About Wesleyan University

Founded in 1831, Wesleyan University. is a Private college. Located in Connecticut, which is a city setting in Connecticut, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 2,971 full time undergraduate students, and 235 full time graduate students.

The Wesleyan University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 8:1. There are 372 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Wesleyan University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate17%
Application Deadline15-Nov
Application Fee55
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at are considered Most Selective, with ,20% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 6 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

98% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 92% were in the top quarter, and 69% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Wesleyan University.

2%
“We”re apathetic”
7%
“We know about current events and vote”
50%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
41%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
8%
“Sometimes, but not often”
39%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
52%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
42%
“I feel extremely safe”
73%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
25%
“We bought the gear”
2%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
2%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
42%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
54%
“We”re a very artistic group”
1%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
55%
“They keep regular office hours”
40%
“They”re always available”
20%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
75%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
5%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
7%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
68%
“We only party on weekends”
26%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
0%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
14%
“There might be people who do”
66%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
20%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Wesleyan University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    40 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    21 Students rated off-campus housing 2.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    40 Students rated campus food 3.6 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    39 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    39 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 54 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    39 Students rated school activities 4.4 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    40 Students rated local services 3.6 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    39 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Wesleyan University?

11 Students rated Wesleyan University

Katherine

Wesleyan is a fantastic moderate-sized liberal arts school. It is a wonderful community, and just the right size. Small enough that you don't get lost in the masses, and there's a sense of unity and intimacy, but big enough that there are a wide variety of opportunities for students to get involved in a variety of activities that they are interested. It is rigorous with academic excellence, but by no means a cutthroat competitive atmosphere--on the contrary, very collegial and supportive.

Chinaly

Wesleyan is a great University for those who are looking for a small, politically active school. The overall vibe of the campus is laid back where students aren't looking to compete with one another. However there is a current problem where there are a lack of custodian workers and many building and restrooms are not getting the cleaning they need.

Katie

Every mourning I wake up I feel as though I am living in some sort of surreal dream. I can’t believe that I’m going to this college, that they accepted me, that I am so incredibly lucky. For me, getting into Wesleyan was a dream, and one that I worked hard to achieve at that. The school is prestigious. Many of the professors have graduated from Ivy league and are doing ground breaking work in their fields. However, they’re never too busy to chat with you during their office hours or help you with any problems you might be having, whether those are school related or personal. My good relationship with my processors is one of the best things about being at this school. I find my classes intellectually stimulating and challenging, but I’ve never been so bogged down with work that I couldn’t handle it. Their academic resources are incredible. Wesleyan is a prestigious school and this shows, in more ways than one. On the one hand they have enough money to fund several good programs, an excellent dining service, and to make the university just look good. On the other hand, it means that classism is a huge issue here. A majority of the student population is very well off, which means that low income or even middle-class issues are often overlooked. Though they are need based, financial aid is not always clear with you on how they calculate your aid. They’re very vague and difficult to communicate with, which is frustrating. In terms of social life on campus, it’s very easy to get involved. There are several activist organizations, since activism is a big part of campus culture. There are also several art and music related groups. Wesleyan does have a night life, though it’s relegated to the weekends, since students here tend to care about academics. People on campus tend to be very sociable and friendly. All in all it’s a wonderful place to live and go to school, though financing it can be tough at times.

Yaje

Overall, Wes is a pretty chill school but there is definitely room for improvement, especially socially. Like it's not horrible, but there could be better venues for parties instead of freezing outside or being crammed in a senior's small house. The food is good, and there are a lot of options. First-year academics really depends on how well prepared you are coming in from high school, if you are not about to put the work in then you'll struggle. But it really is manageable when you talk with your professors and use the many resources they have on campus.

Wesleyan University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Wesleyan University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Wesleyan University is 17%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Not at all. Wesleyan is super diverse, and the people that do fit these stereotypes are 99 percent of the time open to anything else. Never have I found a place so supportive of its students, in their work, hobbies, and future plans.

    Read all  114 answers
  3. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    The stereotypical Wesleyan student is an intelligent, passionate, quirky vegetarian hippie who smokes a little pot, wants to save the world, and hates Fox news.

    Read all  110 answers
  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The best thing about Wesleyan is that the infrastructure and administration really encourages student initiative - the campus is really owned by the students and you can feel that. Granted, there is always something about the administration that the students are taking issue with, but overall I think that students have a lot more control and freedom at Wesleyan than they would at most other schools. I think that Wesleyan is a really good size - small enough to feel as if you recognize most people that you see, but big enough that I was still meeting new people during my senior year, and I never felt socially stifled. Being from the Midwest, most people either haven't heard of Wesleyan, think that I went to Ohio or Illinois Wesleyan, or that I went to Wellesley. I'm pretty sure that over half of the time that people say "oh, that's a good school," they are actually thinking of Wellesley, but whatever. Middletown doesn't have a lot to offer, aside from a lot of really good restaurants and a killer roller rink. This doesn't really matter, though, because there is always a lot going on on campus. Every weekend there are concerts, plays, parties, movies etc. Almost everything that happens on campus is either free or just costs a couple of dollars.

    Read all  104 answers
  5. Describe the students at your school.

    Every possible interest group, social class, race, ethnicity and background, in addition to ice cream flavor and sexual orientation is represented in my classmates.

    Read all  102 answers
  6. What are the academics like at your school?

    As a government major at Wesleyan, my biggest frustration as an underclassman was just getting into high-demand classes. I think that this is a common complaint - while class sizes are capped to be small, it is hard to get into courses in really popular majors, especially as an underclassman or non-major. One cool thing about Wesleyan is that there are hardly any requirements outside of your major, so I was able to take a lot of really varied courses (ie. Theater and Music of Indonesia, Westerns) Students study pretty hard/often, I think, but generally also manage to balance having a social life. Intellectual conversation definitely happens outside of class, but students aren't particularly competitive. Most Wesleyan students are really excited about whatever they're learning, which results in a culture that cares more about the education that we're getting rather than on how we'll use it to earn money in the future.

    Read all  99 answers
  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Wesleyan's social and extracurricular scenes are what makes it the happening place that is. Each week is chocked full of student music shows (I'd say at least 5 shows a week), art openings, cultural events, and random specific activities. The staggering diversity of the student body's interest shows through this process. If you can't find a niche at Wesleyan that interests you, then college probably isn't your thing.

    Read all  86 answers
  8. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    This was my first choice school, and I applied ED. I would say though, that the general feel on campus is much more liberal and friendly than the other school I was considering.

    Read all  58 answers
  9. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Finding the right college and being happy in college is one of the biggest challenges in a student and parent's life. However, always keep everything about this process in perspective, it will not be the end of the world if you do not get in to your first choice, I promise! Look at colleges that perhaps were not originally on your list, you may find that a college that was not on it might now be your first choice! Do not let your mind be influenced solely by prestige when looking at colleges, there are so many choices and types of schools, keep in mind that a school should fulfill you academically, socially, economically, etc., always keeping in mind the high amount of loans that you might have to pay after graduation! Stay overnight at a college you are applying to, this will give the student an insider view into the school. In college, explore activities outside of your comfort, try something you might never have done before. Make friends with different kinds of people, don't limit yourself! Work hard in school, and make time to socialize as well, this is truly a once in a lifetime experience!

    Read all  43 answers
  10. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Wesleyan is best known for being a liberal school that provides an outstanding education in an open and accepting environment. We're tree huggers and deeply invested in contributing in a substantial way to the world when we leave here. Sometimes I think we're known for being radical thinkers, but radical in wanting change in unfair circumstances, and never ever to the point of violence.

    Read all  11 answers
  11. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Because the campus is small, gossip travels quickly and some student communities on campus tend to be subtley exclusive.

    Read all  10 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    It is extremely academically challenging

    Read all  9 answers
  13. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    A lot of people are under the impression that Wesleyan is a school for liberal druggies and hipsters that happen to be smart.

    Read all  9 answers
  14. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    There are so many opportunities to make friends, yet it seems that if you do not form relationships quickly, it becomes too late. People quickly form groups and it is difficult to "break into" the groups.

    Read all  7 answers
  15. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Wesleyan is a liberal roller-coaster where people have fun and truly care about one another.

    Read all  7 answers
  16. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about Wesleyan is the amount of choices you have when it comes to your academic major. Many students double, even triple major, and many majors here are extensive interdisciplinary programs. The students here also tend to be honest and friendly about their lives and academic careers, making it pretty easy to make friends.

    Read all  4 answers
  17. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    People who are narrow minded should not attem this school.

    Read all  4 answers
  18. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Nothing. I feel that I was well-informed about everything regarding the school before I came

    Read all  3 answers
  19. Describe the dorms.

    Alex shows us his freshman year dorm and recalls some vivid memories of life there.

    Read all  3 answers
  20. What are your classes like?

    Difficult, time-consuming, heavy reading loads, but rewarding. I appreciate my classes and the education I am receiving more and more with each passing semester. I no longer learn just to get a good grade at the end of the semester. One of the greatest feelings is realizing that something you learned in your Physics for Future Presidents class can help you in your Issues in Contemporary Historiography class.

    Read all  2 answers
  21. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    People eating in Usdan, the new campus center at Wesleyan.

    Read all  2 answers

Student Body

Students

54%

female

46%

male

2,971

Total Undergrad Enrollment

235

Total Grad Students

77%

Out-Of-State

7%

In-State

16%

International

Organizations

231

Student Organizations

5

Fraternities

1

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

91%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
7%
% Black or African-American
7%
% Hispanic/Latino
10%
% White or Caucasian
55%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

53% of students attending Wesleyan University receive some sort of financial aid. 22% were awarded federal grants. While 28% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$50,612

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$13,950

Room and Board

65,762

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$5,647
$30 - $48K
$9,805
$48 - $75K
$11,996
$75 - $110K
$23,992
$110K & UP
$42,819

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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