Wesleyan University vs. Williams

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Williams College in Williamstown, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wesleyan University is larger than Williams based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 2,164 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Williams College is in Williamstown, MA (Distant Town setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Williams College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Williams College 6:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Williams Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Williams? 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 Williams College than Wesleyan University ($15,894 vs. $23,025).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Williams College are 13.1% lower than at Wesleyan University ($17,260 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Williams (about $1,782 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $68,560.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.6% higher at Wesleyan University than at Williams College (about $1,782 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $68,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Williams College than at Wesleyan University (54% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Williams College students is 4.5% larger than aid received by Wesleyan University students ($68,966 vs. $65,995).

Wesleyan University vs. Williams Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Williams College (1530) is 50 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Williams (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Williams College 1490/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Williams College 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Williams - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Williams Jan 10, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Williams (8.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 43% at Williams.

Wesleyan University vs. Williams Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Williams College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Wesleyan University's (92%).
• Graduates from Williams College earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,600 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Williams College graduates have a $2,918 lower median loan debt than Wesleyan University graduates ($14,582 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Williams graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wesleyan University graduates ($150 vs. $180).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Williams 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.