SCU vs. Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA with Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Santa Clara University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting); Wesleyan University is in Middletown, CT (Small City setting).
• Santa Clara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Santa Clara University 11:1; Wesleyan University 8:1.

SCU vs. Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCU or Wesleyan University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Wesleyan University than SCU ($23,025 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wesleyan University are 0.1% lower than at Santa Clara University ($19,872 vs. $19,893).
• Wesleyan University is 14.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SCU (about $9,049 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $61,293.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at Wesleyan University than at Santa Clara University (about $9,049 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $61,293.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Santa Clara University than at Wesleyan University (71% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 132.6% larger than aid received by Santa Clara University students ($65,995 vs. $28,368).

SCU vs. Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCU or Wesleyan University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Wesleyan University and SCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 60 points higher than at SCU (1420).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at SCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 1350/1490; Wesleyan University 1415/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 31/33; Wesleyan University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCU - Test optional; Wesleyan University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027; Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027.
• SCU has a higher acceptance rate (48%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at SCU vs. 34.8% at Wesleyan University.

SCU vs. Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCU and Wesleyan University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Santa Clara University's (85%).
• Graduates from Santa Clara University earn a median of about $23,900 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,900 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than SCU graduates ($17,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCU graduates ($180 vs. $222).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.