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Brandeis University vs Wellesley College

Brandeis 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 Brandeis University about 41%, 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 $35,736 at Brandeis University. About 91% of students graduate at Wellesley College, compared with 86% at Brandeis University. Ten years after enrolling, Wellesley College alumni earn a median of about $84,803, against $77,231 for Brandeis University.

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waltham, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,618
2,300
Acceptance rate
41%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1520
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,736
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$86,448
$86,290
In-state tuition
$68,080
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$68,080
$67,176
Application fee
$80
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,363
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$15,135
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$20,536
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$26,784
$11,551
Over $110k
$54,885
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
91%
Freshman retention
87%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,967
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,231
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$25,648
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
21%
First-generation students
16%
17%
International students
19%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 2
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 Brandeis University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Wellesley College is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 41% at Brandeis 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, Brandeis University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,496 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,736 at Brandeis 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 Brandeis University and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Wellesley College costs about $86,290 a year and Brandeis University about $86,448. 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, Brandeis University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,546 there, against about $13,363 at Brandeis University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Brandeis University or Wellesley College?
Brandeis University is the larger of the two, with about 3,618 undergraduates against 2,300 at Wellesley College.
Does Brandeis University or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 86% at Brandeis University.
Do graduates of Brandeis 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 $77,231 for Brandeis University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brandeis University and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Brandeis 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 Brandeis University and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1520 at Brandeis 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?

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