Wellesley College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,050 per year, comprising $64,320 in tuition, $19,920 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $25,008 representing substantial savings of $58,042 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $83,050 |
| Tuition and Fees | $64,320 |
| Room and Board | $19,920 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$58,042 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $25,008 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $5,695 |
| $30–48k | $634 |
| $48–75k | $15,511 |
| $75–110k | $24,314 |
| $110k+ | $50,305 |
Wellesley College's published cost of attendance reaches $83,050 per year, comprising $64,320 in tuition, $19,920 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $25,008 representing substantial savings of $58,042 from the sticker price. This net price falls $2,135 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating competitive affordability despite the premium sticker price.
The financial aid system creates dramatically different costs based on family income, with net prices ranging from $634 for middle-low income families to $50,305 for high-income families. This progressive pricing structure enables students from diverse economic backgrounds to access Wellesley's education, with lower-income students receiving the most substantial assistance. Federal College Scorecard data shows that families across income levels receive meaningful aid, making Wellesley more accessible than the sticker price suggests.
Wellesley's financial aid approach prioritizes access for students from lower-income backgrounds. With 20.6% Pell-eligible enrollment, the college serves a meaningful share of students from families earning under $50,000 annually.
The dramatic reduction from $83,050 sticker price to $25,008 average net price illustrates how aid packages make elite education accessible. The progressive net price structure by income indicates need-based aid rather than merit-based discounting, targeting assistance where financial need is greatest.
This approach enables economic diversity within a highly selective student body, supporting the college's mission to serve academically exceptional students regardless of family financial capacity. The substantial aid commitment represents significant institutional resources dedicated to affordability and access.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Wellesley College graduates carry exceptionally low debt burdens relative to both national averages and peer institutions. Median debt reaches just $10,000, ranking in the 90th percentile nationally and sitting $14,181 below the peer median of $24,181.
The debt distribution ranges from $5,204 at the 25th percentile to $15,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating consistently manageable borrowing levels across the student body. This creates a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.12, meaning debt represents just 12% of first-year post-graduation income.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows median debt of $38,825 with monthly payments of $511, reflecting family participation in educational financing without overwhelming burden. The combination of generous institutional aid, low student borrowing, and strong post-graduation earnings creates exceptionally favorable debt dynamics.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Wellesley College delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of manageable costs and premium career outcomes. Graduate earnings of $84,803 rank in the 95th percentile nationally while exceeding peer medians by $21,737 annually, demonstrating substantial income advantages.
Despite earnings $7,496 below expectations based on student demographics, graduates achieve top-tier absolute earnings levels that justify the educational investment. The low debt burden of $10,000 paired with strong earning potential creates favorable payback dynamics and career flexibility.
Net costs below peer averages combined with top 5% earnings performance position Wellesley as delivering premium value despite the selective admission requirements. This investment profile particularly benefits students seeking liberal arts education with strong long-term career outcomes and minimal financial constraints post-graduation.
