At $25,008/yr net price, Wellesley College graduates earn $84,803/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $50,803/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,008 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,032 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $84,803/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$50,803/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 91.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,695/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $634/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,511/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,314/yr |
| $110,001+ | $50,305/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $86,867 | $13,350 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $11,190 |
| History. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $7,860 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,852 | $11,820 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $36,312 | |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $34,420 | $9,600 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $10,152 |
The Risk Factor
91.2% of students at Wellesley College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Wellesley College delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $84,803 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for college graduates. The $25,008 annual net price creates solid value when you factor in the high graduation rate and low debt burden.
Computer science and economics majors see the strongest earnings potential, with computer science graduates earning $86,867 annually. These STEM and quantitative fields align well with Boston's tech and finance job markets. However, popular liberal arts majors like history, psychology, and neuroscience show weaker returns, with graduates earning in the high $30,000 to low $40,000 range.
The biggest financial risk is choosing a major without clear career pathways. With only 20% of students receiving need-based aid, most families pay close to full price. If you're planning to major in humanities or social sciences, carefully consider whether the career outcomes justify the investment.
Wellesley works best financially for students pursuing economics, computer science, or other quantitative fields, especially those planning graduate school where the alumni network provides value. The college also makes sense for students from wealthy families who can afford the cost without borrowing heavily.
Skip Wellesley if you need significant financial aid, plan to major in lower-earning fields without graduate school plans, or come from a middle-class family that won't qualify for aid but struggles with the cost. The median debt of $10,000 is manageable, but remember that figure only includes students who borrowed money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wellesley College worth the high tuition cost?
Wellesley graduates earn $84,803 ten years after graduation with relatively low debt at $10,000 median. The strong financial aid brings net costs down to $25,008 annually, making the ROI reasonable for a selective liberal arts college.
What are the best paying majors at Wellesley College?
Computer science leads at $86,867 in early career earnings, followed by economics at $76,460. Liberal arts majors like history and psychology average much lower at around $40,000.
How much debt do Wellesley College students graduate with?
The median debt is just $10,000, well below the national average. Wellesley's strong endowment allows for generous financial aid that keeps most students from heavy borrowing.
Does Wellesley College provide good financial aid?
Yes, the average net price is $25,008 despite a sticker price over $60,000. The college meets 100% of demonstrated need, though families earning above $125,000 typically pay significantly more.