Wellesley College
About Wellesley College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Wellesley College is a private women's liberal arts college in Wellesley, Massachusetts, near Boston. One of the most selective colleges in the country with a 14% acceptance rate, it is known for economics, computer science, and political science, with alumnae including Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright.
Founded
1870
Location
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Students
2,300
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
14.1%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
91.5%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,176
Per year
Avg Net Price
$25,496
After financial aid
SAT Average
1520
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$84,803
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 7 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 8
Wellesley College admits about 14.1% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1520. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1520/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
91.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.5%
4-Year Grad
84%
6-Year Grad
92%
Teaching Quality
7:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
80.1%
$/Student
$39.8K
Class Size
Small
84% of students graduate on time, and 80.1% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,176
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$21,024
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$86,290
After Financial Aid
$25,496
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$2,546
Receive Grants
21.1%
Take Loans
16.1%
Don't let the $67,176 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $25,496 after financial aid, a 62% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $2,546.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Wellesley College fund their education.
While in School
21.1%
Get Grants
Free money
16.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$59,989
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$10,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$106/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $10,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Wellesley College.
Gender
99.9%
Female
0%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,300
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
17.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 100% of the student body. 17.2% are first-generation college students. 13.4% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,300
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Wellesley College fields 14 varsity teams with 300 student athletes, about 13% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
NEWMAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Rowing
Student Athletes
300
13% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
0% / 100%
0
Men
300
Women
0
Men's Teams
14
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Wellesley Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$84,803
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$86K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$36K
68 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$101K
67 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$50K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$37K
37 grads
1yr Earnings
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
$45K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $66K six years out, climb to $60K by year eight, and reach $85K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wellesley College
What is the acceptance rate at Wellesley College?▾
How much does Wellesley College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Wellesley College?▾
How much do Wellesley College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.