Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University, along with Amherst and Williams colleges, is one of the historic "Little Three," a trio of prestigious liberal arts schools in New England. Founded in 1831 by Methodists, it has about 3,000 students who tend to be thoughtful, independent, progressive and politically aware. Academics are generally characterized by small classes and professors who actively engage with students in programs like the social and political sciences, psychology, and the visual and performing arts. Tuition at Wesleyan comes with a hefty price tag – around $61,400 annually – but thanks to the school’s ample financial aid resources, six out of 10 of students receive more than $59,000 in scholarships and grants each year. The university is also known for producing highly-successful students: Wesleyan claims playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Michael Bay, and New England Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick among its alumni. The Center for the Arts hosts free musical and theatrical events, and has three of its own art galleries. Here's another fun fact: It has a student-run farm that grows more than 80 varieties of vegetables and herbs and hosts two festivals – a Pumpkin Fest in the fall and a May Day in the spring – for the community every year.