Wesleyan University vs. Colby College

Comparable Facts

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

Wesleyan University is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wesleyan University vs. Colby College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Colby 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 Colby College than Wesleyan University ($16,219 vs. $23,025).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 10% lower than at Wesleyan University ($17,890 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Colby College (about $742 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $69,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Wesleyan University than at Colby College (about $742 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $69,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Colby College than at Wesleyan University (45% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Wesleyan University students ($69,201 vs. $65,995).

Wesleyan University vs. Colby College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 30 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Colby College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Colby College 1460/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Colby College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Colby College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 46.2% at Colby College.

Wesleyan University vs. Colby College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Colby 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).

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Colby College's (91%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $1,845 lower median loan debt than Colby College graduates ($17,500 vs. $19,345).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colby College graduates ($180 vs. $200).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colby College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 88%)

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.