Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, as numerous factors must be considered. In this article, we compare Wesleyan University and Randolph-Macon College, two reputable institutions with distinct characteristics. We will explore various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and outcomes, to help you make an informed decision about which school may be right for you.
Wesleyan University Overview
Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a private liberal arts college located in Middletown, Connecticut. It is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and notable alumni. The campus spans 316 acres and has a student body of around 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and interests.
Wesleyan University Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Wesleyan University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $78,454, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the school offers need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships, which can help offset the cost for eligible students. Approximately 50% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Wesleyan University Admissions
Wesleyan University has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 17%. Prospective students must submit an application, official high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (optional). The average SAT score for incoming students is between 1300 and 1480, and the average ACT score is between 30 and 33.
Wesleyan University Degrees Offered
Wesleyan offers over 50 majors and 65 minors across various fields of study, including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, and interdisciplinary programs. Students can also create their own customized major with faculty guidance.
Wesleyan University Academics
Wesleyan is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities. The university has a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members.
Wesleyan University Diversity
Wesleyan boasts a diverse student body, with 47% of students identifying as students of color. In addition, 15% of students are international, representing over 80 countries.
Wesleyan University Students
Wesleyan students are highly engaged both academically and in extracurricular activities. There are over 300 student-run clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of interests, including sports, arts, culture, and community service.
Wesleyan University Campus
The 316-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and the arts. The campus also offers a variety of housing options, including residence halls, program houses, and apartments.
Wesleyan University Alumni
Notable alumni of Wesleyan University include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joss Whedon, and Bill Belichick. Graduates have gone on to succeed in various fields, such as entertainment, sports, politics, and academia.
Wesleyan University Rankings
Wesleyan consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it is ranked #20 among national liberal arts colleges.
Wesleyan University Outcomes
Wesleyan graduates have a strong track record of success, with a 91% six-year graduation rate. Within six months of graduation, 84% of graduates are employed, attending graduate school, or engaged in other meaningful activities.
Randolph-Macon College Overview
Randolph-Macon College, founded in 1830, is a private liberal arts college located in Ashland, Virginia. It offers a strong liberal arts curriculum, with an emphasis on faculty-student interaction and experiential learning. The campus spans 116 acres and is home to approximately 1,500 undergraduate students.
Randolph-Macon College Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Randolph-Macon College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $60,370, including tuition, fees, room, and board. The college offers a variety of financial aid options, including need-based grants and merit-based scholarships. Approximately 99% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Randolph-Macon College Admissions
Randolph-Macon College is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 73%. Prospective students must submit an application, official high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (optional). The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1070 and 1260, and the average ACT score is between 21 and 27.
Randolph-Macon College Degrees Offered
Randolph-Macon offers over 50 majors and minors across various fields of study, including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, and interdisciplinary programs.
Randolph-Macon College Academics
Academics at Randolph-Macon emphasize close faculty-student interaction, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college encourages experiential learning through internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.
Randolph-Macon College Diversity
Randolph-Macon has a diverse student body, with 33% of students identifying as students of color. The college also has a growing international student population, with students representing over 20 countries.
Randolph-Macon College Students
Students at Randolph-Macon are involved in a range of extracurricular activities, with over 90 student-run clubs and organizations available. In addition, the college offers 18 varsity sports teams, competing at the NCAA Division III level.
Randolph-Macon College Campus
The Randolph-Macon campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with recent investments in state-of-the-art academic facilities and residence halls. The college also offers a variety of dining options, including a recently renovated dining hall and on-campus cafes.
Randolph-Macon College Alumni
Notable alumni of Randolph-Macon College include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Glenn Frankel and U.S. Representative Robert Hurt. Graduates have gone on to succeed in various fields, such as journalism, politics, business, and academia.
Randolph-Macon College Rankings
Randolph-Macon College is ranked #126 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report for the 2022 rankings.
Randolph-Macon College Outcome
The six-year graduation rate at Randolph-Macon College is 58%. Within six months of graduation, approximately 96% of graduates are employed, attending graduate school, or engaged in other meaningful activities.
Wesleyan vs Randolph-Macon Cost Comparison
Wesleyan University has a higher estimated total cost of attendance at $78,454, compared to Randolph-Macon College’s $60,370. However, both schools offer financial aid packages to help offset the costs for eligible students. It is essential to consider individual financial aid offers when comparing the overall costs between the two institutions.
Wesleyan vs Randolph-Macon Admissions Difficulty
Wesleyan University is more selective in its admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 17%, compared to the 73% acceptance rate at Randolph-Macon College. Wesleyan also has higher average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students. However, both schools have a holistic admissions process, meaning they consider factors beyond test scores and grades.
Wesleyan vs Randolph-Macon Academic Difficulty
Both Wesleyan University and Randolph-Macon College are known for their strong liberal arts curricula and commitment to undergraduate education. Wesleyan has a lower student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, compared to Randolph-Macon’s 12:1, which could suggest more personalized attention from faculty at Wesleyan. However, both schools offer small class sizes and opportunities for undergraduate research and experiential learning.
Wesleyan vs Randolph-Macon Outcome Comparison
Wesleyan University has a higher six-year graduation rate (91%) compared to Randolph-Macon College (58%). Additionally, 84% of Wesleyan graduates are employed or engaged in meaningful activities within six months of graduation, compared to 96% for Randolph-Macon. Although there is a difference in outcomes between the two schools, individual experiences and career goals will ultimately determine the best fit for each student.
