Merrimack College vs Wheaton College (Massachusetts)
Merrimack College is a private college in North Andover, MA. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is a private college in Norton, MA. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) admits about 68% of applicants and Merrimack College about 70%, making Wheaton College (Massachusetts) the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $29,822 a year at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) after aid, and about $37,927 at Merrimack College. About 74% of students graduate at Wheaton College (Massachusetts), compared with 71% at Merrimack College. Ten years after enrolling, Merrimack College alumni earn a median of about $75,584, against $67,725 for Wheaton College (Massachusetts).
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
North Andover, MA
Norton, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,916
1,773
Acceptance rate
70%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1240
1220–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
29–33
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,927
$29,822
Full cost / yr
$70,038
$79,311
In-state tuition
$53,962
$63,960
Out-of-state tuition
$53,962
$63,960
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,710
$20,076
$30k - $48k
$29,417
$21,528
$48k - $75k
$31,962
$28,299
$75k - $110k
$36,045
$28,639
Over $110k
$41,050
$33,956
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
74%
Freshman retention
79%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,316
$51,607
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,584
$67,725
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
22%
First-generation students
21%
15%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 15
Feb 15
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.
- Is Merrimack College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) harder to get into?
- Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 70% at Merrimack 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, Merrimack College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
- Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,822 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,927 at Merrimack 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 Merrimack College and Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
- Before aid, Merrimack College costs about $70,038 a year and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) about $79,311. 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, Merrimack College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
- Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,076 there, against about $31,710 at Merrimack College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Merrimack College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)?
- Merrimack College is the larger of the two, with about 3,916 undergraduates against 1,773 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts).
- Does Merrimack College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) have a better graduation rate?
- Wheaton College (Massachusetts) has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 71% at Merrimack College.
- Do graduates of Merrimack College or Wheaton College (Massachusetts) earn more?
- Merrimack College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,725 for Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Merrimack College and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) require SAT or ACT scores?
- Merrimack College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Merrimack College and Wheaton College (Massachusetts) look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1240 at Merrimack College and 1220–1390 at Wheaton College (Massachusetts). A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Merrimack College vs Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMerrimack College vs Williams CollegeMerrimack College vs Amherst CollegeWheaton College (Massachusetts) vs Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyWheaton College (Massachusetts) vs Williams CollegeWheaton College (Massachusetts) vs Amherst College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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