Wellesley, MA · Private University
Is Wellesley College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$84,803
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$64,320
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,320
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$257,280
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.32x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
91.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$10,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$25,008
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Wellesley College graduates earn $39,803 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Wellesley College ranked by graduate earnings
41 graduates
58 graduates
58 graduates
20 graduates
42 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Wellesley College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Wellesley College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $132,277) and the lowest (Anthropology: $31,973) is $100,304/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $132,277 | 2.1x |
| Economics | $91,749 | 1.4x |
| Political Science and Government | $65,958 | 1.0x |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $56,883 | 0.9x |
| Area Studies | $55,437 | 0.9x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $54,525 | 0.8x |
| Biology, General | $52,030 | 0.8x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences(1yr data) | $44,687 | 0.7x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $44,215 | 0.7x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $37,724 | 0.6x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology(1yr data) | $36,283 | 0.6x |
| AnthropologyLowest(1yr data) | $31,973 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellesley College | 1.32x | $84,803 | Average ROI |
| Williams College | 1.37x | $88,665 | Average ROI |
| Amherst College | 1.15x | $77,644 | Average ROI |
| Hamilton College | 1.19x | $78,411 | Average ROI |
| Bowdoin College | 1.27x | $82,735 | Average ROI |
| Colgate University | 1.27x | $85,139 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Wellesley College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $84,803 10 years after starting — $39,803 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.2 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.