Small College America - Profile Wabash College

Background

Established in 1832, Wabash College is a private liberal arts institution dedicated exclusively to undergraduate education for men. As one of the nation's few remaining all-male colleges, Wabash upholds a tradition of academic rigor, personal responsibility, and close-knit community engagement. The college's mission emphasizes the development of critical thinking, effective communication, and responsible leadership. The current President is Dr. Scott Feller. He has been president since 2020, and he has been with Wabash as a professor of chemistry and administrator since 1998. Wabash College is in Crawfordsville, Indiana, a community of 16,100 located 45 miles northwest of Indianapolis and 150 miles southeast of Chicago.

In 2022- 23, US News & World Report projects the total cost per year is $65,825 (tuition, housing, etc.) Net price after aid is $26,834

Curricula

Wabash offers a diverse array of academic programs across three divisions: Natural Sciences, Humanities and Arts, and Social Sciences. Students can choose from 27 majors, allowing for a tailored educational experience. The curriculum is designed to foster interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore various fields and integrate knowledge.

A distinctive feature of Wabash's academic program is the comprehensive examination that seniors must pass to graduate. This rigorous assessment includes both written and oral components, ensuring that graduates have a deep and thorough understanding of their chosen fields.

Strengths

1. Strong Alumni Network—Wabash boasts a dedicated and active alumni base that provides current students with mentorship, networking opportunities, and career support. The Princeton Review ranks Wabash fourth in the nation for "Best Alumni Network."
2. Continuity of Leadership – Wabash has a history of stable and effective leadership, providing consistent direction and long-term strategic planning. This stability has contributed to the college’s strong institutional culture, financial health, and sustained commitment to academic excellence and student success.
3. Academic Excellence—Wabash's commitment to a rigorous liberal arts education is evident in its comprehensive curriculum and the requirement that seniors pass comprehensive exams.
4. Financial Aid and Scholarships – Approximately 99% of Wabash students receive some form of financial assistance, making the college accessible to a diverse student body.
5. Personalized Attention – With a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, Wabash provides an environment where students receive individualized attention, fostering strong mentorship relationships and personalized academic guidance.

Weaknesses

1. Declining Enrollment– Over the past ten years, Wabash has experienced a slow decline in enrollment of 11%.
2. Geographic Isolation – Located in a small town in Indiana, Wabash may face challenges in providing students with access to urban amenities and opportunities that larger cities offer.
3. Niche Appeal: The college's all-male atmosphere deters potential applicants from seeking a coeducational experience, potentially limiting the applicant pool.

Economic Impact

Wabash College plays a significant role in the local economy of Crawfordsville and the surrounding Montgomery County. As a major employer, the college provides jobs to faculty, administrative staff, and support personnel. Additionally, the presence of students and visitors contributes to local businesses, including housing, dining, retail, and services. The college's events and programs also attract visitors, further stimulating economic activity in the region.

According to the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Wabash College has a total economic impact on the state of Indiana of $134 million and created nearly 1,000 jobs in the state. According to LinkedIn profiles, they have over 9,000 alumni, of which 4,500 live in Indiana, and 869 live in the Crawfordsville, Indiana area.

Enrollment

Wabash's 822 male students come from 32 states and 16 foreign countries; 73% are from Indiana.  73% are White, 5% are international, 12% are Hispanic, and 10% are other minorities. President Feller stated: “Wabash in the future is going to draw more students from more different places,” We already have the highest number of international students in the history of the College. We’re going to draw our student body more nationally and more internationally. And our faculty and staff too. So we’ve got to make sure that when those folks come here, they find a welcoming community where they feel a sense of belonging. “This College is relational, not transactional.”

Degree Awards by Major

In 2023, Wabash College awarded a total of 175 degrees across various disciplines. The distribution of the disciplines is as follows:

• This distribution reflects the college's strong emphasis on the humanities and social sciences, aligning with its liberal arts mission.

Alumni

The majority of Wabash students enter graduate or professional school within five years of graduating. Each year, approximately 25-30 percent of Wabash graduates enroll in graduate and professional schools, including about 8-10 percent in medical and law schools and about 20 percent in other graduate arts and sciences programs. Among those entering the workforce, 31 percent begin careers in business, while nine percent work in government, social service, or teaching.

When reviewing LinkedIn alumni data, we found that Wabash College alums’ primary areas of study were Economics, Psychology, Political Science, history, and biology.

Wabash has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields:

• Gov. Mike Braun is the current governor of Indiana, a former U.S. senator from Indiana, and a former businessman.
• Jeremy Bird is the Executive Vice President of Driver Experience for Lyft.
• Robert E. Allen is the former Chairman and CEO of AT&T.
• Robert Dirks was a Renowned chemist and researcher in molecular sciences.
• Dan Simmons is an Award-winning science fiction and horror writer best known for the Hyperion Cantos series.

Endowment and Financial Grade

Wabash College's endowment has maintained its endowment size over the past decade, reflecting successful fundraising efforts and prudent financial management. As of December 31, 2023, the endowment was valued at approximately $379 million, compared to $371 million in 2014. This growth demonstrates the institution’s ability to sustain financial stability while continuing to invest in its academic programs and student success.

Forbes, in 2023, gave Wabash a top 100 grade of an A+ and a GPA of 4.27. The top grade was Harvard A+ and a GPA of 4.50.

Why is Wabash College Relevant Today

In today's rapidly changing educational landscape, Wabash College remains steadfast in its dedication to a liberal arts education tailored for men. The college's emphasis on critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical leadership prepares graduates to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a complex world. Wabash's strong alumni network and commitment to personalized education continue to offer students unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Dean Hoke is a Senior Fellow for the Sagamore Institute and Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group, a higher education consultancy. Hoke recently served as President/CEO of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA). With decades of experience in higher education leadership, consulting, and institutional strategy, he brings a wealth of knowledge on small colleges' challenges and opportunities.