Wesleyan University vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Wesleyan University is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Willamette University? 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 Willamette University ($23,025 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Willamette University are 18.7% lower than at Wesleyan University ($16,150 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 37.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $19,186 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.5% higher at Wesleyan University than at Willamette University (about $19,186 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Wesleyan University (100% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 73.3% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($65,995 vs. $38,080).

Wesleyan University vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 140 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Wesleyan University vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Willamette University? 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 Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Wesleyan University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Willamette University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,000 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($17,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($180 vs. $268).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 80%)

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.