Wesleyan University vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Vanderbilt University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wesleyan University vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt ($23,025 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wesleyan University are 9.9% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($19,872 vs. $22,054).
• Wesleyan University is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Vanderbilt (about $2,844 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Wesleyan University than at Vanderbilt University (about $2,844 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Wesleyan University (67% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Vanderbilt University students ($65,995 vs. $64,404).

Wesleyan University vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 60 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Vanderbilt (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Wesleyan University vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at Wesleyan University is the same as at Vanderbilt University (92% vs. 92%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $25,100 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Wesleyan University graduates ($14,000 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wesleyan University graduates ($144 vs. $180).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanderbilt 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.