The True Cost of College

Do Families Like Mine Choose BW?

Yes, students from all economic backgrounds attend Baldwin Wallace.

So, How Much Does BW Cost?

Let's Start with the Sticker Price

The cost for BW is $55,980, which includes tuition, room and board, and basic fees. 

By comparison, the average total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board) at a four-year, private institution is $58,600 per year — over $2,000 more per year than BW. (Source: College Board)

But Wait, the Typical BW Student Pays Much Less

Students attending Baldwin Wallace almost never pay the sticker price. The actual cost to students is much less. Let's break it down for you...

Academic Merit Scholarships

First, we subtract academic merit scholarships — up to $21,000. All admitted first-year students qualify for at least $14,000 in merit scholarships, renewable for four years. You qualify for these scholarships based on your academic performance in high school. You do not pay them back. 

Named Scholarships

Then we look to see if you match any of our 400+ named scholarships. We award over $4.5 million in named scholarships each year, many are renewable for four years. These scholarships are provided by our generous donors, and you do not pay them back. 

Awards and Grants

Next, we see if you're eligible for awards — like the $2,000 Visit Grant ($8,000 total over four years) and others including the Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars award, out-of-state award, and many others.

Then we subtract need-based awards and grants. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal aid such as the Pell Grent. You do not pay back awards and grants.

Loans

Finally, we subtract student loans — $5,500 is the limit for Federal direct loans for first-year students. These are paid back after you leave college.

Actual Cost

What we're left with is the actual cost to you, which is often times significantly less than the original sticker price. Your actual cost is the amount left over after scholarships, grants, awards, and student loans have been applied.

How Will I repay That?

Earn while in school. BW students find jobs and internships during college that make important career connections while preparing them for the future. The Career Center has Handshake to help connect students with on-campus and off-campus jobs and paid internships. Many students qualify for work-study, a federal program that provides up to $3,400 for students to earn and put toward the cost of their education.

BW grads land jobs fast and start making money. 96% of BW graduates are employed within six months of graduation. Ten years after graduation, the average earnings of BW grads is $10,750 higher than comparable graduates nationally.

Your student loan will likely cost less than the price of a new car. The average BW grad has $34,753 in total student loan debt. To put that in perspective, the average price of a new car in 2025 is $49,740. (Source: kbb.com)

So, is BW Worth it?

BW students graduate on time and at high rates. At many universities, more than half of the students take five, six, or more years to earn a bachelor's degree. Baldwin Wallace guarantees you'll graduate in four years, or we'll pay the tuition for the extra time it takes you to finish.

BW offers generous financial aid. BW recognizes that college is a significant financial investment. Sometimes, the government’s assessment of whether you have financial need can be disconnected from your day-to-day life. That’s why every student at BW receives financial aid through merit scholarships or special awards, regardless of their financial situation.

You will receive a high-quality education at a good price. For 31 consecutive years, U.S. News and World Report has counted BW among the Midwest's Best Universities. BW ranked #10 on the most recent "Best in the Midwest Regional Universities" list and was highly ranked in a number of other Midwest categories: Best Undergraduate Teaching #10, Best Value #20, Social Mobility #23, Best for Veterans #2

Take the Next Step

We know how to help. It's in our DNA. Send us a message at admission@bw.edu and we will be sure to answer any questions you have about putting a BW education within reach.

Go ahead, choose BW. Already admitted to BW? Submit your $200 new student deposit and you'll be one stope closer to becoming a BW Yellow Jacket this fall. 

You're invited to visit and apply. We take applications for the 2025 fall semester through the summer and have would love to have you visit the campus.