Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, with many factors to consider such as tuition costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. In this article, we will compare and contrast two prestigious liberal arts colleges, Amherst College and Wesleyan University, to help you make an informed decision.
Amherst Overview
Amherst College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a highly regarded liberal arts college with a reputation for academic excellence. Founded in 1821, Amherst offers a diverse and inclusive environment for students to learn and grow, both academically and personally.
Amherst Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Amherst College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $60,890, with an additional $15,590 for room and board. However, Amherst is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all students, offering generous financial aid packages to cover these costs for those in need.
Amherst Admissions
Admission to Amherst College is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 13%. Successful applicants typically have a strong academic record, including high SAT or ACT scores, a challenging high school curriculum, and a demonstrated commitment to extracurricular activities and community involvement.
Amherst Degrees Offered
Amherst College offers over 40 major fields of study, including popular areas such as economics, English, political science, and psychology. The college also offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to create their own interdisciplinary major if desired.
Amherst Academics
Academic life at Amherst is characterized by small class sizes, close faculty-student relationships, and a focus on critical thinking and independent research. The college’s open curriculum allows students to explore a wide range of subjects and encourages intellectual curiosity.
Amherst Diversity
Amherst College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. Nearly 50% of the student body identifies as students of color, and the college offers numerous resources and support services to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Amherst Students
With a total enrollment of around 1,800 students, Amherst College provides a close-knit and supportive community for students to thrive. Student life is rich and varied, with over 150 clubs and organizations, a vibrant arts scene, and a strong emphasis on community engagement.
Amherst Campus
Amherst College’s picturesque campus is located in the historic and charming town of Amherst. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern science center, an expansive arts center, and impressive athletic facilities.
Amherst Alumni
Amherst College boasts a long list of successful and accomplished alumni, including Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, and prominent figures in business, law, and academia.
Amherst Rankings
Amherst College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Amherst was ranked 2nd among national liberal arts colleges.
Amherst Outcomes
Amherst College graduates have a strong track record of success, with a 93% graduation rate and high employment rates. Many graduates go on to pursue further education at prestigious graduate and professional schools.
Wesleyan University Overview
Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, is a highly regarded liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and social activism. Founded in 1831, Wesleyan offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment for students.
Wesleyan Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Wesleyan University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $59,086, with an additional $16,954 for room and board. Like Amherst, Wesleyan is committed to making education accessible for all students and offers generous financial aid packages to cover these costs for those in need.
Wesleyan Admissions
Admission to Wesleyan University is also highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 17%. Successful applicants typically have strong academic records, high SAT or ACT scores, and demonstrate a commitment to extracurricular activities and community involvement.
Wesleyan Degrees Offered
Wesleyan University offers over 50 major fields of study, ranging from the humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and mathematics. Popular majors include economics, psychology, and English.
Wesleyan Academics
Wesleyan University prides itself on its rigorous academic programs, which emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and original research. The university’s flexible curriculum allows students to customize their educational experience to suit their interests and goals.
Wesleyan Diversity
Diversity is an important aspect of Wesleyan University’s campus culture. Over 40% of the student body identifies as students of color, and the university offers numerous resources and support services to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Wesleyan Students
With a total enrollment of around 3,000 students, Wesleyan University offers a close-knit community for students to learn, grow, and develop lifelong friendships. Student life at Wesleyan is diverse and vibrant, with over 250 clubs and organizations, a thriving arts scene, and numerous opportunities for community engagement.
Wesleyan Campus
Wesleyan University’s beautiful 316-acre campus is located in the scenic city of Middletown. The campus features impressive academic facilities, such as the Exley Science Center and the Center for the Arts, as well as extensive athletic facilities.
Wesleyan Alumni
Wesleyan University has produced a long list of distinguished alumni, including numerous leaders in the fields of business, the arts, and social activism.
Wesleyan Rankings
Wesleyan University consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Wesleyan was ranked 20th among national liberal arts colleges.
Wesleyan Outcomes
Wesleyan University graduates have a strong record of success, with a 91% graduation rate and high employment rates. Many graduates also go on to pursue further education at top graduate and professional schools.
Amherst vs Wesleyan University Cost Comparison
Although tuition costs at both Amherst College and Wesleyan University are similar, there are some differences to consider. Amherst’s tuition ($60,890) is slightly higher than Wesleyan’s ($59,086), but Amherst’s room and board costs ($15,590) are lower than Wesleyan’s ($16,954). Both schools offer generous financial aid packages, so the net cost of attendance will depend on each student’s individual financial situation.
Amherst vs Wesleyan University Admissions Difficulty
Both Amherst and Wesleyan are highly competitive in their admissions, with acceptance rates of 13% and 17% respectively. Applicants to both schools should have strong academic records, high standardized test scores, and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.
Amherst vs Wesleyan University Academic Difficulty
Academic rigor is a hallmark of both Amherst College and Wesleyan University, with both schools offering challenging curricula and emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and research. The academic environment at both institutions is highly supportive, with small class sizes, accessible faculty, and ample resources for student success.
Amherst vs Wesleyan University Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Amherst College and Wesleyan University enjoy high levels of success, with strong graduation rates (93% for Amherst and 91% for Wesleyan) and excellent employment prospects. Additionally, many graduates from both schools go on to pursue advanced degrees at prestigious graduate and professional schools.
