College Comparison
Amherst College vs Wellesley College: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
School
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Amherst | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 9.8%wins | 13.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1550 | 1440–1550wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 31–35 | 33–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $67,280 | $64,320wins |
| Avg Net Price | $18,246wins | $25,008 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $77,644 | $84,803wins |
| Graduation Rate | 93.4%wins | 91.2% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 96.3% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,907 | 2,318wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Wellesley edges out Amherst on 5 of 9 measurable categories — including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,246
- ✓Graduation Rate: 93.4%
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.8%
Wellesley Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $64,320
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,803
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