Hamilton College vs Wesleyan University

Hamilton College and Wesleyan University, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Hamilton, nestled in Clinton, New York, boasts a lower acceptance rate (13.5%) compared to Wesleyan's (17.5%) in Middletown, Connecticut. While Hamilton's student body is slightly larger, both universities share a vibrant and diverse community. Explore their contrasting popular majors, ranging from Economics and Government at Hamilton to Psychology and Biology at Wesleyan. Discover the nuances in their graduation rates, with Hamilton's 94% slightly edging out Wesleyan's 92%. Delve into the comparison table to uncover further insights into these institutions' unique strengths and determine which aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Hamilton College logo

Hamilton College

Wesleyan University logo

Wesleyan University

Overview

Location Clinton, New York Middletown, Connecticut
Campus setting Suburb: Midsize City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 94.0% 95.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 14.1% 19.4%
Application fees $60 $55
SAT range 1410 - 1540 1300 - 1510
ACT range 33 - 35 31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score 32.0% 51.0%
Students submitting ACT score 20.0% 27.0%
Total number of applicants 9,380 13,067
Total number of admissions given out 1,320 2,540
Admitted students who chose to enroll 533 910
Yield rate 40.4% 35.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Not required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $76,700 $82,245
Average net price $26,803 $20,535
Tuition $59,380 $61,449
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $8,320

Meal plan: $6,910
$17,531
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

55.0%
Average amount $47,867
40.0%
Average amount $58,925
Students receiving federal student loan 35.0%
Average amount $4,331
18.0%
Average amount $3,834
Students taking out private loans 4.0%
Average amount $25,195
2.0%
Average amount $27,881

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,055
Men 45.8% Women 54.2%
3,385
Men 43.8% Women 56.2%
Graduate students N/A 196
Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 90.3%
International students 6.8% 11.3%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 2,057 3,063
First year students are required to live on campus? Yes Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A New York California Connecticut New Jersey Pennsylvania

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Social Sciences
  • Foreign Languages and Literatures
  • Physical Science
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Social Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio 9:1 8:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 91.5% 91.0%
Dropout rate 0.8% 3.6%
Transferred out 6.8% 5.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,571
  • Year 2: $63,501
  • Year 3: $84,359
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,593
  • Year 2: $59,045
  • Year 3: $74,628
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,577
  • Year 2: $53,894
  • Year 3: $56,960
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $51,273
  • Year 3: N/A
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $24,772
  • Year 3: N/A
International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: N/A
Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $50,856
  • Year 3: N/A
Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,978
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: N/A
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $30,771
  • Year 3: N/A
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $53,775
  • Year 3: $53,847
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,232
  • Year 2: $36,334
  • Year 3: $45,541

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Hamilton College and Wesleyan University?

    Hamilton College is a highly selective liberal arts college known for its emphasis on open curriculum and strong writing program. It's located in a rural setting in Clinton, NY. Wesleyan University, also a highly selective liberal arts college, offers a more structured curriculum with distribution requirements and is located in Middletown, CT, a more urban environment. Wesleyan is also known for its strength in the arts and sciences, and its graduate programs.

  • How do the academic programs at Hamilton and Wesleyan compare?

    Both Hamilton and Wesleyan offer a wide range of strong academic programs. Hamilton is particularly known for its focus on writing and communication across all disciplines, and its open curriculum allows students significant flexibility in course selection. Wesleyan is known for its interdisciplinary programs, strong arts programs (film, theater, music), and its graduate programs which allow for unique research opportunities for undergraduates.

  • What is the campus environment like at each school?

    Hamilton College offers a close-knit, residential campus experience in a rural setting. The focus is on undergraduate education and fostering a strong sense of community. Wesleyan University, located in a small city, offers a more diverse and vibrant campus environment with a mix of undergraduate and graduate students. The surrounding town provides more opportunities for off-campus activities and engagement.

  • How do the admissions processes differ between Hamilton and Wesleyan?

    Both Hamilton and Wesleyan are highly selective and use a holistic review process. They consider academic record, essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. While both value intellectual curiosity and a commitment to learning, Wesleyan may place slightly more emphasis on demonstrated interest in the arts and social justice, given its institutional strengths in those areas.

  • What are the career services and alumni networks like at Hamilton and Wesleyan?

    Both colleges offer comprehensive career services, including advising, internships, and networking opportunities. Hamilton's strong alumni network is particularly helpful for students interested in careers in finance, law, and government. Wesleyan's alumni network is strong in the arts, media, and non-profit sectors, reflecting its strengths in those fields. Both schools have dedicated alumni who are eager to support current students and recent graduates.

  • What is the cost of attendance and financial aid like at Hamilton and Wesleyan?

    The cost of attendance is comparable at both Hamilton and Wesleyan. Both institutions offer need-based financial aid packages to eligible students. They also offer merit-based scholarships, though these are highly competitive. It's best to use the Net Price Calculator on each college's website to estimate your individual cost of attendance.

  • What are the most popular majors at Hamilton and Wesleyan?

    At Hamilton, popular majors include Economics, Government, Psychology, and English. At Wesleyan, popular majors include Government, Economics, English, Psychology, and Film Studies. Both schools offer a wide range of majors, and students are encouraged to explore different academic areas.

  • How do the social scenes compare at Hamilton and Wesleyan?

    Hamilton's social scene is largely centered around campus activities and events, given its rural location. There's a strong emphasis on student-run organizations and clubs. Wesleyan's social scene is more diverse, with opportunities both on and off campus. The town of Middletown offers restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Wesleyan also has a reputation for a more politically active and socially conscious student body.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Hamilton and Wesleyan?

    Both Hamilton and Wesleyan compete in NCAA Division III athletics. Hamilton is a member of the NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference), known for its strong academic and athletic programs. Wesleyan is also a member of the NESCAC. Both schools offer a variety of varsity and club sports, as well as intramural activities.

  • Which school is a better fit for me?

    The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you prefer a close-knit, rural campus with a strong emphasis on writing and an open curriculum, Hamilton might be a better choice. If you prefer a more diverse, urban environment with strong arts programs and a more structured curriculum, Wesleyan might be a better fit. Visiting both campuses and talking to current students is highly recommended to help you make your decision.

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