Wellesley College campus
Wellesley College logo

Wellesley College

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale Suburb: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Small
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 2,211
Student to faculty ratio 8 to 1
Acceptance rate 16%
Students retention rate 97%
On-time graduation rate 92%

Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Wellesley College is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate at Wellesley College is 16%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

Wellesley College is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 8-to-1, Wellesley College emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Wellesley College boasts an impressive student retention rate of 97% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 76% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education
  • The institution provides on-campus housing
  • Women online

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

16.2%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$60,752

Cost of attendance at Wellesley College in 2022 for students from Massachusetts.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Massachusetts's average $12,584
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$60,752

Cost of attendance at Wellesley College in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Massachusetts's average $24,972
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 60 of freshman students at Wellesley College received on average $55,483 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$55,483
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 125 22% $5,298 $662,267
Other Federal Grant 311 54% $3,382 $1,051,793
State Grant/Scholarships 9 2% $1,574 $14,163
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 338 58% $53,971 $18,242,085
Total Grant & Scholarships 348 60% $55,483 $19,308,041

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Wellesley College students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Wellesley College students is 92.1%.

92.1%

  • asian 93.8% 121 students
  • African American 92.5% 37 students
  • white 91.3% 211 students
  • hispanic 88.9% 72 students
  • International Students 93.9% 77 students
  • Mixed Race 92.9% 26 students

Sport Conferences

  • Basketball New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference
  • Track and Cross Country New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Wellesley College provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Wellesley College offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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