Wesleyan University vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

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

Cornell University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Cornell University 9:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Cornell? 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 Cornell ($23,025 vs. $26,361).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell University are 2.2% lower than at Wesleyan University ($19,428 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornell (about $1,028 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $69,314.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Wesleyan University than at Cornell University (about $1,028 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $69,314.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornell University than at Wesleyan University (48% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 6.8% larger than aid received by Cornell University students ($65,995 vs. $61,779).

Wesleyan University vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 60 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Cornell (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

Wesleyan University vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Cornell? 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).

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Wesleyan University's (92%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $40,400 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Wesleyan University graduates ($12,000 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wesleyan University graduates ($124 vs. $180).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornell 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.