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Tufts University vs Wellesley College

Tufts University is a private university in Medford, MA, and Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA. Tufts University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 14% at Wellesley College. Wellesley College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,496 a year against $39,998 at Tufts University. About 93% of students graduate at Tufts University, compared with 91% at Wellesley College. Ten years after enrolling, Wellesley College alumni earn a median of about $84,803, against $83,214 for Tufts University.

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Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Medford, MA
Wellesley, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,061
2,300
Acceptance rate
11%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1560
1460–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$39,998
$25,496
Full cost / yr
$88,300
$86,290
In-state tuition
$70,704
$67,176
Out-of-state tuition
$70,704
$67,176
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,284
$2,546
$30k - $48k
$9,811
$2,836
$48k - $75k
$14,923
$6,587
$75k - $110k
$23,311
$11,551
Over $110k
$58,570
$54,188
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
91%
Freshman retention
96%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$68,337
$65,961
Median earnings (10 yr)
$83,214
$84,803
Median debt at graduation
$16,250
$10,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
21%
First-generation students
15%
17%
International students
13%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
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 Tufts University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
Tufts University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% 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, Tufts University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,496 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $39,998 at Tufts 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 Tufts University and Wellesley College?
Before aid, Wellesley College costs about $86,290 a year and Tufts University about $88,300. 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, Tufts University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,546 there, against about $11,284 at Tufts University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Tufts University or Wellesley College?
Tufts University is the larger of the two, with about 7,061 undergraduates against 2,300 at Wellesley College.
Does Tufts University or Wellesley College have a better graduation rate?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 91% at Wellesley College.
Do graduates of Tufts 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 $83,214 for Tufts University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Tufts University and Wellesley College require SAT or ACT scores?
Tufts 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 Tufts University and Wellesley College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470–1560 at Tufts 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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