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College comparison
Hamilton vs Wesleyan
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Hamilton Clinton, NY |  Wesleyan Middletown, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHamilton College is more selective | 14% | 16% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1450–1550 | 1415–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,030 | 3,067 |
| Avg net price | $28,985 | $30,177 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Hamilton reports higher median earnings | $78,411 | $73,897 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 93% |
| Median debt | $17,000 | $17,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.3% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Hamilton vs Wesleyan: how they compare
Hamilton College and Wesleyan University are both well-resourced liberal arts colleges where the choice often comes down to campus environment and cultural temperament.
By the numbers Hamilton is more selective (14% acceptance vs. 16%) with a higher SAT mid-range (1450–1550 vs. 1415–1540). It shows stronger outcomes on some key metrics: a higher 10-year median earnings figure ($78k vs. $74k), a better calculated value ratio (2.7× vs. 2.4× earnings per dollar of net price), and a significantly higher economic mobility rate (230% vs. 196%). Wesleyan, however, has a higher graduation rate (93% vs. 91%) and a perfect DOE financial health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.9/3). It also reports a high "future-scholar" yield, with 7.3% of its graduates eventually earning a Science & Engineering PhD.
Where they overlap Both institutions attract high-achieving students. They are similarly priced for the average student (avg. net price ~$29–30k) and are known for their academic rigor and resources. Admissions are competitive.
How they differ The core difference is setting and social atmosphere. Hamilton is in a suburban location, fostering a more self-contained, traditional residential college experience. Wesleyan, situated in a small city, offers a more eclectic and artistically vibrant campus culture with greater integration into an urban environment.
Who each suits Hamilton suits a student who thrives in a close-knit campus community and prioritizes strong early-career earnings potential. Wesleyan is ideal for the independently minded, artistically or socially engaged student drawn to a progressive culture with a notable pipeline into academic and research careers.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Hamilton College or Wesleyan University harder to get into?
- Hamilton College is more selective: Hamilton College's acceptance rate is approximately 14% and Wesleyan University's is approximately 16% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Hamilton College vs Wesleyan University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1550 at Hamilton College and 1415–1540 at Wesleyan University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.