Denison University vs Wesleyan University
Denison University is highly selective with a 16.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Wesleyan University (17.1%). Graduates of Wesleyan University earn $6,144 more per year at the 10-year mark ($73,897 vs $67,753). For families earning $48k–$75k, Wesleyan University is more affordable at $6,175 net price vs $15,451. Students at Wesleyan University graduate with less debt ($17,000 vs $26,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Wesleyan University has a higher yield rate (31.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Wesleyan University has a higher median SAT (1510 vs 1380).
Granville, OH
Middletown, CT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Wesleyan University is more affordable at $4,871 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $46,510 vs $51,140.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Wesleyan University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (15%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Denison University
- 1 Economics$50,439
- 2 History$38,289
- 3 Political Science and Government$37,208
- 4 Communication and Media Studies$36,134
- 5 International Relations and National Security Studies$35,060
Wesleyan University
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities$36,334
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Denison University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 International Business
- 5 Research and Experimental Psychology
Wesleyan University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 English Language and Literature, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Denison University
- International students17%
- Tuition (international)$55,420
- Est. total cost/year$70,400
- School typePublic
Wesleyan University
- International students11%
- Tuition (international)$59,086
- Est. total cost/year$76,070
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 17% international enrollment, Denison University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Denison University or Wesleyan University?
Denison University is more selective with a 16.9% acceptance rate, compared to 17.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Denison University or Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $73,897 compared to $67,753. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Denison University or Wesleyan University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Wesleyan University has a lower net price at $6,175 per year vs $15,451. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Denison University vs Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 92.1%, compared to 80.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Denison University or Wesleyan University?
Denison University has a larger international student population at 17% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Denison University and Wesleyan University?
At Denison University, Economics graduates earn a median of $50,439 within two years. At Wesleyan University, the top-earning major is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $36,334. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.