Wesleyan University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Wesleyan University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or RPI? 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 RPI ($23,025 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are 8.8% lower than at Wesleyan University ($18,120 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 9.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than RPI (about $6,261 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $64,081.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.8% higher at Wesleyan University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (about $6,261 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $64,081.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute than at Wesleyan University (95% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 51.7% larger than aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students ($65,995 vs. $43,517).

Wesleyan University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 40 points higher than at RPI (1440).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at RPI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• RPI has a higher acceptance rate (63.5%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Wesleyan University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and RPI? 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (84%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $24,500 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($180 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.