Choosing the right college can be a difficult decision, as every school has its unique offerings. In this article, we will compare two well-known colleges: Wesleyan and Berry College. We will analyze the costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes for each institution. This comparison will help prospective students make an informed decision about which college is the best fit for their needs and goals.
Wesleyan Overview
Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college located in Middletown, Connecticut. Founded in 1831, the university is known for its strong emphasis on academics, research, and social activism. With a student body of around 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students, Wesleyan offers a close-knit community where students can pursue their passions and interests.
Wesleyan Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attending Wesleyan for the 2021-2022 academic year is $78,548. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and 42% of students receive need-based aid. The average need-based aid package is $40,147.
Wesleyan Admissions
Wesleyan has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 17%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1340-1480 and an ACT range of 30-34. The application deadline for Regular Decision is January 1st, and the Early Decision deadline is November 15th for ED I and January 1st for ED II.
Wesleyan Degrees Offered
Wesleyan offers over 40 undergraduate majors, 14 minors, and 12 certificate programs. Some popular majors include Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Humanities, and Visual and Performing Arts. Wesleyan also offers graduate programs in a few select fields, like music, film, and the sciences.
Wesleyan Academics
Known for its strong academic programs, Wesleyan boasts a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 17. This allows for personalized attention, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. The university also places a strong emphasis on research, with many undergraduate students engaging in research projects alongside faculty members.
Wesleyan Diversity
Wesleyan is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. 39% of the student body identify as students of color, and 10% are international students. The university offers various programs and resources to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Resource Center, and affinity groups.
Wesleyan Students
Students at Wesleyan are known for their academic excellence, creativity, and social activism. They are involved in over 200 student organizations, ranging from cultural clubs to community service groups. Greek life is present on campus, with approximately 15% of students participating in fraternities and sororities.
Wesleyan Campus
Wesleyan’s picturesque campus spans 316 acres, with a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus offers a variety of resources, including a state-of-the-art science center, a renowned cinema archive, and an expansive arts center. There are also numerous dining options, athletic facilities, and green spaces for students to enjoy.
Wesleyan Alumni
Notable Wesleyan alumni include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joss Whedon, and Bill Belichick. Graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, such as education, finance, and the arts. The university provides career support and networking opportunities through its Career Center and alumni network.
Wesleyan Rankings
Wesleyan is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, Wesleyan is ranked #20 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Wesleyan Outcomes
Wesleyan boasts a six-year graduation rate of 91% and a freshman retention rate of 95%. Within six months of graduation, 93% of graduates are employed, in graduate school, or engaged in other meaningful activities.
Berry College Overview
Berry College is a private liberal arts college located in Mount Berry, Georgia. Founded in 1902, the college is known for its strong academics, beautiful campus, and emphasis on character development. With a student body of approximately 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students, Berry College offers a friendly and close-knit community.
Berry College Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Berry College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $53,070. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 99% of students receiving some form of aid. The average financial aid package is $26,798.
Berry College Admissions
Berry College has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 68%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1100-1300 and an ACT range of 23-29. The application deadline for Regular Decision is January 15th, and the Early Decision deadline is November 1st.
Berry College Degrees Offered
Berry College offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and several pre-professional programs. Popular majors include Business, Education, Health Professions, and Social Sciences. The college also offers a few graduate programs in areas such as education and business.
Berry College Academics
Berry College is known for its strong academic programs, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 18. The college emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for students to engage in undergraduate research, internships, and community service.
Berry College Diversity
Diversity is valued at Berry College, with 20% of the student body identifying as students of color and 5% as international students. The college is committed to creating an inclusive environment and offers resources such as the Multicultural and International Student Office and various cultural clubs and organizations.
Berry College Students
Students at Berry College are engaged in various extracurricular activities, including over 75 student organizations, club sports, and intramurals. Greek life is also present on campus, with 10% of students participating in fraternities and sororities.
Berry College Campus
Berry College boasts the world’s largest college campus, spanning over 27,000 acres. The campus includes forests, fields, and lakes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. The college is also home to a variety of amenities, including a recreation center, equestrian center, and numerous dining options.
Berry College Alumni
Notable Berry College alumni include Martha Berry, the college’s founder, and former NFL player and coach Bill Curry. Graduates pursue careers in various fields, such as education, business, and healthcare.
Berry College Rankings
Berry College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, Berry College is ranked #4 among Regional Universities South.
Berry College Outcome
Berry College has a six-year graduation rate of 66% and a freshman retention rate of 84%. The college’s Center for Personal and Professional Development helps prepare students for success after graduation, with 95% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Wesleyan vs Berry College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Wesleyan and Berry College, Wesleyan has a higher total cost of attendance at $78,548 compared to Berry College’s $53,070. However, both schools offer financial aid to eligible students. On average, students at Wesleyan receive a need-based aid package of $40,147, while students at Berry College receive an average financial aid package of $26,798.
Wesleyan vs Berry College Admissions Difficulty
Both Wesleyan and Berry College have selective admissions processes, but Wesleyan is considered more difficult to gain acceptance into with a 17% acceptance rate compared to Berry College’s 68%. The middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students are also higher at Wesleyan (1340-1480 SAT, 30-34 ACT) than at Berry College (1100-1300 SAT, 23-29 ACT).
Wesleyan vs Berry College Academic Difficulty
Wesleyan and Berry College both offer strong academic programs, with low student-to-faculty ratios (7:1 at Wesleyan, 11:1 at Berry College) and small average class sizes (17 at Wesleyan, 18 at Berry College). Both schools emphasize experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities, though Wesleyan has a stronger overall reputation for academic prestige.
Wesleyan vs Berry College Outcome Comparison
Both Wesleyan and Berry College have high post-graduation success rates, with 93% of Wesleyan graduates and 95% of Berry College graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. However, Wesleyan boasts a higher six-year graduation rate (91%) and freshman retention rate (95%) compared to Berry College’s six-year graduation rate (66%) and freshman retention rate (84%).
In conclusion, both Wesleyan and Berry College offer strong academic programs and supportive campus environments. Students should consider factors such as cost, academic prestige, campus size, and post-graduation outcomes when deciding between these two institutions.
