Wesleyan University vs. Duke

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Duke University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Duke University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (17,499 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Duke University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Duke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Duke University 5:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Duke Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University or Duke? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Duke University than Wesleyan University ($21,981 vs. $23,025).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Duke University are 8.8% lower than at Wesleyan University ($18,128 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Duke (about $1,584 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $68,758.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Wesleyan University than at Duke University (about $1,584 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $68,758.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duke University than at Wesleyan University (43% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by Duke University students ($65,995 vs. $65,522).

Wesleyan University vs. Duke Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wesleyan University or Duke? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Duke and Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duke University (1540) is 60 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Duke (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Duke University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Duke University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Duke - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Duke Jan 3, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Duke (5.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 58.8% at Duke.

Wesleyan University vs. Duke Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University and Duke? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Duke University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Wesleyan University's (92%).
• Graduates from Duke University earn a median of about $50,900 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($108,900 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Duke University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Wesleyan University graduates ($7,500 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Duke graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wesleyan University graduates ($77 vs. $180).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Duke students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 89%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.