Trinity College vs Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University is highly selective with a 17.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Trinity College (33.5%). Graduates of Trinity College earn $16,882 more per year at the 10-year mark ($90,779 vs $73,897). For families earning $48k–$75k, Wesleyan University is more affordable at $6,175 net price vs $18,325. Students at Wesleyan University graduate with less debt ($17,000 vs $23,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Wesleyan University has a higher yield rate (31.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Wesleyan University has a higher median SAT (1510 vs 1390).
Hartford, CT
Middletown, CT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Wesleyan University is more affordable at $4,871 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $48,515 vs $51,140.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Wesleyan University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (15%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Trinity College
- 1 Economics$61,814
- 2 Public Policy Analysis$47,260
- 3 Psychology, General$43,798
- 4 English Language and Literature, General$43,128
- 5 Political Science and Government$42,235
Wesleyan University
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities$36,334
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Trinity College
- 1 Political Science and Government
- 2 Economics
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Economics
- 5 Public Policy Analysis
Wesleyan University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 English Language and Literature, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Trinity College
- International students13%
- Tuition (international)$56,380
- Est. total cost/year$74,350
- School typePublic
Wesleyan University
- International students11%
- Tuition (international)$59,086
- Est. total cost/year$76,070
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Trinity College or Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan University is more selective with a 17.1% acceptance rate, compared to 33.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Trinity College or Wesleyan University?
Trinity College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $90,779 compared to $73,897. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Trinity College or Wesleyan University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Wesleyan University has a lower net price at $6,175 per year vs $18,325. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Trinity College vs Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 92.1%, compared to 83.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Trinity College or Wesleyan University?
Trinity College has a larger international student population at 13% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Trinity College and Wesleyan University?
At Trinity College, Economics graduates earn a median of $61,814 within two years. At Wesleyan University, the top-earning major is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $36,334. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.