What Does It Really Cost to Attend Wesleyan University?

Although there are exceptional colleges across the U.S., New England is especially known for being a hot spot for higher education. So, it’s no surprise that the schools in this region boast high price tags along with their impressive pedigrees. Located in Connecticut, Wesleyan University is no exception.

While the high sticker price may make students think twice about applying to Wesleyan, it’s important to note that most applicants don’t pay the rates listed in the brochures. In fact, college costs are highly variable, with private schools like Wesleyan often providing students with significant financial aid. Read on to discover what it really costs to attend Wesleyan University.

Why College Costs Are Highly Variable

Many of the top universities in the U.S. come with high sticker prices. However, families should be cognizant of the fact that most college students don’t pay the list price. Instead, one should consider the college’s net price, which is the list price minus government aid, institutional grants, and any other scholarships students receive.

While parents may assume that public schools cost less, the truth is that private colleges tend to be able to provide more money in financial aid, thanks to their large endowments. It’s worth considering all the options out there, as private schools may end up being cheaper than state schools for some families.

What Is the List Price at Wesleyan University?

Wesleyan University has a high list price. As of the 2016-2017 academic year, the total price for tuition, room, and board for students was $67,527. However, in most cases, only families earning over $175,000 a year paid this rate.

What Is the Wesleyan University Financial Aid Net Price?

The financial aid net price, or net price, is the cost a student actually pays to attend college after factoring in financial aid. For the 2016-2017 school year, the net price at Wesleyan University was $57,594.

What Is the Family Income-Based Cost of Attending Wesleyan University?

Average net price at Wesleyan University varies based on a family’s income level. Below are the average costs paid by Wesleyan students depending on family salary:

How Much Merit Aid Do Wesleyan Students Receive?

Merit aid is a scholarship granted to students based on achievements, whether in or out of the classroom. Wesleyan University does not offer any merit aid, and instead only awards scholarships based on financial need.

How Many Wesleyan University Students Take Out Loans?

Many college students take out loans in order to cover the cost of tuition. The average loan amount for Wesleyan University students is $2,899 total across all four years, with 58% of students receiving this form of aid.

Student Outcomes at Wesleyan University

When evaluating whether Wesleyan University is the right choice for your teenager, it’s important to assess student outcomes at this institution. Because the school boasts a six-year graduation rate of 91%, students can feel relatively confident that they will finish on schedule. With an average salary of $54,700 ten years out, the return on investment for a Wesleyan education is relatively strong.

Local Area Cost Considerations

Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, Connecticut. Situated in the center of the state, Middletown has a higher cost of living that can be prohibitive to some applicants. The cost of living index is 112, which is 12% greater than the national average. Housing is particularly expensive, and students living off campus can expect to spend $980 for a one-bedroom rental, $1220 for a two-bedroom, and $1530 for a three-bedroom.

Some students opt to work part time to make ends meet while attending school. Connecticut’s minimum wage is $10.10, and the average salary in this town is $63,828.

Ways to Save Money on College

If your student’s plan is to work while attending school, they might have the option of taking a work-study job on campus, or finding a part-time position off campus. Work-study jobs are ideal because they often allow students to read or do homework while earning a paycheck, such as being a library desk aide.

Independent scholarships offer another way for students to reduce their tuition costs. One of the best-known academic competitions, the National Merit Scholarship program offers grants to students scoring in the top 1 percent on the PSAT. Around 15,000 students receive funding from this program each year. Additionally, Wesleyan students can find more scholarship opportunities on the school website.

Want access to expert college guidance — for free? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.