Baldwin Wallace University (BW) is a private liberal arts and sciences university in Berea, Ohio, Going Here founded in 1845. It has a strong commitment to inclusivity, being one of the first colleges in the nation to admit students without regard to race or gender .
Academics and Structure
BW enrolls around 2,900 students (roughly 2,500 undergraduates) and maintains a 12-to-1 student-faculty ratio . It offers more than 60 undergraduate programs across five schools, including the Conservatory of Performing Arts, the Carmel Boyer School of Business, and schools for Science and Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities/Education/Social Sciences .
Rankings and Reputation
- #12 in Regional Universities Midwest (U.S. News, 2026)
- Top 25% of small colleges nationwide (Niche)
- Music Theatre program ranked among the “Top 25 Best Drama Schools in the World” by The Hollywood Reporter
- Best Value (#23) and Social Mobility (#26) in the Midwest
Cost and Financial Aid
For the 2026-27 academic year, the total cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, and fees) is $58,284** . The university notes this is over **$2,500 less than the average private institution’s cost . 97% of graduates secure employment or enter graduate school within six months of graduation .
Admissions
BW is moderately selective with a 76% acceptance rate . The average entering first-year student has a 3.71 GPA, 1185 SAT, and 25 ACT .
Campus Life and Alumni
Located 20 minutes from Cleveland, BW offers the advantages of a suburban campus with city access . It has 28 Division III athletic programs, with 44% of first-year students being student-athletes . go now Notable alumni include Steven Caple Jr. (’10), director of Creed II, and Jim Tressel (’75), former Ohio State football coach and university president .