Wellesley College's published cost of attendance is $86,290, but need-based aid reshapes that figure substantially across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $2,546 per year in net price — a figure that reflects the depth of Wellesley College's institutional aid commitment for qualifying students.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
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) | $86,290 |
| Tuition and Fees | $67,176 |
| Room and Board | $21,024 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$60,794 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $25,496 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $2,546 |
| $30–48k | $2,836 |
| $48–75k | $6,587 |
| $75–110k | $11,551 |
| $110k+ | $54,188 |
Wellesley College's published cost of attendance is $86,290, but need-based aid reshapes that figure substantially across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $2,546 per year in net price — a figure that reflects the depth of Wellesley College's institutional aid commitment for qualifying students. Middle-income families pay around $6,587, and higher-income families pay approximately $54,188. Azimuth ranks Wellesley College #506 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. For a fuller picture of how net price and sticker price can differ, the gap between published cost and what families actually pay is the more meaningful number. Wellesley meets demonstrated financial need in full under its current aid policies, with aid structured entirely on a need basis — no merit component. Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and work-study is available as part of the aid package. The result is that students from lower- and middle-income households often see net prices that bear little resemblance to the headline sticker, making Wellesley College more accessible than its published cost suggests for families who qualify for need-based support. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $10,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $38,825; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $72,449, median federal debt of $10,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $113 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Wellesley College earn median 4-year earnings of $72,449, placing the institution in the 73.7th percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs above the $67,275 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band). Azimuth ranks Wellesley College #207 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 86.1st percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions.
The earnings pattern reflects Wellesley College's strong foundation in Social Sciences, which represents 25% of graduates. Economics is the highest-earning program with 92 graduates earning median earnings of $121,787 four years after enrollment, ranking #26 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions per the program-ranking methodology. Azimuth ranks Computer and Information Sciences, General #4 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions with 57 graduates earning $177,213, while Political Science and Government ranks #47 nationally with 42 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $72,830.
