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Nichols College vs Wellesley College

Nichols College is a private college in Dudley, MA, and Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA. Wellesley College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 81% at Nichols College. Wellesley College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,496 a year against $33,036 at Nichols College. About 91% of students graduate at Wellesley College, compared with 63% at Nichols College. Ten years after enrolling, Wellesley College alumni earn a median of about $84,803, against $58,063 for Nichols College.

Nichols College

Dudley, MA · Private

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dudley, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,163
2,300
Acceptance rate
81%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1028–1236
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,036
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$58,310
$86,290
In-state tuition
$42,705
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$42,705
$67,176
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,054
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$24,749
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$31,978
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$33,851
$11,551
Over $110k
$35,731
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
91%
Freshman retention
72%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,830
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,063
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
21%
First-generation students
32%
17%
International students
3%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Nichols College or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Wellesley College is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 81% at Nichols 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, Nichols College or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,496 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,036 at Nichols 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 Nichols College and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Nichols College costs about $58,310 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, Nichols College or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,546 there, against about $22,054 at Nichols College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Nichols College or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is the larger of the two, with about 2,300 undergraduates against 1,163 at Nichols College.
Does Nichols College or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 63% at Nichols College.
Do graduates of Nichols College or Wellesley College earn more?
Wellesley College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $84,803 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,063 for Nichols College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Nichols College and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Nichols College 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 Nichols College and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1028–1236 at Nichols College and 1460–1560 at Wellesley College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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