Choosing the right college or university is a challenging and important decision. In this guide, we will compare Wesleyan University and Holy Cross in various aspects, such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes, to help you make an informed decision.
Wesleyan University Overview
Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a private liberal arts college located in Middletown, Connecticut. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong focus on the liberal arts and sciences. Wesleyan is known for its vibrant campus life and strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Wesleyan University Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attending Wesleyan University for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $78,000. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Approximately 52% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Wesleyan University Admissions
Wesleyan University is considered a highly selective institution, with an acceptance rate of 17%. The admissions process includes a review of applicants’ high school records, test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT range of 1380-1530 and an ACT range of 31-34.
Wesleyan University Degrees Offered
Wesleyan University offers a wide range of degree programs, including over 45 majors, 17 minors, and 12 certificate programs. The most popular majors include Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Psychology. The university also offers graduate programs in areas such as liberal studies, music, and science in society.
Wesleyan University Academics
The university has a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support from faculty. The average class size is 18 students, allowing for intimate and engaging classroom discussions. Wesleyan is also a member of the prestigious New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).
Wesleyan University Diversity
Wesleyan University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. Approximately 43% of students identify as a person of color, and 10% are international students. The university offers various support services and affinity groups to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Wesleyan University Students
Wesleyan University has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,000 students. Students come from all 50 states and over 70 countries, creating a diverse and global community. The university offers over 200 student clubs and organizations, providing opportunities for students to engage in a variety of interests and activities outside the classroom.
Wesleyan University Campus
The Wesleyan University campus spans 316 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The campus offers various facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries, a student center, dining options, and recreational facilities. The university’s athletic facilities include a fitness center, pool, indoor track, and several playing fields.
Wesleyan University Alumni
Wesleyan University has a strong alumni network, with over 30,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include filmmakers Joss Whedon and Michael Bay, writer and producer Matthew Weiner, and musician Amanda Palmer. Many alumni remain engaged with the university through events, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Wesleyan University Rankings
Wesleyan University consistently ranks highly in various college ranking lists. U.S. News & World Report ranks Wesleyan as the 17th best National Liberal Arts College in the United States. The university also ranks highly for value, innovation, and undergraduate teaching.
Wesleyan University Outcomes
Wesleyan University boasts a 93% six-year graduation rate, and 91% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months after graduation. The university’s career center offers resources and support for students and alumni in their career development and job search efforts.
Holy Cross Overview
The College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843, is a private Jesuit liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Holy Cross emphasizes intellectual development, critical thinking, and ethical values in its curriculum. The college is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to social justice.
Holy Cross Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attending Holy Cross for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $72,000. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. Approximately 60% of students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Holy Cross Admissions
Holy Cross has an acceptance rate of 38%, making it a moderately selective institution. The admissions process includes a review of applicants’ high school records, test scores (optional), extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The middle 50% of admitted students have a SAT range of 1310-1460 and an ACT range of 29-33.
Holy Cross Degrees Offered
Holy Cross offers 30 majors and a variety of minors and concentrations. The most popular majors include Economics, Psychology, Political Science, Biology, and English. The college also offers a variety of interdisciplinary programs and study abroad opportunities.
Holy Cross Academics
Holy Cross has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. The college is committed to providing a rigorous and engaging academic experience, with an emphasis on discussion-based learning and faculty-student collaboration on research projects.
Holy Cross Diversity
Approximately 29% of Holy Cross students identify as a person of color, and 5% are international students. The college is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various support services, affinity groups, and campus programming.
Holy Cross Students
Holy Cross has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,100 students. The college offers over 100 student clubs and organizations, providing opportunities for students to explore interests and activities outside the classroom.
Holy Cross Campus
The Holy Cross campus spans 174 acres and features a mix of Gothic and contemporary architecture. The campus offers various facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, a student center, dining options, and recreational facilities. The college’s athletic facilities include a fitness center, pool, indoor track, and several playing fields.
Holy Cross Alumni
Holy Cross has a strong alumni network, with over 35,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include author and journalist James Carroll, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and television personality Chris Matthews. Many alumni remain engaged with the college through events, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Holy Cross Rankings
Holy Cross consistently ranks highly in various college ranking lists. U.S. News & World Report ranks Holy Cross as the 39th best National Liberal Arts College in the United States. The college also ranks highly for value, undergraduate teaching, and alumni giving.
Holy Cross Outcomes
Holy Cross boasts a 92% six-year graduation rate, and 78% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months after graduation. The college’s career center offers resources and support for students and alumni in their career development and job search efforts.
Wesleyan University vs Holy Cross: Cost Comparison
Wesleyan University’s total cost of attendance is approximately $78,000, while Holy Cross’s cost is around $72,000. Both institutions offer a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Approximately 52% of Wesleyan students and 60% of Holy Cross students receive some form of financial aid.
Wesleyan University vs Holy Cross: Admissions Difficulty
Wesleyan University has a lower acceptance rate (17%) compared to Holy Cross (38%), making it more difficult to gain admission. Both institutions have a holistic review process that takes into account an applicant’s high school records, test scores (optional for Holy Cross), extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
Wesleyan University vs Holy Cross: Academic Difficulty
Both Wesleyan University and Holy Cross offer rigorous academic programs, with small class sizes and student-faculty ratios of 8:1 and 10:1, respectively. Both institutions emphasize discussion-based learning and faculty-student collaboration on research projects.
Wesleyan University vs Holy Cross: Outcome Comparison
Wesleyan University and Holy Cross both have strong outcomes, with six-year graduation rates of 93% and 92%, respectively. Additionally, 91% of Wesleyan graduates and 78% of Holy Cross graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months after graduation. Both institutions offer career centers that provide resources and support for students and alumni in their career development and job search efforts.
