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Wellesley College vs Worcester State University

Wellesley College is a private college in Wellesley, MA, and Worcester State University is a public university in Worcester, MA. Wellesley College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 88% at Worcester State University. Worcester State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,381 a year against $25,496 at Wellesley College. About 91% of students graduate at Wellesley College, compared with 58% at Worcester State University. Ten years after enrolling, Wellesley College alumni earn a median of about $84,803, against $60,624 for Worcester State University.

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Wellesley, MA
Worcester, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,300
3,930
Acceptance rate
14%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1460–1560
1026–1283
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
22–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,496
$13,381
Full cost / yr
$86,290
$22,874
In-state tuition
$67,176
$11,786
Out-of-state tuition
$67,176
$17,866
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,546
$8,793
$30k - $48k
$2,836
$9,629
$48k - $75k
$6,587
$9,540
$75k - $110k
$11,551
$13,658
Over $110k
$54,188
$19,679
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
58%
Freshman retention
97%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,961
$50,233
Median earnings (10 yr)
$84,803
$60,624
Median debt at graduation
$10,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
30%
First-generation students
17%
36%
International students
13%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 8
May 1

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 Wellesley College or Worcester State University harder to get into?
Wellesley College is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 88% at Worcester 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, Wellesley College or Worcester State University?
Worcester State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,381 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 Wellesley College and Worcester State University?
Before aid, Worcester State University costs about $22,874 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, Wellesley College or Worcester State University?
Wellesley College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,546 there, against about $8,793 at Worcester State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Wellesley College or Worcester State University?
Worcester State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,930 undergraduates against 2,300 at Wellesley College.
Does Wellesley College or Worcester State University have a better graduation rate?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 58% at Worcester State University.
Do graduates of Wellesley College or Worcester State University earn more?
Wellesley College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $84,803 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,624 for Worcester State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Wellesley College and Worcester State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Wellesley College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Worcester State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Wellesley College and Worcester State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1460–1560 at Wellesley College and 1026–1283 at Worcester State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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