Wellesley College: 13.6% Acceptance Rate

13.6%Acceptance

$64,320Tuition

2,318Students

91%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$84,803Earnings

#10 in MassachusettsPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Wellesley College

Wellesley shapes the women who shape the world. This top liberal arts college enrolls 2,318 students in a suburban setting west of Boston, creating an intensely academic environment where future leaders emerge. Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright both walked these halls before becoming Secretaries of State. Only 13.57% of applicants gain admission, and those who do arrive with SAT scores averaging 1490. The college maintains its founding mission of educating women to serve rather than be served.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about access and outcomes. While the sticker price reaches $85,040, most families pay far less through generous aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,695 annually, and those from middle-income families often pay under $25,000. Graduates earn a median of $84,803 ten years after college with typical debt of only $10,000. These numbers reflect Wellesley's commitment to making top education accessible.

The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intense mentorship that pays dividends. A remarkable 96.25% of students return for sophomore year, and 91.20% complete their degrees within six years. The employment rate of 92.1% speaks to the power of the Wellesley network in opening doors across industries.

Academics & Faculty

Wellesley stands among the nation's top liberal arts colleges, where students dive deep into rigorous coursework across disciplines rather than narrow pre-professional tracks. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every student's name and academic goals. With a 91% six-year graduation rate, the college's support system clearly works. Wellesley particularly excels in economics, political science, and international relations, regularly sending graduates to top law schools and government positions. The college's cross-registration with MIT expands research opportunities in STEM fields. Students here don't just study subjects, they engage in intensive seminar discussions and independent research that builds the critical thinking skills valued by graduate schools and employers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 80.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 90.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 91.2%
Retention Rate: 96.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $84,803
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$86,867
Economics.	Bachelor	$76,460
History.	Bachelor	$41,937
Neurobiology and Neurosciences.	Bachelor	$38,289
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$38,289
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$36,852
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$36,312
Area Studies.	Bachelor	$34,420
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies.	Bachelor	$33,993
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.	Bachelor	$33,281

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

The 2,318 students at this all-women's college live in a bubble of academic intensity just 12 miles from downtown Boston. With 94.5% of students living on campus in the college's Gothic Revival buildings, dorm life centers around house communities that feel like academic sororities. Students bundle up in serious winter coats from November through March as New England winters bite hard.

Weekends often mean taking the shuttle into Cambridge or Boston, though many students stay put for the famous campus traditions. The college's 500-acre campus includes Lake Waban, where students jog year-round and participate in the annual Spring Hoop Rolling competition. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and often host dinner parties. The honor code runs deep here, allowing self-scheduled exams and creating an atmosphere of trust. Students frequently gather in the campus coffee shops or attend lectures by visiting dignitaries. The social scene extends beyond campus through the college's connection to MIT and Harvard, where many students spend Friday nights.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 2,191 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1870

Campus Safety (2023)

12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	2	2	0	2
Stalking	3	2	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–35°F
July Avg: 61°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.3"
Annual Snowfall: 45.7"

Student Demographics

Students arrive at Wellesley from across the country, with nearly 90% coming from out-of-state, reflecting the college's national reputation for academic excellence. The student body represents significant racial diversity, with students of color comprising nearly half the campus. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to socioeconomic diversity despite its top status. As a historically women's college, Wellesley continues to attract ambitious women seeking the confidence-building environment and powerful alumnae network that launched leaders like Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright into positions of influence.

Men: 0.0%
Women: 100.0%
White: 30.5%
Black: 8.5%
Hispanic: 15.9%
Asian: 23.6%
In-State Students: 10.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.6%

Location

Wellesley sits in the affluent suburb of Wellesley, Massachusetts, just 12 miles west of Boston. The 500-acre campus overlooks Lake Waban in one of the state's most strong communities. Only 10.67% of students come from Massachusetts, drawing the rest from across the country to this New England college town setting. The area combines small-town charm with easy access to Boston's museums, internships, and cultural opportunities. Students can reach downtown Boston by commuter rail in about 30 minutes. The surrounding region features classic New England architecture, tree-lined streets, and other top educational institutions. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Wellesley with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481-8203

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $84,803
Median Earnings (5 years): $66,433
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $48,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 89.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wellesley College?

Wellesley admits just 13.57% of applicants, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. The admitted students typically score between 1430-1550 on the SAT, reflecting the college's reputation for academic excellence among future women leaders.

How much does Wellesley College cost after financial aid?

While the total cost reaches $85,040 annually, the average net price drops to $25,008 after aid. Families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,695, demonstrating Wellesley's commitment to making top education accessible regardless of economic background.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wellesley College?

Students enjoy a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in the rigorous liberal arts curriculum. The 96.25% retention rate reflects how well students thrive in this intimate academic environment known for producing influential women leaders.

How much do Wellesley College graduates earn?

Alumni earn a median of $84,803 ten years after graduation, well above national averages for liberal arts graduates. The strong alumnae network, which includes Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright, opens doors in politics, business, and media.

Where is Wellesley College located?

The 500-acre campus sits in suburban Wellesley, Massachusetts, housing 2,191 of the college's 2,318 students. Nearly 90% of students come from out of state, creating a diverse community drawn to this strong women's college founded in 1870.

Is Wellesley College really all women?

Yes, Wellesley maintains its status as a women's college with 100% female enrollment among its 2,318 students. This single-gender environment has cultivated countless political leaders and remains central to the college's identity, even as it competes academically with coed rivals like Harvard and MIT.