Wesleyan University is a selective liberal arts university in Middletown, Connecticut, known for its strengths in film studies, the arts, and its interdisciplinary College of Social Studies program. Its intellectually adventurous culture and strong creative writing, music, and theater programs have produced a notable number of writers, filmmakers, and performers.
Mascot: Cardinal
Notable Alumni
Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton)•Michael Bay (Transformers director)•Bradley Whitford (Emmy-winning actor)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Athletics
Campus Experience
Wesleyan mandated all Greek organizations go co-ed in 2014 — about 7% of students are now in the remaining chapters, which function more as social spaces than traditional frats. The real social engine is the 250+ student clubs and the vibrant arts and music scene. The campus prides itself on 'keep Wes weird,' attracting creative intellectuals as likely to be at a DIY concert as a party. Middletown, Connecticut isn't exactly exciting, so campus life is self-sustaining.
A hillside campus in Middletown, Connecticut with brownstone and brick buildings spanning multiple architectural eras, attractive but without a single cohesive visual identity.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Public Safety patrols 24/7 with foot and vehicle patrols, late-night escort service, emergency telephones, and controlled dorm access.
Middletown is a small Connecticut city with crime rates below national averages overall, though there is a noticeable divide between the campus area and some parts of town.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays at 9am and 1pm; weekends at 12pm. Advance registration required.
Duration: ~60 minutes
Student-led group tours. Open Houses feature full-day programming with tours, panels, class visits, and department drop-in hours. Group visits (up to 40 students) available weekdays 9am-3pm.
Book a TourVisitors can explore the campus independently. Key stops include Olin Library, the Center for the Arts, Van Vleck Observatory, and Foss Hill. Street parking available in select locations.
Tour ResourcesSeptember-November for New England fall foliage and active campus life, or late March-April. Open Houses provide the most structured experience. Avoid winter break and early January. Middletown is 2 hours from both NYC and Boston.
Visitor parking lots on campus; obtain a temporary permit from Public Safety. Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford is 30-40 minutes north. From I-91 South, take Exit 22 to Route 9 South, exit 23C to Route 66 West. Uber/Lyft available from BDL. Middletown has limited public transit.
Location
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