Wesleyan University vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

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

Wesleyan University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wesleyan University vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Hamilton 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 Wesleyan University than Hamilton College ($23,025 vs. $28,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 11.9% lower than at Wesleyan University ($17,510 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hamilton College (about $1,382 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $68,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2% higher at Wesleyan University than at Hamilton College (about $1,382 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $68,960.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hamilton College than at Wesleyan University (56% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 18.9% larger than aid received by Hamilton College students ($65,995 vs. $55,511).

Wesleyan University vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 20 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Hamilton College (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Wesleyan University vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Hamilton 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 Hamilton College's (89%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $1,740 lower median loan debt than Wesleyan University graduates ($15,760 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wesleyan University graduates ($162 vs. $180).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 89%)

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.