Brandeis vs Wesleyan University

Brandeis University and Wesleyan University, both esteemed private institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Brandeis, situated in Waltham, Massachusetts, boasts a lower acceptance rate (20%) compared to Wesleyan's (28%) in Middletown, Connecticut. While Brandeis students predominantly pursue majors in the social sciences, humanities, and biological sciences, Wesleyan's curriculum emphasizes the arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Brandeis University	Wesleyan University
Overview
Location	Waltham, Massachusetts	Middletown, Connecticut
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	39.1%	19.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $75	$55
SAT range	1370 - 1530	1300 - 1510
ACT range	31 - 34	31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	40.0%	51.0%
Students submitting ACT score	17.0%	27.0%
Total number of applicants	9,796	13,067
Total number of admissions given out	3,834	2,540
Admitted students who chose to enroll	943	910
Yield rate	24.6%	35.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$75,006	$82,245
Average net price	$35,147	$20,535
Tuition	$59,408	$61,449
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,380 Meal plan: $7,070	$17,531
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	83.0% Average amount $29,119	40.0% Average amount $58,925
Students receiving federal student loan	26.0% Average amount $3,948	18.0% Average amount $3,834
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $22,397	2.0% Average amount $27,881

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,591 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	3,385 Men 43.8% Women 56.2%
Graduate students	1,967 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	196 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	90.3%
International students	25.4%	11.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,950	3,063
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi New York New Jersey California Connecticut	New York California Connecticut New Jersey Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Mathematics and Statistics Computer and Information Science	Social Sciences Psychology Ethnic Studies Visual & Performing Arts Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	8:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	87.5%	91.0%
Dropout rate	4.5%	3.6%
Transferred out	7.2%	5.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,340 Year 2: $80,309 Year 3: $101,400 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,678 Year 2: $72,214 Year 3: $85,160 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,105 Year 2: $66,401 Year 3: $70,790 Economics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,731 Year 2: $55,840 Year 3: $64,826 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,010 Year 2: $54,192 Year 3: $63,166 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,126 Year 2: $55,286 Year 3: $59,597 Anthropology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $49,902 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,983 Year 2: $44,356 Year 3: $49,523 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,142 Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: $47,023 Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,477 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $46,669	Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $53,847 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,232 Year 2: $36,334 Year 3: $45,541

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Brandeis University and Wesleyan University?

Brandeis University, founded in 1948, is a private research university with a strong emphasis on social justice and a commitment to Jewish values, though it is non-sectarian. Wesleyan University, established in 1831, is a private liberal arts college known for its open curriculum, interdisciplinary studies, and strong arts programs. Brandeis offers a wider range of graduate programs, while Wesleyan focuses primarily on undergraduate education. Location is also a key difference: Brandeis is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, while Wesleyan is in Middletown, Connecticut.
How do the academic environments compare at Brandeis and Wesleyan?

Both Brandeis and Wesleyan offer rigorous academic environments. Wesleyan is particularly known for its 'open curriculum,' allowing students significant freedom in choosing their courses and designing their own majors. Brandeis, while also offering flexibility, has more structured requirements within its various departments. Both institutions encourage interdisciplinary study and critical thinking, but Wesleyan's open curriculum provides a unique level of academic autonomy.
Which school is stronger in the sciences?

Both Brandeis and Wesleyan have strong science programs. Brandeis, as a research university, offers more extensive research opportunities, particularly at the graduate level, and has well-funded labs. Wesleyan also provides excellent research opportunities for undergraduates, and is known for its strong programs in biology, chemistry, and physics. The 'better' school depends on your specific scientific interests and whether you are seeking undergraduate or graduate-level research opportunities.
How do the campus cultures differ?

Brandeis has a strong sense of community, often described as collaborative and socially conscious. Its founding as a non-sectarian university supported by the Jewish community fosters a commitment to social justice and inclusivity. Wesleyan is known for its progressive and artistic campus culture, with a strong emphasis on individuality and self-expression. It tends to be more politically active and has a vibrant arts scene.
What are the differences in student body size and demographics?

Brandeis has a larger student body than Wesleyan, with a significant graduate student population. This larger size can offer a wider range of perspectives and experiences. Wesleyan is a smaller, more intimate liberal arts college, fostering closer relationships between students and faculty. Both institutions attract a diverse student body, but their specific demographics may vary slightly year to year. Check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
How do the locations of Brandeis and Wesleyan affect the student experience?

Brandeis's location in Waltham, Massachusetts, provides easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of Boston. Students can easily take advantage of internships, museums, and other resources in the city. Wesleyan's location in Middletown, Connecticut, offers a more traditional college town experience. While Middletown is smaller than Boston, it provides a close-knit community and easy access to outdoor activities. Both locations offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences.
What are the costs of attending Brandeis and Wesleyan, and what financial aid options are available?

The cost of attendance at both Brandeis and Wesleyan is high, as is typical of private universities. However, both institutions offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need. It's essential to visit their respective financial aid websites to understand the specific costs, available scholarships, and application processes. Net price calculators on their websites can provide an estimate of your potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Which school is better for students interested in the arts and humanities?

Both Brandeis and Wesleyan offer strong programs in the arts and humanities. Wesleyan is particularly renowned for its arts programs, including theater, dance, music, and film. Its open curriculum allows students to deeply explore these areas. Brandeis also has excellent programs in the humanities and creative arts, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches. The 'better' school depends on your specific artistic interests and preferred learning environment.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at Brandeis and Wesleyan?

Both Brandeis and Wesleyan offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services include career counseling, resume workshops, internship opportunities, and networking events. Both universities also have active alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and support. Brandeis's proximity to Boston may offer more immediate access to certain industries, while Wesleyan's strong alumni network is particularly helpful in fields like media and the arts.
Are there any specific programs or departments where one school clearly excels over the other?

While both are strong across many disciplines, Brandeis is particularly well-regarded for its Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, social policy, and business programs. Wesleyan is exceptionally strong in the performing arts, film studies, and creative writing. Consider your specific academic interests when evaluating which school is a better fit.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Brandeis

University of California-Berkeley