In this article, we will be comparing two prestigious liberal arts colleges in the United States: Wesleyan University and Amherst College. We will provide an overview of each institution and delve into various aspects such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Our aim is to give prospective students and their families a comprehensive understanding of the similarities and differences between these two esteemed institutions.
Wesleyan University Overview
Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a private liberal arts college located in Middletown, Connecticut. With a student body of around 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students, Wesleyan offers a wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and a vibrant campus life. Known for its commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and creative arts, Wesleyan is a popular choice for students seeking a unique academic experience.
Wesleyan University Costs & Tuition
The comprehensive cost for attending Wesleyan University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $78,720. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the university also offers generous financial aid packages for students who demonstrate financial need. Over 40% of Wesleyan students receive need-based grant aid, with an average grant of $52,164.
Wesleyan University Admissions
Wesleyan University is a selective institution, with an acceptance rate of 20% for the Class of 2025. Prospective students are expected to have a strong academic record, demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and show a commitment to extracurricular activities. The admissions process is holistic, with the university considering factors such as high school coursework, grades, standardized test scores (though test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle), letters of recommendation, essays, and interviews.
Wesleyan University Degrees Offered
Wesleyan University offers over 45 majors across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors include Biology, Economics, English, Psychology, and Theater. In addition to the traditional majors, Wesleyan also offers interdisciplinary programs such as College of Social Studies, College of Letters, and College of East Asian Studies. Students also have the option to create their own major through the University Major program.
Wesleyan University Academics
Wesleyan University is known for its rigorous academics, with a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 18. Professors are actively engaged in research and often involve undergraduate students in their projects. Students at Wesleyan are encouraged to pursue independent research, study abroad, and engage in experiential learning opportunities.
Wesleyan University Diversity
Wesleyan University prides itself on having a diverse and inclusive community. Approximately 28% of the student body are students of color, and 10% of students are international. The university actively supports initiatives such as the Office of Equity and Inclusion and offers various affinity groups and cultural centers to promote a sense of belonging for all students.
Wesleyan University Students
Wesleyan University students are known for being intellectually curious, open-minded, and socially conscious. The university offers over 200 student clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of interests such as academics, activism, arts, and sports. Students can also participate in the university’s Division III varsity sports, club sports, and intramurals.
Wesleyan University Campus
Wesleyan University’s picturesque 316-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with facilities such as the Center for the Arts, the Usdan University Center, and the Freeman Athletic Center. The campus is within walking distance of downtown Middletown, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural activities.
Wesleyan University Alumni
Notable Wesleyan University alumni include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joss Whedon, and Beanie Feldstein, among others. Graduates of Wesleyan have gone on to excel in various fields such as academia, arts, business, politics, and more.
Wesleyan University Rankings
Wesleyan University is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Wesleyan ranked #17 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Wesleyan University Outcomes
Wesleyan University boasts a strong alumni network and a high rate of post-graduation success. According to the university’s data, within six months of graduation, 95% of graduates are either employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in meaningful activities such as internships and volunteering.
Amherst College Overview
Amherst College, founded in 1821, is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. With a small student body of around 1,800 undergraduate students, Amherst offers a close-knit community where students can forge strong relationships with their peers and professors. Amherst is well-regarded for its commitment to diversity, intellectual rigor, and robust financial aid program.
Amherst College Costs & Tuition
The comprehensive cost for attending Amherst College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $77,300. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Amherst is one of few colleges in the United States to have a need-blind admissions policy and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students. Approximately 60% of Amherst students receive financial aid, with an average grant of over $55,000.
Amherst College Admissions
Amherst College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 11.3% for the Class of 2025. Admissions at Amherst are holistic; the college considers factors such as high school coursework, grades, standardized test scores (test-optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle), letters of recommendation, essays, and interviews. Prospective students are expected to demonstrate strong academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to extracurricular activities.
Amherst College Degrees Offered
Amherst College offers over 40 majors in a variety of disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Popular majors at Amherst include Biology, Economics, English, History, and Psychology. Students also have the option to design their own major through the Independent Scholar Program.
Amherst College Academics
Academics at Amherst College are rigorous, with a student-faculty ratio of 7:1 and an average class size of 19. Professors are dedicated to teaching and mentoring, and students are encouraged to take advantage of research opportunities, study abroad programs, and internships. Amherst’s unique open curriculum allows students to explore their academic interests without being constrained by distribution requirements.
Amherst College Diversity
Diversity is a cornerstone of Amherst College’s mission. Approximately 45% of students at Amherst are students of color, and 10% are international students. The college actively supports initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, including the Center for Diversity & Student Leadership, the Multicultural Resource Center, and various affinity groups.
Amherst College Students
Student life at Amherst College is vibrant and diverse, with over 150 student clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests. Amherst students can participate in the college’s Division III varsity sports, club sports, and intramurals. The college also has a strong commitment to community involvement, with many students participating in volunteer and service projects.
Amherst College Campus
Amherst College’s beautiful 1,000-acre campus is home to a mix of historic and modern facilities, including the Beneski Museum of Natural History, the Mead Art Museum, and the Powerhouse student center. The campus is located in the vibrant college town of Amherst, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural activities.
Amherst College Alumni
Notable Amherst College alumni include Emily Dickinson, David Foster Wallace, and Jeffrey Wright. Graduates of Amherst have gone on to excel in various fields, such as academia, arts, business, and politics.
Amherst College Rankings
Amherst College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Amherst ranked #2 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Amherst College Outcome
Amherst College has a strong record of post-graduation success, with 94% of graduates either employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation. The college’s strong alumni network and career center resources contribute to this high rate of success.
Wesleyan University vs Amherst College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Wesleyan University and Amherst College, both institutions have similar comprehensive costs for the 2021-2022 academic year. Wesleyan’s cost is $78,720, while Amherst’s cost is $77,300. However, both colleges offer generous financial aid packages for students who demonstrate financial need. Amherst has a need-blind admissions policy and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students, while Wesleyan also offers significant need-based grant aid to over 40% of its students.
Wesleyan University vs Amherst College Admissions Difficulty
Both Wesleyan University and Amherst College have competitive admissions processes, with Wesleyan having an acceptance rate of 20% and Amherst having an acceptance rate of 11.3%. Both institutions have holistic admissions processes and expect prospective students to demonstrate strong academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to extracurricular activities.
Wesleyan University vs Amherst College Academic Difficulty
Both Wesleyan University and Amherst College are known for their rigorous academics, with both institutions having low student-faculty ratios and small average class sizes. Students at both colleges have access to research opportunities, study abroad programs, and internships. The primary difference between the two institutions lies in their curricular structure, with Wesleyan offering traditional majors and interdisciplinary programs, while Amherst has an open curriculum that allows students greater academic flexibility.
Wesleyan University vs Amherst College Outcome Comparison
Both Wesleyan University and Amherst College have high rates of post-graduation success. Wesleyan reports that within six months of graduation, 95% of graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in meaningful activities. Amherst College reports that 94% of graduates were either employed or enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation. Both institutions have strong alumni networks and resources to support students as they transition into their careers.
