Head-to-head comparison
Hamilton College vs. Wesleyan University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Hamilton or Wesleyan harder to get into?
Hamilton is harder to get into than Wesleyan. Hamilton's 13.6% acceptance rate is lower than Wesleyan's 16.5%.
Which is cheaper, Hamilton or Wesleyan?
Hamilton costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Hamilton's average net price is $28,985 vs $30,177 at Wesleyan.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Hamilton graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $78,411 at Hamilton and $73,897 at Wesleyan.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Hamilton | Wesleyan |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 13.6% | 16.5% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1450–1550 | 1415–1540 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,230 | $89,020 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $28,985 | $30,177 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,030 | 3,067 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 90.6% | 92.6% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $78,411 | $73,897 |
| Setting | Clinton, New York | Middletown, Connecticut |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Hamilton is modestly harder to get into. The 2.9-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.
Net cost is essentially the same at both schools after grants and scholarships, despite different sticker prices. Both schools meet most demonstrated need for in-range income brackets.
Wesleyan is substantially larger with 3,067 undergrads vs 2,030 at Hamilton. Bigger universities have more major options and broader research opportunities; smaller ones offer more access to faculty and tighter-knit communities.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Hamilton is in Clinton, New York; Wesleyan is in Middletown, Connecticut. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Hamilton is 55.6% women, 8.2% international, and 9.0% Asian-American. Wesleyan is 52.2% women, 9.9% international, and 9.0% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Hamilton | Wesleyan |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 55.6% | 52.2% |
| International | 8.2% | 9.9% |
| White | 62.2% | 53.6% |
| Asian | 9.0% | 9.0% |
| Hispanic | 9.7% | 10.8% |
| Black | 3.1% | 6.0% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Hamilton vs. Wesleyan?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Hamilton if
- Net price matters: Hamilton costs $1,192 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($78,411 vs $73,897)
- its open curriculum
Pick Wesleyan if
- Your odds are realistic at Wesleyan (slightly easier admit)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the College of Social Studies
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Hamilton College
13.6% accept · Clinton, New York
Full profile
Wesleyan University
16.5% accept · Middletown, Connecticut
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.