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Boston University vs Wellesley College

Boston University is a private university in Boston, MA, and Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA. Boston University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 14% at Wellesley College. Boston University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,402 a year against $25,496 at Wellesley College. About 91% of students graduate at Wellesley College, compared with 89% at Boston University. Ten years after enrolling, Wellesley College alumni earn a median of about $84,803, against $83,238 for Boston University.

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Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
18,248
2,300
Acceptance rate
11%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1420–1530
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,402
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$86,285
$86,290
In-state tuition
$68,102
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$68,102
$67,176
Application fee
$80
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,500
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$9,342
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$11,778
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$22,517
$11,551
Over $110k
$47,504
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
91%
Freshman retention
95%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,655
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$83,238
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
21%
First-generation students
17%
17%
International students
21%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
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 Boston University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Boston University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% 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, Boston University or Wellesley College?
Boston University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,402 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 Boston University and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Boston University costs about $86,285 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, Boston University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,546 there, against about $9,500 at Boston University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Boston University or Wellesley College?
Boston University is the larger of the two, with about 18,248 undergraduates against 2,300 at Wellesley College.
Does Boston University or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 89% at Boston University.
Do graduates of Boston University or Wellesley College earn more?
Wellesley College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $84,803 ten years after enrolling, against about $83,238 for Boston University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boston University and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Boston 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 Boston University and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1420–1530 at Boston University 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school