Campus Vibe
Highly selective — strong graduate outcomes
Wesleyan University is a private urban institution in Middletown, Connecticut. Admission is competitive, with an average SAT of 1513.
A mid-sized campus of 3K undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
92% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $73,897 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $27,888.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Wesleyan University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1513
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by Mid-December
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 1
Decision by Mid-February
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by Late March
Supplemental essays required.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
81.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,824
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
22
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Wesleyan has minimal distribution requirements, emphasizing intellectual freedom and interdisciplinary study
Research: Wesleyan emphasizes undergraduate research with numerous grants and summer funding opportunities
Thesis: Honors thesis available in most majors
Programs (70)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
95%
- •95% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Wesleyan competes in NESCAC as the Cardinals
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Notable Alumni
Lin-Manuel Miranda '02
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright and actor, creator of Hamilton
Bill Belichick '75
Head coach of North Carolina Tar Heels football, six-time Super Bowl winner with New England Patriots
Michael Bay '86
Film director known for Transformers series, Armageddon, and Pearl Harbor
Bradley Whitford '81
Emmy-winning actor known for The West Wing
Joss Whedon '87
Creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and director of The Avengers
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Main article: History of Wesleyan UniversityThe Samuel Wadsworth Russell House (1828), home to the Philosophy department.
- •The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001 and is considered one of the finest examples of domestic Greek Revival architecture.
- •As this academy failed, New England Methodists bought it and founded in 1831 an all-male Methodist college.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Meriden Amtrak station 7 miles
Walkability
Highly walkable campus and downtown area
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Middletownwalkable
Main Street with restaurants, cafes, vintage shops, and the historic Middletown Cinema
Wadsworth Mansion
Historic mansion and park with hiking trails on Long Hill Estate
Connecticut River
Scenic river with boating and waterfront access nearby
Schools Like This
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace
Hartford, CT · Urban · Private
A T Still University of Health Sciences
Kirksville, MO · Town · Private
Academy for Jewish Religion
Yonkers, NY · Suburban · Private
Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences
Oakland, CA · Urban · Private