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Northwestern University vs Wellesley College

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
Wellesley College
#32
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Evanston, IL

Wellesley, MA

Total Enrollment

23,856

2,407

Undergrad Enrollment

9,399

2,407

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.7%

14.1%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1510–1570

1460–1560

ACT Range

33–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$0

Total Applicants

49,474

8,714


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$83,517

$82,608

Avg Net Price

$27,143

$25,008

Tuition (In-State)

$62,391

$61,584

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,391

$61,584

Room & Board

$21,126

$21,024

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

54.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$64,429

$64,116


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

92.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$89,363

$84,803

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Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

Wellesley is in Wellesley, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%, while Wellesley College has an acceptance rate of 14%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Wellesley College.

The average net price at Northwestern University is $27,143 per year, compared to $25,008 at Wellesley College. Wellesley College is $2,135 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Northwestern University typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Wellesley College, the typical SAT range is 1460-1560. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Wellesley College has a graduation rate of 92%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Northwestern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Wellesley College has a ratio of 7:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $64,429. At Wellesley College, 54% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,116.

The median earnings for Northwestern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,363, compared to $84,803 for Wellesley College graduates. Graduates from Northwestern University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting. Wellesley College is located in Wellesley, MA in a suburb: large setting.