Overview
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From Wellesley
Wellesley is a place filled with changemakers, barrier breakers, and bridge builders. Wellesley is a liberal arts college and women’s college that cheers on the boldest ideas and celebrates the brightest solutions. Our community is one of belonging.
Wellesley is home to just over 2,300 undergraduates (and only undergraduates!) in Wellesley, Massachusetts, which is just 12 miles outside of Boston. Our students flock to Wellesley from around the US and the world—14% of our students are international students with over 50 countries represented on campus.
Every single student enters Wellesley with possibilities—they come in as “undeclared” majors, because we empower our community to explore who they are and who they might become. Wellesley students build exhibits in the Museum of Everyday Life in remote Iceland. They spend late nights in the on-campus observatory peering intently through telescopes researching BG Gem (an evolved, semi-detached eclipsing binary system, in case you’re wondering!). Our community takes full advantage of the sunshine and carnival games during Lake Day, and they stay committed to their sandwich of choice at El Table. Most importantly, Wellesley students aim to realize their highest aspirations and ambitions—and they do.
Wellesley is financially possible: we meet 100% of the full calculated need of every admitted student regardless of citizenship status with an average financial aid package of over $65,000.
It’s free to apply to Wellesley, and we are a proud QuestBridge partner in addition to accepting the Common Application and the Coalition Application.
Events & Resources
Virtual Events
Can you imagine yourself on Wellesley's campus? Sampling all of the food trucks at Lake Day or meeting your big at Flower Sunday? From info sessions to student-to-student chats to alum panels, our virtual events help bring that vision to life. Join us as we highlight the many parts of Wellesley, because there's no one way to experience Wellesley (and that is what helps make it so special!).
Virtual Tour
Botanical, edible, and pollinator gardens, a frequently decorated observatory, swings nestled in groves of trees, and a bell tower ringing with music played by our students—all overlooking Lake Waban. Yep. That's Wellesley! Start exploring campus through our virtual tour and see for yourself.
Liberal Arts
Suburb
Need Blind
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
QuestBridge
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Affordability Overview
From Wellesley
We admit terrific people, and then we make sure Wellesley is financially possible for them. It’s free to apply to Wellesley, and we meet 100% of the calculated need for every single admitted student, regardless of citizenship status. Nearly 60% of Wellesley families receive grant aid, and the average annual grant award is $65,500.
We eliminate loans for students with total parent income less than $100,000 and a calculated family contribution of less than $28,000. Last year, we awarded $83 million in need-based financial aid.
So: the cost of a Wellesley education is a number, but it’s not a barrier. The value of the experience—the community, the skills, the hard-won confidence, the expanding sense of possibility—is infinite.
$92,061
$69,009
$23,052
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$92,061The sticker price at Wellesley is $92,061. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Wellesley would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Wellesley College Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Wellesley you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Wellesley is 002224 and the CSS Profile Code is 3957.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Using State Grants at Wellesley
Massachusetts residents who are considering Wellesley should be sure to look into state grants to help fund your education. Massachusetts has a wide variety of programs, including the need-based tuition waiver program, the MASSGrant, the Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program, and MCAS Scholarships. The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, which is for students who performed well on the MCAS, offers a tuition waiver for up to eight semesters of public school.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Massachusetts scholarshipsWellesley College QuestBridge Scholarships
Wellesley is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Wellesley College through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Wellesley College’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Wellesley meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at Wellesley
Wellesley is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Wellesley's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at Wellesley College
23% of students at Wellesley College receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Wellesley. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From Wellesley
Wellesley was founded on the radical idea that women have an equal right to the best education in the country, and educating women leads to progress for everyone. We still believe—in fact, we know from experience—that the boldest ideas, the brightest solutions, and the healthiest communities draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences.
We also have a couple of things for you to keep in mind as you start your college search:
First, remember that college admissions aren’t a reflection of your self-worth—you’re already an excellent human being. Second, we know this process is hard and feels all-encompassing, but it’s going to be alright. Think of it like an opportunity to share who you really are and find a place that wants you because you’re you.
At Wellesley, there’s no fee to apply. We’re all about breaking down barriers…so that’s what we did. We review applications in a need-blind process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents (meaning your ability to pay is not taken into consideration). We are test optional for those applying for entry in fall of 2025, and approximately 45% of our enrolling class chose to apply without testing. We accept the QuestBridge, Common, and Coalition Applications, and we have three application rounds: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision.
14%
33
1453
1453 is the median SAT score and 33 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Wellesley. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Coalition Colleges
Wellesley is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Wellesley via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Wellesley have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Wellesley College includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Wellesley's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Wellesley Supplemental Essay Guide
Does Wellesley College charge an application fee?
Good news! Wellesley College does not charge application fees, so you can apply for free. If you think there is any chance you’d like to attend Wellesley College, consider sending in an application since it will not cost you anything.
Is Wellesley test-optional?
Wellesley College is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into Wellesley College?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Wellesley College receive between a 33 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1395 and a 1540 on their SAT.
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Wellesley?
Students must apply by January 8 to enroll at Wellesley during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Wellesley students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 1.
Is Wellesley College need-blind?
Yes, Wellesley College has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
7:1
Graduation Rate
90%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
28%
28% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
13%
13% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
12%
12% of graduates
Physical Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Psychology
6%
6% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
5%
5% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
4%
4% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
4%
4% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
4%
4% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
3%
3% of graduates
Mathematics
3%
3% of graduates
History
2%
2% of graduates
Education
2%
2% of graduates
Architecture
1%
1% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
2,353
Ethnic Diversity at Wellesley
33% White
23% Asian / Pacific Islander
15% Hispanic
14% International / Non-Citizen
8% Black
7% Multiracial
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From Wellesley
Students come to Wellesley eager to learn, and they leave prepared to make a difference in the world—as active citizens, trailblazing professionals across all sectors, and leaders on the local and world stages.
Our graduates make an immediate and ongoing impact—the power of a Wellesley education in action. They are Rhodes Scholars, writers of celebrated TV shows, movies, and books, space shuttle commanders, environmental changemakers, civil rights activists, and investment trailblazers. They are Korea’s first female ambassador and two U.S. secretaries of state and a co-founder of Zipcar.
Often referred to as the most powerful women’s network in the world, our alums are deeply invested in our students’ success from the start of their time at Wellesley and provide support and inspiration long after graduation.
Yes, we are the ones who so often become the “firsts”—but we are even prouder of the “nexts” we make way for. And our graduates don’t waste any time getting started: six months after commencement, 97% of the members of the Class of 2023 were embarking on careers in technology, media, art, education, business, or research or pursuing graduate study in law, medicine, or public health.
Graduate Income
$84,803
Median Debt $10,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $106
Graduation Rate 90%
What is the graduation rate at Wellesley College?
90% of students who start at Wellesley College finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 32% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Wellesley College go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Wellesley College is $84,803. This is $34,412 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Wellesley College who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Wellesley take out in loans?
Graduates of Wellesley take out a median of $10,000 in federal student loans. This is $3,500 less than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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Wellesley College