Wesleyan University vs. Vassar

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wesleyan University is larger than Vassar based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,462 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Vassar College is in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vassar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Vassar College 7:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Vassar Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Vassar? 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 Vassar ($23,025 vs. $29,981).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Vassar College are 8.2% lower than at Wesleyan University ($18,240 vs. $19,872).
• Vassar College is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wesleyan University (about $688 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $70,342.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Vassar than at Wesleyan University (about $688 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $70,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vassar College than at Wesleyan University (55% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 14.9% larger than aid received by Vassar College students ($65,995 vs. $57,443).

Wesleyan University vs. Vassar Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vassar College (1500) is 20 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Vassar (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Vassar College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Vassar College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Vassar - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Vassar Jan 1, 2027.
• Vassar has a higher acceptance rate (18.6%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 28.8% at Vassar.

Wesleyan University vs. Vassar Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Vassar? 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 Vassar College's (91%).
• Graduates from Vassar College earn a median of about $400 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vassar College graduates have a $1,720 lower median loan debt than Wesleyan University graduates ($15,780 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Vassar graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wesleyan University graduates ($163 vs. $180).
• More Vassar 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.