Wesleyan University
Middletown, Connecticut 06459
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Highly selective — strong graduate outcomes
Wesleyan University is a private urban institution in Middletown, Connecticut. Admission is competitive, with an average SAT of 1513.
A mid-sized campus of 3K undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
92% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $73,897 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $27,888.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Main article: History of Wesleyan UniversityThe Samuel Wadsworth Russell House (1828), home to the Philosophy department.
- •The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001 and is considered one of the finest examples of domestic Greek Revival architecture.
- •As this academy failed, New England Methodists bought it and founded in 1831 an all-male Methodist college.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Lin-Manuel Miranda '02
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright and actor, creator of Hamilton
Bill Belichick '75
Head coach of North Carolina Tar Heels football, six-time Super Bowl winner with New England Patriots
Michael Bay '86
Film director known for Transformers series, Armageddon, and Pearl Harbor
Bradley Whitford '81
Emmy-winning actor known for The West Wing
Joss Whedon '87
Creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and director of The Avengers
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1513
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by Mid-December
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 1
Decision by Mid-February
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by Late March
Supplemental essays required.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
82.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,824
Academics
Wesleyan has minimal distribution requirements, emphasizing intellectual freedom and interdisciplinary study
Research: Wesleyan emphasizes undergraduate research with numerous grants and summer funding opportunities
Thesis: Honors thesis available in most majors
Programs (70)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
95%
Campus Life
Wesleyan competes in NESCAC as the Cardinals
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
22
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CT state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Meriden Amtrak station 7 miles
Walkability
Highly walkable campus and downtown area
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Middletownwalkable
Main Street with restaurants, cafes, vintage shops, and the historic Middletown Cinema
Wadsworth Mansion
Historic mansion and park with hiking trails on Long Hill Estate
Connecticut River
Scenic river with boating and waterfront access nearby
Days out near Middletown
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Meriden, from real bookable tour times.
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small25 days
- Mount Saint Mary College · State University of New York at New PaltzUnder $25k a year16 days