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Amherst College vs Wellesley College

Amherst College is a private college in Amherst, MA. Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA. Amherst College admits about 9% of applicants and Wellesley College about 14%, making Amherst College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,367 a year at Amherst College after aid, and about $25,496 at Wellesley College. About 94% of students graduate at Amherst College, compared with 91% at Wellesley College. Ten years after enrolling, Wellesley College alumni earn a median of about $84,803, against $77,644 for Amherst College.

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Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Amherst, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,911
2,300
Acceptance rate
9%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1580
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,367
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$87,640
$86,290
In-state tuition
$70,480
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$70,480
$67,176
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,086
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$1,570
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$17,478
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$23,639
$11,551
Over $110k
$47,521
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
91%
Freshman retention
97%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,537
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,644
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$13,740
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
21%
First-generation students
21%
17%
International students
13%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 9
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 8

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Amherst College or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Amherst College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 14% at Wellesley College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Amherst College or Wellesley College?
Amherst College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,367 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,496 at Wellesley College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Amherst College and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Wellesley College costs about $86,290 a year and Amherst College about $87,640. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Amherst College or Wellesley College?
Amherst College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,086 there, against about $2,546 at Wellesley College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Amherst College or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is the larger of the two, with about 2,300 undergraduates against 1,911 at Amherst College.
Does Amherst College or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 91% at Wellesley College.
Do graduates of Amherst College or Wellesley College earn more?
Wellesley College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $84,803 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,644 for Amherst College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Amherst College and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Amherst College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wellesley College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Amherst College and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1460–1560 at Wellesley College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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