Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit university in Middletown, CT ranked #185 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 2,973 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 17.1%. Students most often pursue Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies and Humanities.
Academically, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, 95.4% first-year retention, and 91.6% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $27,888, about $10,890 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -45.9%, roughly 131.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $60,385. That's about $16,697 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Wesleyan University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Wesleyan University graduates 91.6% of students within six years and keeps 95.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Wesleyan University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $67,316 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,034 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,470 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $85,172 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.0% of Wesleyan University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $4,432 annually, while high-income families pay $50,788. Use Wesleyan University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $10,905/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $50,788/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $60,385
- 10-Year Median Earnings $60,385
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,824
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 87.6%
- Employment Rate 56.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Wesleyan University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Wesleyan University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Wesleyan University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Wesleyan University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Wesleyan University graduates earn $60,385 median, the -45.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 720-770
- SAT Math 730-770
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 33-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,973
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 95.4%
- Graduation Rate 91.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into Wesleyan University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Wesleyan University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 17.1%, Wesleyan University is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Wesleyan University's 17.1% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1450 and 1540 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Wesleyan University undergraduates. Area Studies, Economics, and Political Science and Government draw the most students.
- Area Studies 10.4%
- Economics 8.9%
- Political Science and Government 8.9%
- Psychology, General 8.3%
- English Language and Literature, General 5.9%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 5.9%
See more majors
- Science, Technology and Society 4.1%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $68,048
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Doctoral Degree) $70,261
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs lead with $70,261 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Wesleyan University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Area Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 117 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 100 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 100 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 94 graduates)
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 67 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (37 programs)▼
- Area Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Psychology, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Science, Technology and Society
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- History
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology, General
- Social Sciences, Other
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Physical Sciences
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Dance
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Archeology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Online Master's Degrees (25 programs)▼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Physics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Music
- Psychology, General
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Computer Science
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Physical Sciences
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Economics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
Online Doctoral Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Music
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Physics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,973
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.9%
- Female Students 53.1%
- Caucasian 54.0%
- Asian 9.3%
- Hispanic 10.3%
- Black 5.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Wesleyan University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Wesleyan University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wesleyan University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wesleyan University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wesleyan University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wesleyan University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Wesleyan University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -45.9% ROI. Ranked #185 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $27,888 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $60,385 median earnings. With 91.6% graduating within six years and 95.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Wesleyan University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #185 ranking, Wesleyan University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $27,888 annually, Wesleyan University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 95.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,522 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -45.9% ROI and $60,385 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,888+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Wesleyan University ranks #185 of 6272 institutions, with 915 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 91.6% six-year graduation rate sits 29.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 95.4% first-year retention is 18.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -45.9% return on investment is 131.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $60,385 run about 38% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $27,888 is roughly $10,770 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 95.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 56.5% employment rate within three years sits 11.7 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $27,888 is about $10,770 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 15.0% trails the national share by 23.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Middletown, CT, Wesleyan University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #185 nationally Category results include Completion (A), Support (A), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
95.4% of learners come back after year one while 91.6% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -45.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $27,888 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $85,172.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $57,284 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,824 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $60,385 at the median. This is roughly 38% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 56.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -45.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
17.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Wesleyan University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Middletown, CT 06459
- Website www.wesleyan.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$1.56B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate5.3%