | $700–$1,200 |
| MBA Program | ~$19,408/year total |
| MS Professional Counseling | ~$16,740/year |
| Law School (JD) | Contact the School of Law directly |
Net Price After Aid
The sticker price above is rarely what students pay. According to reported data, the average net price at TXWES is approximately $24,775/year — roughly half the listed tuition — after institutional grants and scholarships are applied. The university awards an average of $24,999 in institutional aid per student, and 82% of full-time students receive local or institutional grants averaging $15,184.
Cost of Living in Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s cost of living runs approximately 5% below the national average — a meaningful advantage for a major metro city. Off-campus apartments near TXWES typically run $800–$1,200/month, and the city’s public transit system (Trinity Metro) connects the campus to downtown Fort Worth and the broader metro area. For students who want urban access without urban prices, Fort Worth delivers.
Texas Wesleyan Scholarships — The $21,000 International Award
TXWES has one of the most straightforward and generous international scholarship structures of any private university in Texas.
International Students Scholarship — $21,000/Year (Automatic)
Amount: $21,000 Per Academic Year
This scholarship is automatically applied each school year for eligible international students enrolled full-time at TXWES. There is no separate scholarship application required — it is applied as part of the enrollment process. Students should confirm eligibility requirements and renewal conditions directly with the International Admissions Office, as maintaining full-time enrollment and meeting GPA thresholds are typically required to retain the award annually.
At a tuition rate of ~$37,934/year, a $21,000 scholarship brings the effective tuition down to approximately $16,934/year — making TXWES cost-competitive with some Texas public universities when the scholarship is factored in. Preference is given to students applying directly from outside the U.S., though transfer students from other U.S. institutions may be considered if funding is available.
Free Tuition Promise (Texas Residents)
For first-time college students who are Texas residents and qualify for the full Pell Grant, TXWES offers a Free Tuition Promise — a program that covers 100% of tuition costs for up to four years. Requirements: apply to TXWES, complete FAFSA, enroll full-time, and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. This program reflects the university’s commitment to access for lower-income Texas families.
Freshman Merit Scholarships
Incoming freshmen are evaluated for merit scholarships based on high school GPA, class rank, and academic profile. Merit awards typically range from $10,000 to $18,000 per year, and students can earn an additional $2,000 annually depending on their declared major or extracurricular involvement. Awards are renewable with continued academic performance.
United Methodist Scholarship
TXWES receives funding from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and United Methodist conferences across Texas. Students with a connection to the United Methodist Church may be eligible for additional scholarship support through these church-affiliated programs. Contact the Financial Aid Office to learn about eligibility and application requirements.
Athletic, Music, and Fine Arts Scholarships
TXWES offers scholarships for athletes competing in its 16 NCAA Division II programs, as well as performance-based awards for music and fine arts students. Athletes should contact the relevant coaching staff directly; music and fine arts students typically need to audition.
DNAP Alumni Scholarship (Nurse Anesthesia)
MSNA graduates who enroll in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program qualify for significant scholarship funding, specifically available to graduates from the final qualifying MSNA classes. Details are available from the School of Health Professions.
Texas Wesleyan Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Texas Wesleyan has an acceptance rate of approximately 61% — moderately selective for a private university. The average admitted student has a high school GPA of 3.35 and a median SAT score of 1,040, though the university uses rolling admissions and evaluates each application holistically.
Undergraduate Requirements
- Apply online at txwes.edu/admissions — rolling admissions, no hard deadline.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
- Test-optional — SAT/ACT not required but considered if submitted
- Official high school transcripts
- English proficiency for international students: TOEFL, IELTS 6.0+ (no sub-score below 5.0), Duolingo, or PTE
- No application fee (verify current policy at txwes.edu)
Graduate Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for most graduate programs
- Letters of recommendation (varies by program)
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- GRE/GMAT scores (required for some programs; check specific program requirements)
- TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants
Rolling Admissions
TXWES uses rolling admissions, which means there is no single application deadline — applications are reviewed as they arrive. That said, applying early is strongly recommended, particularly for international students who need time for visa processing and scholarship consideration. Aim to have a complete application submitted at least 4–6 months before your intended start date.
Campus Life at Texas Wesleyan
TXWES’s campus in Fort Worth’s Polytechnic Heights neighborhood offers a compact, community-oriented environment. The buildings are a mix of historic architecture and modern facilities, and the campus is walkable and distinctly urban — not an isolated college town, but a genuine part of the city.
Housing Options
On-campus housing options include:
- Stella Russell Hall — traditional dormitory-style living
- O.C. Hall — suite-style rooms for students preferring more privacy
- West Village — apartment-style living, popular with upperclassmen and graduate students
- Living-Learning Community — a themed housing option for incoming freshmen that integrates academics with residence life
Campus housing capacity is 523 students. For students who want the full on-campus experience, applying early for housing is advised since spaces are limited, given the university’s small size.
Student Life and Campus Hotspots
The Martin University Center is the social hub of campus — a gathering space with a dining hall, common areas, and the central meeting point for student organizations and events. Lou’s Place is a popular on-campus café for more casual socializing between classes. The Bernice Coulter Templeton Art Studio hosts rotating exhibits and workshops that are open to the broader campus community.
TXWES has over 50 student organizations covering academic interests, Greek life, cultural groups, faith-based communities, and professional societies. For a university of this size, the range of involvement opportunities is strong.
Athletics — NCAA Division II
Texas Wesleyan fields 16 athletic teams competing at the NCAA Division II level, with a combined total of 24 championships across the university’s history. Sports include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, cross country, track and field, golf, and tennis. For students interested in competing at the college level without the intensity of Division I competition, TXWES offers a realistic path.
The Fort Worth Advantage
Being embedded in Fort Worth — and by extension, the entire Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex — is one of TXWES’s most practical advantages. The DFW metro is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, with major employers across aviation (American Airlines, Bell Textron), defense (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon), finance (Charles Schwab, Comerica), healthcare, and technology. For students who want internship and employment access while still in school, Fort Worth delivers in a way that smaller, rural-campus universities simply cannot.
Fort Worth itself offers world-class cultural institutions — the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Sundance Square, and the Fort Worth Stockyards — along with a music and dining scene that punches well above a city of its size. Students who want urban life without Dallas prices find Fort Worth to be the better of the two cities for day-to-day living.
Career Outcomes and Graduate Employment
The median salary for Texas Wesleyan graduates ten years after enrollment is approximately $44,400. As with any university, this figure varies significantly by program — nursing and health professions graduates, law school alumni, and business graduates typically earn well above this median, while arts and education graduates often fall below it.
TXWES’s Career Services office provides resume and cover letter support, interview preparation, job shadow opportunities, and employer networking events throughout the year. The university’s Fort Worth location gives Career Services direct access to DFW employers for internship placements and recruiting events.
For international students on F-1 visas, TXWES supports Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation — 12 months for standard degrees and up to 36 months for STEM program graduates. The International Admissions Office assists with OPT documentation and employer verification throughout the process.
Is Texas Wesleyan Right for You?
Texas Wesleyan is a strong fit if you:
- Are you an international student who wants to significantly reduce tuition through the automatic $21,000 scholarship?
- Want genuinely small class sizes and direct access to professors in a real urban setting.
- Are interested in nursing (especially nurse anesthesia), business, law, education, or computer science.
- Want to live and study in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex with access to one of the strongest job markets in the U.S.
- Prefer a close-knit campus community over the anonymity of a large public university.
TXWES may not be ideal if you are looking for a large research university, a wide range of graduate programs, or a lower-cost public university experience. The 4-year graduation rate (33%) is lower than average, which suggests some students take longer to complete degrees — something to factor in when planning your academic timeline.
How to Apply to Texas Wesleyan University
- Apply online at txwes.edu/admissions — rolling admissions, apply as early as possible.e
- Submit official high school or college transcripts
- Submit English proficiency scores: TOEFL, IELTS 6.0+ (no sub-score below 5.0), Duolingo, or PTE
- Contact the International Admissions Office to confirm eligibility for the automatic $21,000 international scholarship — email: internationaladmissions@txwes.edu, phone: 817-531-4422
- Receive your acceptance letter and confirm enrollment
- Request your I-20 form from the International Office once accepted
- Apply for your F-1 student visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate — allow at least 2–3 months for processing
- Arrange housing — apply for on-campus housing early, given the limited capacity
Final Thoughts
Texas Wesleyan University occupies a specific and valuable niche: a small private university with a professional school focus, embedded in a major metro area, with an automatic international scholarship that meaningfully reduces the cost of a private education. It’s not the right fit for everyone — but for students who want small-class personalization, urban access, and programs in nursing, business, law, or education, TXWES delivers a combination that’s genuinely hard to replicate in the DFW area.
For the most up-to-date information on tuition, scholarship eligibility, and application requirements, visit txwes.edu or contact the International Admissions Office directly.
Have questions about Texas Wesleyan University or comparing it with other Fort Worth and DFW universities? Drop them in the comments below.
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