Bates vs Wesleyan University Introduction
Choosing the right college is a life-changing decision, and comparing schools can be a daunting task. In this article, we will compare and contrast two prestigious liberal arts colleges: Bates College and Wesleyan University. We will provide an overview of each institution, then delve into specifics such as cost, admissions, academics, campus life, and outcomes. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a better understanding of what each school has to offer and whether they might be the right fit for you.
Bates Overview
Bates College, located in Lewiston, Maine, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1855. Known for its commitment to social justice, Bates offers a rigorous academic curriculum with over 35 majors. With a total undergraduate enrollment of around 1,800 students, Bates maintains an intimate and collaborative learning environment. Its beautiful 133-acre campus provides students with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and engagement in the surrounding community.
Bates Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Bates for the 2021-2022 academic year is $74,489, including tuition, room, board, and other fees. Bates is committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students and offers financial aid packages that consist of grants, work-study, and loans. Approximately 42% of Bates students receive financial aid, and the average financial aid package is $47,840.
Bates Admissions
Bates College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 17.6% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of accepted students had an SAT score between 1330 and 1470, and an ACT score between 30 and 34. However, Bates has a test-optional policy, meaning that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores. The college also offers both Early Decision and Regular Decision application options.
Bates Degrees Offered
Bates offers over 35 majors in a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. Some popular majors at Bates include economics, political science, psychology, and environmental studies. The college also has a strong emphasis on research, with over half of Bates students participating in faculty-mentored research or creative projects during their undergraduate years.
Bates Academics
Bates is known for its rigorous and engaging academic environment, with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 17. Professors at Bates are both scholars and mentors, dedicated to providing individualized attention and fostering intellectual curiosity. The college has an innovative general education program, emphasizing writing, speaking, and critical thinking across disciplines. Bates also requires students to complete a senior thesis or capstone project in their major, demonstrating mastery of their chosen field.
Bates Diversity
Bates is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on its campus. The college offers various programs and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds, such as the Office of Intercultural Education and the Bobcat First! program for first-generation college students. Bates also has a strong international community, with 8% of the student body hailing from over 50 countries.
Bates Students
Bates students are passionate, intellectually curious, and committed to making a positive impact on the world. With over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, there are numerous opportunities to get involved on campus and in the local community. Athletics play a significant role in the college’s culture, with nearly half of the student body participating in varsity, club, or intramural sports.
Bates Campus
The Bates campus is spread across 133 acres in the vibrant city of Lewiston, Maine. The college’s location provides students with access to various outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and kayaking. The campus itself features state-of-the-art facilities, including the recently renovated Ladd Library, the Peter J. Gomes Chapel, and the Olin Arts Center. Bates also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has numerous green initiatives in place.
Bates Alumni
Bates boasts a robust alumni network with graduates pursuing careers in various fields, including education, law, finance, and the arts. Some notable alumni include former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, author Elizabeth Strout, and actor Patrick Dempsey.
Bates Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, Bates College is ranked #23 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #24 in Best Value Schools. Forbes ranks Bates #84 in its Top Colleges list and #47 in its Private Colleges category.
Bates Outcomes
Bates has a strong record of preparing students for success after graduation. According to the college’s website, 97% of the class of 2020 were employed, in graduate school, or pursuing other opportunities within nine months of graduation. The average starting salary for Bates graduates is $53,000.
Wesleyan University Overview
Located in Middletown, Connecticut, Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college founded in 1831. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan offers over 45 majors across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,000 students and a 136-acre campus that provides a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Wesleyan Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Wesleyan University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $78,402, including tuition, room, board, and other fees. Wesleyan is committed to providing need-based financial aid, with over 50% of students receiving aid. The average financial aid package at the university is $50,922.
Wesleyan Admissions
Wesleyan has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 20% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of accepted students had an SAT score between 1290 and 1480, and an ACT score between 30 and 34. Like Bates, Wesleyan has a test-optional policy, and applicants can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores. The university offers Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision application options.
Wesleyan Degrees Offered
Wesleyan offers over 45 majors and numerous minors, ranging from traditional liberal arts disciplines to interdisciplinary fields. Popular majors at the university include economics, psychology, English, and film studies. Wesleyan is also known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate research, with more than 40% of students participating in faculty-mentored research projects.
Wesleyan Academics
With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 19, Wesleyan provides a highly personalized and intellectually stimulating academic environment. Professors are dedicated to engaging students in active learning, and the university’s curriculum encourages interdisciplinary exploration. Wesleyan has a unique general education program called the “Connection,” which requires students to take courses that connect different disciplines or perspectives.
Wesleyan Diversity
Wesleyan is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university offers various resources and programs to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including the Office of Equity & Inclusion and the First-Generation Student Program. Approximately 30% of Wesleyan’s student body identifies as students of color, and the university has a vibrant international community.
Wesleyan Students
Wesleyan students are known for their creativity, intellectual curiosity, and social engagement. The university offers over 300 student-run clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved both on and off-campus. Athletics are also an important part of campus life, with over 20% of students participating in varsity sports.
Wesleyan Campus
Wesleyan University’s scenic 316-acre campus is situated in Middletown, Connecticut, offering a mix of urban and rural environments. The campus is home to numerous academic, residential, and recreational facilities, including the Center for the Arts, the Allbritton Center, and the Freeman Athletic Center. Wesleyan is also committed to sustainability, with several green initiatives in place.
Wesleyan Alumni
Wesleyan alumni have achieved success in various fields, including business, law, education, and the arts. Notable alumni include Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, former White House Chief of Staff John Podesta, and author Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket).
Wesleyan Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, Wesleyan University is ranked #17 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #36 in Best Value Schools. Forbes ranks Wesleyan #59 in its Top Colleges list and #31 in its Private Colleges category.
Wesleyan Outcomes
Wesleyan boasts impressive outcomes for its graduates, with a 97% success rate for the class of 2020. Success is defined as full-time employment, enrollment in graduate school, or engagement in other meaningful pursuits within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Wesleyan graduates is $60,000.
Bates vs Wesleyan Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of Bates and Wesleyan, it’s important to consider tuition, room, board, and other fees. The estimated cost of attendance for Bates in the 2021-2022 academic year is $74,489, while the estimated cost at Wesleyan is $78,402. Both schools are committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of admitted students, with Bates offering an average financial aid package of $47,840 and Wesleyan providing an average package of $50,922.
Bates vs Wesleyan Admissions Difficulty
Bates and Wesleyan both have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 17.6% and 20%, respectively. The middle 50% of SAT scores for accepted students at Bates falls between 1330 and 1470, while the range for Wesleyan is 1290 and 1480. Both schools have test-optional policies and offer Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision application options.
Bates vs Wesleyan Academic Difficulty
Both Bates and Wesleyan offer rigorous academic programs with low student-to-faculty ratios (10:1 at Bates and 7:1 at Wesleyan) and small class sizes. The two schools emphasize interdisciplinary learning, undergraduate research opportunities, and a strong general education curriculum. Bates requires students to complete a senior thesis or capstone project, while Wesleyan has a unique “Connection” general education program that encourages students to explore connections between disciplines.
Bates vs Wesleyan Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates from both Bates and Wesleyan are impressive, with 97% of students from the class of 2020 employed, in graduate school, or pursuing other opportunities within six months to nine months of graduation, respectively. The average starting salary for graduates from Bates is $53,000, while the average starting salary for Wesleyan graduates is $60,000. Both schools have strong alumni networks and notable alumni in various fields.
