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College comparison
Vassar 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 |  Vassar Poughkeepsie, NY |  Wesleyan Middletown, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateWesleyan University is more selective | 19% | 16% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1450–1550 | 1415–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,444 | 3,067 |
| Avg net price | $39,343 | $30,177 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Wesleyan reports higher median earnings | $71,366 | $73,897 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 93% |
| Median debt | $18,625 | $17,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.1% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Vassar vs Wesleyan: how they compare
Two liberal arts colleges with distinct personalities and similar quantitative profiles.
By the numbers Both schools are highly selective, with Wesleyan slightly more so (16% vs. 19% acceptance). Student academic preparedness is similar (SAT 25-75: Wesleyan 1415–1540, Vassar 1450–1550). Outcomes are strong: Wesleyan edges Vassar in 10-year median earnings ($74k vs. $71k) and graduation rate (93% vs. 91%), while both produce future scholars at a similar rate (S&E PhD yield: 7.3 vs. 7). Financially, both are very healthy (DOE score: 3.0/3). The key divergence is in value and mobility: Wesleyan’s lower average net price ($30k vs. $39k) generates a higher earnings-per-dollar value (2.4× vs. 1.8×), and its economic-mobility rate is substantially higher (196% vs. 109%).
Where they overlap These are peer institutions with largely open curriculums, a strong liberal arts focus, and engaged student bodies. Both offer campus life, encourage multiple majors, and are known for academic rigor within a collaborative environment.
How they differ The distinction is one of culture and emphasis. Vassar fosters a tight-knit, supportive community in a suburban setting, with a focus on the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Wesleyan, located in a small city, is noted for an intense intellectual environment, with strengths in the sciences, film, and performing arts.
Who each suits Vassar suits a student seeking a cohesive campus community with a creative and humanistic ethos. Wesleyan is a match for an independently minded student drawn to its dynamic, intellectually charged environment and programs in specific pre-professional and scientific fields.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Vassar College or Wesleyan University harder to get into?
- Wesleyan University is more selective: Vassar College's acceptance rate is approximately 19% and Wesleyan University's is approximately 16% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Vassar College vs Wesleyan University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1550 at Vassar 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.