Wesleyan University vs. AU

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with American University in Washington, DC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); American University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; American University 10:1.

Wesleyan University vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or AU? 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 AU ($23,025 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 9.5% lower than at Wesleyan University ($17,982 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 19.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $11,571 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.7% higher at Wesleyan University than at American University (about $11,571 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American University than at Wesleyan University (67% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 81.6% larger than aid received by American University students ($65,995 vs. $36,349).

Wesleyan University vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wesleyan University or AU? 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 AU and Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 110 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; American University 1280/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; American University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; AU Jan 15, 2027.
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 15.6% at AU.

Wesleyan University vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and AU? 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 American University's (77%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($17,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($180 vs. $250).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 80%)

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.