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Northeastern University vs Wellesley College

Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA, and Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA. Northeastern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 14% at Wellesley College. Wellesley College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,496 a year against $30,915 at Northeastern University. About 91% of students graduate at Wellesley College, compared with 90% at Northeastern University. Ten years after enrolling, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of about $92,538, against $84,803 for Wellesley College.

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Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,326
2,300
Acceptance rate
5%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1440–1540
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,915
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$84,641
$86,290
In-state tuition
$66,162
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$66,162
$67,176
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,264
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$2,436
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$5,301
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$16,241
$11,551
Over $110k
$47,696
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
91%
Freshman retention
97%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,413
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,538
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$24,250
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
21%
First-generation students
19%
17%
International students
14%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
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 Northeastern University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Northeastern University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% 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, Northeastern University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,496 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,915 at Northeastern 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 Northeastern University and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Northeastern University costs about $84,641 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, Northeastern University or Wellesley College?
Northeastern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,264 there, against about $2,546 at Wellesley College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Northeastern University or Wellesley College?
Northeastern University is the larger of the two, with about 17,326 undergraduates against 2,300 at Wellesley College.
Does Northeastern University or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 90% at Northeastern University.
Do graduates of Northeastern University or Wellesley College earn more?
Northeastern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling, against about $84,803 for Wellesley College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northeastern University and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Northeastern 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 Northeastern University and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 at Northeastern 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school