Head-to-head · 2026
Wesleyan University vs Western Connecticut State University
Compare average net price ($30,177 at Wesleyan University; $17,604 at Western Connecticut State University), ROI score (6.12 vs 8.40), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($73,897 vs $59,115), and admissions selectivity (16.5% acceptance at Wesleyan University; 87% at Western Connecticut State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Wesleyan University | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.12 | 8.40 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $30,177 | $17,604 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $120,708 | $70,416 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $70,342 | $13,401 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $70,342 | $16,901 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $73,897 ✓ | $59,115 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.5% | 87% |
| Graduation rate | 92.6% ✓ | 51.8% |
| Retention rate | 94.9% ✓ | 73.2% |
| Median debt | $17,000 ✓ | $24,147 |
| Enrollment | 3,067 | 3,511 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1501 | 1110 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Wesleyan University | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $4,871 ✓ | $13,507 |
| Family income $30–48k | $3,604 ✓ | $13,716 |
| Family income $48–75k | $6,175 ✓ | $16,697 |
| Family income $75–110k | $17,294 ✓ | $18,737 |
| Family income $110k+ | $51,140 | $21,318 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Wesleyan University | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 11.7% | 5.9% |
| Economics | 8.8% | 0.2% |
| Political Science and Government | 7.5% | 0.4% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 5.6% | 0.9% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 3.3% | 2.7% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 1.6% | 4.1% |
| Biology, General | 3.4% | 2.1% |
| Mathematics | 3.6% | 0.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Western Connecticut State University reports the lower average net price by $12,573 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $50,292 difference over four years ($70,416 vs $120,708).
Wesleyan University reports $14,782 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($73,897 vs $59,115). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 94.9% at Wesleyan University and 73.2% at Western Connecticut State University. Median federal debt among completers is $17,000 vs $24,147, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Wesleyan University vs Western Connecticut State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Connecticut State University is cheaper — average net price $17,604 per year vs $30,177 at Wesleyan University. The annual difference of $12,573 adds up to about $50,292 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Wesleyan University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $73,897 vs $59,115 at Western Connecticut State University. The gap in the federal data is $14,782. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Wesleyan University is more selective at 16.5% acceptance vs 87% at Western Connecticut State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.