Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Wesleyan University at a Glance
Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts university in Middletown, Connecticut, United States. It was founded in 1831 as a men's college under the Methodist Episcopal Church and with the support of prominent residents of Middletown. It became a secular, coeducational institution.
1831
195 years old
$1.6B
$1.64 billion (2025)
3,140
3,000 undergrad · 140 grad
430
360 acres
47
32 minors
Identity
How to Apply to Wesleyan University
Official admissions pageNovember 15 (Early Decision I)
Is Wesleyan University Worth It?
Wesleyan University offers moderate value at $30,177/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $73,897, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
With a 92% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.
Admission is competitive with a 16% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
How Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #16 of 31 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bowdoin College | 100 | $14,398 | $82,735 |
| #2 | Colby College | 100 | $17,180 | $80,490 |
| #3 | Williams College | 100 | $17,716 | $88,665 |
| #4 | Davidson College | 100 | $17,379 | $81,400 |
| #5 | Rice University | 100 | $13,370 | $89,718 |
| #6 | Pomona College | 94 | $19,285 | $77,779 |
| #16 | Wesleyan University | 56 | $30,177 | $73,897 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Wesleyan University is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $35,700/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate from Wesleyan University earns $35,700, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $35,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates carry $16,045 in median debt vs. $16,045 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,177/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $35,700 | $35,700 | $16,045 |
Similar Colleges in CT
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Middletown, CT
- Student Body
- 3,067 students
- Admission Rate
- 16%
- Graduation Rate
- 92%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,177
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $73,897
- Median Student Debt
- $17,000