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Bentley University vs Wellesley College

Bentley University is a private university in Waltham, MA. Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA. Wellesley College admits about 14% of applicants and Bentley University about 45%, making Wellesley College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $25,496 a year at Wellesley College after aid, and about $37,930 at Bentley University. About 91% of students graduate at Wellesley College, compared with 88% at Bentley University. Ten years after enrolling, Bentley University alumni earn a median of about $120,959, against $84,803 for Wellesley College.

Bentley University

Waltham, MA · Private

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waltham, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,474
2,300
Acceptance rate
45%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1280–1430
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
28–31
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,930
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$79,548
$86,290
In-state tuition
$61,000
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$61,000
$67,176
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,196
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$18,587
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$26,164
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$33,653
$11,551
Over $110k
$49,190
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
91%
Freshman retention
93%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$86,679
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$120,959
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$25,023
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
21%
First-generation students
16%
17%
International students
15%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Bentley University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Wellesley College is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 45% at Bentley University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bentley University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,496 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,930 at Bentley University. 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 Bentley University and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Bentley University costs about $79,548 a year and Wellesley College about $86,290. 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, Bentley University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,546 there, against about $21,196 at Bentley University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bentley University or Wellesley College?
Bentley University is the larger of the two, with about 4,474 undergraduates against 2,300 at Wellesley College.
Does Bentley University or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 88% at Bentley University.
Do graduates of Bentley University or Wellesley College earn more?
Bentley University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $120,959 ten years after enrolling, against about $84,803 for Wellesley College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bentley University and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bentley University 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 Bentley University and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1280–1430 at Bentley University and 1460–1560 at Wellesley College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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