Wesleyan University vs. Princeton

Comparable Facts

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

Princeton University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (9,137 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Princeton University is in Princeton, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Princeton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Princeton University 5:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Princeton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Princeton? 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 Princeton University than Wesleyan University ($15,313 vs. $23,025).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wesleyan University are 1.9% lower than at Princeton University ($19,872 vs. $20,250).
• Wesleyan University is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Princeton (about $7,654 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Wesleyan University than at Princeton University (about $7,654 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Princeton University than at Wesleyan University (67% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Princeton University students is 4.1% larger than aid received by Wesleyan University students ($68,727 vs. $65,995).

Wesleyan University vs. Princeton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Princeton University (1550) is 70 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Princeton (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Princeton University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Princeton University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Princeton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Princeton Jan 1, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Princeton (4.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 75.5% at Princeton.

Wesleyan University vs. Princeton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Princeton University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Wesleyan University's (92%).
• Graduates from Princeton University earn a median of about $55,900 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($113,900 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Princeton University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Wesleyan University graduates ($7,500 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Princeton graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wesleyan University graduates ($77 vs. $180).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Princeton students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 83%)

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.