Wesleyan University vs. Lafayette College

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Lafayette College in Easton, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wesleyan University is larger than Lafayette College based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wesleyan University vs. Lafayette College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Lafayette 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 Lafayette College ($23,025 vs. $38,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lafayette College are 0% lower than at Wesleyan University ($19,866 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 7.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lafayette College (about $4,944 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $65,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Wesleyan University than at Lafayette College (about $4,944 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $65,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lafayette College than at Wesleyan University (61% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 47.6% larger than aid received by Lafayette College students ($65,995 vs. $44,707).

Wesleyan University vs. Lafayette College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 50 points higher than at Lafayette College (1430).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Lafayette College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Lafayette College 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Lafayette College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Lafayette College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027.
• Lafayette College has a higher acceptance rate (31.4%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 21.8% at Lafayette College.

Wesleyan University vs. Lafayette College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Lafayette 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 Lafayette College's (88%).
• Graduates from Lafayette College earn a median of about $23,000 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,000 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Lafayette College graduates ($17,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lafayette College graduates ($180 vs. $268).
• More Lafayette College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.