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Salem State University vs Wellesley College

Salem State University is a public university in Salem, MA. Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA. Wellesley College admits about 14% of applicants and Salem State University about 96%, making Wellesley College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,996 a year at Salem State University after aid, and about $25,496 at Wellesley College. About 91% of students graduate at Wellesley College, compared with 52% at Salem State University. Ten years after enrolling, Wellesley College alumni earn a median of about $84,803, against $56,662 for Salem State University.

Salem State University

Salem, MA · Public

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Salem, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,291
2,300
Acceptance rate
96%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1160
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
19–23
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,996
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$28,291
$86,290
In-state tuition
$12,338
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$19,531
$67,176
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,516
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$13,870
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$13,821
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$17,590
$11,551
Over $110k
$23,223
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
91%
Freshman retention
75%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,209
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,662
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
21%
First-generation students
40%
17%
International students
4%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
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 Salem State University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Wellesley College is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 96% at Salem State 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, Salem State University or Wellesley College?
Salem State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,996 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 Salem State University and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Salem State University costs about $28,291 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, Salem State University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,546 there, against about $10,516 at Salem State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Salem State University or Wellesley College?
Salem State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,291 undergraduates against 2,300 at Wellesley College.
Does Salem State University or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 52% at Salem State University.
Do graduates of Salem State 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 $56,662 for Salem State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Salem State University and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Salem State 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 Salem State University and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1160 at Salem State University and 1460–1560 at Wellesley College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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