Wellesley, MA
Wellesley College is a private nonprofit university with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,300 students and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college has a 14.1% acceptance rate, a 91.4% six-year graduation rate, and a cost of attendance of $90,250. The student body is 99.9% women, with 21.1% Pell grant recipients and 17.2% first-generation students.
Wellesley College is highly selective with a 14.1% acceptance rate and an undergraduate enrollment of 2,300 students. The college maintains a strong 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and boasts a 91.4% six-year graduation rate.
Wellesley College admits 14.1% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 74%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Wellesley College has a cost of attendance of $90,250 with 21.1% of students receiving Pell grants. The college's substantial $3 billion endowment supports financial aid for first-generation students (17.2%) and other undergraduates.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $106.
After aid, Wellesley College costs $25,496 a year — about 13% more than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Wellesley College has a 91.4% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median of $65,961 six years after enrollment and $84,803 ten years after enrollment.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 67 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 49 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology, Other | 42 |
| Political Science and Government, General | 36 |
| Neuroscience | 33 |
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General | 31 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications,... | 25 |
| Environmental Studies | 22 |
| Biochemistry | 20 |
| International Relations and Affairs | 19 |
Median earnings eight years after entering Wellesley College are $72,216, and 76% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former Wellesley College students earn $65,961 — 45% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Wellesley College is a private nonprofit university with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,300 students and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college has a 91.4% six-year graduation rate and a 14.1% acceptance rate.
0 of 2,418 undergraduates study entirely at a distance.
Wellesley College is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Wellesley College spends $24,017 per student on research — about 4× a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Wellesley College is in Wellesley, MA, in what IPEDS classifies as a large suburb setting. The campus sits about 1.6 miles from the center of Wellesley. There are 39 other colleges within 25 miles, and Boston, MA is 15.1 miles away.
Norfolk County scores 11.3 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — above average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 16.1% of Wellesley's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures Wellesley College reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, Wellesley College reported 21 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about Wellesley College admissions, costs, and outcomes.
Wellesley College has an acceptance rate of 14.1%, making it a highly selective institution. This means admission is competitive, and applicants should have strong academic credentials and demonstrated interest in the college.
The cost of attendance at Wellesley College is $90,250 per year. This comprehensive figure typically includes tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses for undergraduate students.
Yes, Wellesley is committed to making education affordable. About 21.1% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college has a substantial $3 billion endowment dedicated to supporting student financial aid.
Wellesley graduates have strong earning potential. The median earnings 6 years after enrollment are $65,961, and this grows to $84,803 by 10 years after enrollment, reflecting strong career trajectory.
Wellesley College has an undergraduate enrollment of 2,300 students. This intimate size creates a close-knit community while maintaining robust resources and diverse opportunities.
Wellesley maintains a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and meaningful interactions with professors. This supportive academic environment fosters close mentoring relationships.
Wellesley College has a 6-year graduation rate of 91.4%, demonstrating strong student success and support. Notably, both Pell grant and non-Pell grant recipients graduate at similarly high rates (91.5% and 90.9%).
Wellesley is an all-women's college, with 99.9% of students identifying as women. The student body includes 17.2% first-generation college students, contributing to a diverse and inclusive community.
Wellesley prioritizes affordability and access. With 21.1% of students receiving federal Pell Grants and a large endowment, the college meets demonstrated financial need to make education accessible to talented students regardless of income.
Wellesley stands out as a highly selective women's college with exceptional outcomes. Its strong 91.4% graduation rate, intimate 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and robust $3 billion endowment create an environment where students thrive academically and professionally.