Wesleyan University vs. Northeastern

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Northeastern University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Northeastern University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Northeastern University 16:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Northeastern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Northeastern? 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 Northeastern ($23,025 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University are 1.5% lower than at Wesleyan University ($19,580 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $4,180 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at Wesleyan University than at Northeastern University (about $4,180 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Wesleyan University (66% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 30.9% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($65,995 vs. $50,421).

Wesleyan University vs. Northeastern Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 10 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Northeastern (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Northeastern University 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Northeastern - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 53.8% at Northeastern.

Wesleyan University vs. Northeastern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Northeastern University earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,500 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $10,375 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($180 vs. $288).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 79%)

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.