Wheaton College (Massachusetts): 79.5% Acceptance Rate

79.5%Acceptance

$62,080Tuition

1,744Students

76%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$67,725Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Wheaton pairs students with alumnae mentors through its signature Connections program, creating networks that last well beyond graduation. The 1,744 students at this liberal arts college benefit from small classes in Norton's suburban setting. Notable graduates include 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl and actress Catherine Keener. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in a close-knit academic environment.

Students pay an average net price of $30,934 after financial aid, less than the $62,080 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $67,725 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,000 manageable with monthly payments of $276. The 94.3% employment rate shows strong career outcomes. Nearly 28% of students receive institutional grants averaging $41,665, demonstrating the college's commitment to affordability.

Women make up 65% of the student body, reflecting Wheaton's history as a women's college before going coeducational in 1988. The 85.83% retention rate indicates students find their academic and social fit. With 378 athletes competing in 18 NCAA Division III sports, the Lyons maintain an active athletic presence without the pressure of athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

Wheaton College operates as a liberal arts college where students explore diverse subjects before declaring a major. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships that help explain the solid 78% four-year graduation rate. Women comprise 65% of the 1,744 students, reflecting the college's history as a women's institution until going coed in 1988. The school's signature connections program pairs every student with an alumna mentor, creating professional networks that contribute to the strong 94% employment rate. Students benefit from small classes and professors who prioritize teaching over research. The liberal arts curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and writing skills valued by graduate schools and employers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 71.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 77.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 75.7%
Retention Rate: 85.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $67,725
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$71,957
Economics.	Bachelor	$42,682
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$38,289
International Relations and National Security Studies.	Bachelor	$38,289
History.	Bachelor	$36,134
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$33,459
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies.	Bachelor	$32,925
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$32,925
Sociology.	Bachelor	$31,305
Neurobiology and Neurosciences.	Bachelor	$30,771

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

Norton sits 35 miles southwest of Boston, giving students easy access to internships and cultural opportunities in the city. With 1,661 housing spots for 1,744 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in the tree-lined suburban setting. New England winters mean heavy coats and snow boots are essential, while spring brings the famous "Step Singing" tradition where classes compete in songs on the chapel steps.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Women make up 65% of the student body, continuing Wheaton's legacy as a former women's college that went coed in 1988. Weekend life centers around campus events, trips to nearby Providence, or exploring Boston's museums and neighborhoods. The Lyons compete in 18 Division III sports with 378 total athletes, creating strong school spirit without athletic scholarships. Students often gather at the dining hall's Marketplace or study in the modern science center. The close-knit community means most social life happens on campus rather than off-campus parties.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,661 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	8	8
Dating Violence	6	6
Stalking	5	2
Rape	3	3
Burglary	2	2
Arson	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–36°F
July Avg: 60°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Wheaton draws students from across New England and beyond, with 61% coming from out-of-state. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's historically progressive stance on women's education and strong liberal arts programs. The student population of 1,744 creates an intimate campus community where meaningful mentorship thrives. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing Wheaton's commitment to economic diversity. Students typically score around 1325 on the SAT and are drawn to the college's emphasis on building lifelong connections through its signature alumnae network.

Men: 35.0%
Women: 65.0%
White: 70.5%
Black: 5.6%
Hispanic: 7.5%
Asian: 4.0%
In-State Students: 39.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.6%

Location

Norton sits 35 miles south of Boston in southeastern Massachusetts. The town of 19,000 provides a classic New England suburban setting with tree-lined streets and colonial architecture. Students can reach Boston's internship opportunities and cultural attractions within an hour by car or public transit. The college's 400-acre campus features Georgian Revival buildings and rolling lawns typical of the region's historic liberal arts colleges. Norton itself offers limited nightlife and dining, though nearby Attleboro and Mansfield provide more options. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with snowy winters and colorful fall foliage that draws visitors throughout New England. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Wheaton College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Norton, Massachusetts 02766-2322

Panorama of Wheaton College, Norton Massachusetts

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $67,725
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,135
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 80.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?

Wheaton accepts 79.48% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a strong liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1260-1390 on the SAT, reflecting the college's commitment to well-rounded admissions that looks beyond test scores.

How much does Wheaton College (Massachusetts) cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $30,934, lower than the full sticker price of $78,450. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $19,884 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110K+) typically pay $35,859 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?

Wheaton maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,744 total students, ensuring small class sizes typical of top liberal arts colleges. This intimate academic environment allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in the classroom.

What are the career outcomes for Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $67,725 ten years after graduation, with a strong 94.3% employment rate. The college's well-known connections program, which pairs students with alumnae mentors, helps explain these solid career outcomes in various fields.

Where do students live at Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?

The campus houses 1,661 students in residence halls, accommodating nearly all of the 1,744 total enrollment. Located in Norton, this suburban setting provides a classic New England college town experience just outside Boston.

Is Wheaton College (Massachusetts) known for any unique programs?

Wheaton is famous for its connections program that pairs students with alumnae mentors throughout their four years. With 65.02% women enrollment, this historically women's college (now coed since 1988) leverages its strong network of successful graduates like 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl.