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Harvard University vs Wellesley College

Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA. Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants and Wellesley College about 14%, making Harvard University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,066 a year at Harvard University after aid, and about $25,496 at Wellesley College. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 91% at Wellesley College. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $84,803 for Wellesley College.

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Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cambridge, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,601
2,300
Acceptance rate
4%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
33–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,066
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$85,540
$86,290
In-state tuition
$61,676
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$61,676
$67,176
Application fee
$85
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,697
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$2,991
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$2,091
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$9,941
$11,551
Over $110k
$53,337
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
91%
Freshman retention
98%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$99,572
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$101,817
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
21%
First-generation students
26%
17%
International students
15%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
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 Harvard University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% 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, Harvard University or Wellesley College?
Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 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 Harvard University and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Harvard University costs about $85,540 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, Harvard University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,546 there, against about $8,697 at Harvard University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Harvard University or Wellesley College?
Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 2,300 at Wellesley College.
Does Harvard University or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 91% at Wellesley College.
Do graduates of Harvard University or Wellesley College earn more?
Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $84,803 for Wellesley College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvard University and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores. Wellesley College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Harvard University and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Harvard 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