Wesleyan University vs. Bowdoin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wesleyan University is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Bowdoin College is in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Bowdoin College 9:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Bowdoin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Bowdoin College? 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 Bowdoin College than Wesleyan University ($22,228 vs. $23,025).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowdoin College are 7% lower than at Wesleyan University ($18,488 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 3.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowdoin College (about $2,510 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.7% higher at Wesleyan University than at Bowdoin College (about $2,510 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowdoin College than at Wesleyan University (55% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 5% larger than aid received by Bowdoin College students ($65,995 vs. $62,872).

Wesleyan University vs. Bowdoin College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 30 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Bowdoin College (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Bowdoin College 1470/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Bowdoin College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Bowdoin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 53.6% at Bowdoin College.

Wesleyan University vs. Bowdoin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Bowdoin College? 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).

• The graduation rate at Wesleyan University is the same as at Bowdoin College (92% vs. 92%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $17,000 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $1,333 lower median loan debt than Bowdoin College graduates ($17,500 vs. $18,833).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowdoin College graduates ($180 vs. $194).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowdoin College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 87%)

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.