Wesleyan University vs Williams College Introduction
Deciding on a college can be an overwhelming process, as there are various factors to consider when selecting the perfect fit. In this article, we will discuss two well-known liberal arts colleges: Wesleyan University and Williams College. We’ll compare their costs, admissions, degree offerings, academics, diversity, student experiences, and outcomes to help you decide which school is the best choice for you.
Wesleyan University Overview
Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1831. It offers a wide range of programs and degrees, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and research opportunities. With about 3,000 undergraduate students, the campus has a vibrant atmosphere, creating a tight-knit community that values collaboration and intellectual curiosity.
Wesleyan University Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending Wesleyan University can be quite high, with the 2021-2022 total cost of attendance being approximately $78,408. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the university offers a robust financial aid program, with over 40% of students receiving need-based aid and the average financial aid package being around $49,000.
Wesleyan University Admissions
Admissions at Wesleyan University are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 17%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1330 to 1500 and ACT scores between 30 and 34. In addition to test scores, Wesleyan considers factors such as high school grades, extracurricular activities, and personal essays in their admission process.
Wesleyan University Degrees Offered
Wesleyan offers 45 majors, 17 minors, and 12 certificate programs through various departments and interdisciplinary programs. Some popular majors include Economics, Psychology, and English. The university is also well-known for its strong programs in the arts, including film, music, and theater.
Wesleyan University Academics
Wesleyan’s academics are rigorous, with a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 19 students. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary learning, and students have the opportunity to engage in research projects, independent studies, and study abroad opportunities.
Wesleyan University Diversity
Wesleyan University is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus community. Around 37% of students identify as students of color, and 12% are international students. The university offers various resources and programs to support diversity, including affinity groups, cultural centers, and academic support services.
Wesleyan University Students
Wesleyan’s student body is made up of around 3,000 undergraduate students, creating a close-knit and collaborative environment. Students are involved in various extracurricular activities, including over 200 student-run clubs and organizations, athletics, and community service initiatives.
Wesleyan University Campus
The Wesleyan campus covers 316 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture, along with ample green spaces for students to enjoy. On-campus housing is available for all students, with a variety of living options, including traditional dorms, program houses, and apartments.
Wesleyan University Alumni
Notable alumni of Wesleyan University include Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Broadway musicals “Hamilton” and “In the Heights,” and Joss Whedon, director and writer of “The Avengers” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Wesleyan University Rankings
Wesleyan is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Wesleyan was ranked #20 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Wesleyan University Outcomes
Graduates of Wesleyan University enjoy successful outcomes, with 93% of the Class of 2020 being employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Wesleyan graduates is $60,000.
Williams College Overview
Williams College, located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is a prestigious liberal arts college founded in 1793. It is well-known for its rigorous academics, close-knit community, and beautiful campus. With around 2,000 undergraduate students, Williams offers a supportive and collaborative environment.
Williams College Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance for Williams College in the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $76,400, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Like Wesleyan, Williams has a significant financial aid program, with 49% of students receiving need-based aid and the average financial aid package being around $56,000.
Williams College Admissions
Admissions at Williams College are extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of 13%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1410 to 1550 and ACT scores between 32 and 35. Williams also takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering factors such as high school grades, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.
Williams College Degrees Offered
Williams College offers 36 majors and various interdisciplinary concentrations. Popular majors at Williams include Economics, Biology, and Political Science. The college is also known for its strong arts programs and unique tutorial system, which pairs students with faculty members for one-on-one instruction.
Williams College Academics
The student-faculty ratio at Williams College is 6:1, with an average class size of 13 students. The academic program is designed to promote close collaboration between students and faculty, with a focus on research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Williams College Diversity
Around 38% of Williams College students identify as students of color, and 7% are international students. The college is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and offers various resources and programs to support students of all backgrounds.
Williams College Students
With approximately 2,000 undergraduate students, Williams College fosters a close-knit and supportive community. Students are engaged in various extracurricular activities, including over 150 clubs and organizations, athletics, and community service projects.
Williams College Campus
The Williams College campus spans over 450 acres in the picturesque Berkshire Mountains. Students enjoy a variety of housing options, including dormitories, co-op houses, and theme houses. The campus is also home to the Williams College Museum of Art, which features over 14,000 works of art.
Williams College Alumni
Notable Williams College alumni include author John Green, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins.
Williams College Rankings
Williams is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Williams was ranked #1 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Williams College Outcomes
Williams College graduates have a strong track record of success, with 94% of the Class of 2020 being employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other activities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Williams graduates is $61,500.
Wesleyan University vs Williams College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Wesleyan University and Williams College, both institutions have a similar total cost of attendance, with Wesleyan at $78,408 and Williams at $76,400 for the 2021-2022 academic year. However, the average financial aid package at Williams College is slightly higher ($56,000) than at Wesleyan University ($49,000). Ultimately, the net cost for a student will depend on their individual financial aid packages and any outside scholarships or grants they receive.
Wesleyan University vs Williams College Admissions Difficulty
Admissions to both Wesleyan University and Williams College are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 17% and 13% respectively. While both schools have high standards for their applicants, Williams College has slightly higher average test scores for admitted students. Regardless of these differences, both institutions take a holistic approach to admissions, considering various factors beyond test scores and grades.
Wesleyan University vs Williams College Academic Difficulty
Both Wesleyan University and Williams College are known for their rigorous academics and high-quality educational experiences. Both schools have low student-faculty ratios and small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and close collaboration between students and professors. While the specific academic experience may vary depending on the major and individual courses, students at both schools can expect to be challenged academically and have ample opportunities for research, independent study, and extracurricular involvement.
Wesleyan University vs Williams College Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Wesleyan University and Williams College have strong post-graduation outcomes, with high rates of employment, graduate school enrollment, or engagement in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The median starting salaries for graduates of both schools are comparable, with Williams College graduates earning slightly more ($61,500) than Wesleyan University graduates ($60,000). Overall, students at both institutions can expect to receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields.
