Wesleyan University, established in 1831, is a prestigious liberal arts college in Middletown, Connecticut, known for its progressive ethos and creative energy. The university's open curriculum encourages intellectual exploration across disciplines, with particular strengths in film studies, neuroscience, and the College of Letters interdisciplinary program. Wesleyan's faculty includes Pulitzer Prize winners and Guggenheim Fellows who mentor students in small class settings. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities like the Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life and the Center for the Arts, which hosts over 300 performances annually.
Wesleyan's alumni network includes influential figures like Lin-Manuel Miranda and numerous Pulitzer Prize winners. The university's commitment to diversity and social justice is reflected in its need-blind admissions policy. Wesleyan's vibrant arts scene, Division III athletics, and 200+ student organizations create a dynamic campus life. Its blend of academic rigor and creative freedom continues to attract intellectually curious students from around the world.
Wesleyan University Acceptance Rate
Wesleyan University is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 17.1% indicates that only 17 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, Wesleyan University considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Wesleyan University Admission Requirements
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Wesleyan University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Wesleyan University Average SAT Score: 1513
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Wesleyan University is 1513 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1513 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1540 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Wesleyan University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1450, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Wesleyan University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 750 | 730 | 770 |
| SAT Reading | 745 | 720 | 770 |
| SAT Composite | 1513 | 1450 | 1540 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1450 then you are below most of the admitted students at Wesleyan University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1540 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1500
Can I get into Wesleyan University with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Wesleyan University are good but the admission staff at Wesleyan University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Wesleyan University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Wesleyan University is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Wesleyan University Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 32 | 30 | 34 |
| ACT English | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 33 | 35 |
Can I get into Wesleyan University with a 35 ACT?
With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Wesleyan University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 34.Wesleyan University Profile
Name: Wesleyan University
City: Middletown
State: Delaware
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 6459
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Wesleyan University, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Does a degree from Wesleyan University Worth It?
Getting into Wesleyan University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Wesleyan University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Wesleyan University is USD: 82041.21 and unemployment rate is 3.27%.
How much does a degree from Wesleyan University Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Wesleyan University is USD: 85172. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Wesleyan University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
14.99% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 18.18 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Wesleyan University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Wesleyan University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Wesleyan University as your choice in the form.
How much a Wesleyan University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 73897. An average Wesleyan University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| Colby College | Colby College, ME | 1500 | 33 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | University of Maryland-College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Amherst College | Amherst College, MA | 1494 | 33 |
| Boston College | Boston College, MA | 1501 | 34 |
| Boston University | Boston University, MA | 1473 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Wesleyan University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1507 | 33 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1510 | 34 |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1514 | 34 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Wesleyan University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1554 | 35 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University, MD | 1553 | 35 |
| Harvard University | Harvard University, MA | 1553 | 35 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1553 | 35 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | Columbia University in the City of New York, NY | 1547 | 35 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Archeology
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Wesleyan University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $73897 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $85172 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Wesleyan University is 17.1 which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Wesleyan University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1513 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1450-1540
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Wesleyan University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.