Wesleyan University vs. BU

Comparable Facts

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

Boston University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (37,737 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wesleyan University vs. BU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or BU? 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 BU ($23,025 vs. $24,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Boston University are 4.3% lower than at Wesleyan University ($19,020 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than BU (about $2,240 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $68,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Wesleyan University than at Boston University (about $2,240 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $68,102.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Boston University than at Wesleyan University (49% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 6.7% larger than aid received by Boston University students ($65,995 vs. $61,848).

Wesleyan University vs. BU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is the same as at BU (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at BU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Boston University 1420/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Boston University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; BU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; BU Jan 4, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than BU (11.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 37.4% at BU.

Wesleyan University vs. BU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and BU? 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 Boston University's (85%).
• Graduates from Boston University earn a median of about $14,000 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($72,000 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than BU graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BU graduates ($180 vs. $279).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BU students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 82%)

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.