Loading…
College comparison
Colgate vs Wellesley
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Colgate Hamilton, NY |  Wellesley Wellesley, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateColgate University is more selective | 14% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1430–1540 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,180 | 2,300 |
| Avg net price | $28,786 | $25,496 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Colgate reports higher median earnings | $85,139 | $84,803 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 92% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Colgate vs Wellesley: how they compare
Colgate and Wellesley are both highly selective liberal arts colleges with strong outcomes, but they diverge sharply in their economic mobility impact, campus culture, and setting.
By the numbers Both schools share a 14% acceptance rate and identical 10-year median earnings of $85,000. Wellesley holds a slight edge in standardized testing (SAT 25–75: 1460–1560 vs. Colgate’s 1430–1540) and graduation rate (92% vs. 91%). Financially, Wellesley presents a lower average net price ($25k vs. $29k) and a superior return on investment (value multiplier: 3.3× vs. 3.0×). Its economic-mobility rate of 241% dramatically exceeds Colgate’s 87%, and it boasts a perfect DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3 (Colgate: 2.6/3). Colgate shows higher volatility in year-to-year admit rates (112% vs. 57%). Wellesley also reports a future-scholar yield of 7.8% for Science & Engineering PhDs, a metric not available for Colgate.
Where they overlap Both institutions are small liberal arts colleges with high graduation rates and strong median earnings outcomes a decade after enrollment.
How they differ Culturally, Wellesley is often noted for its intellectual and research-oriented environment, while Colgate is frequently described with an emphasis on practical application. Wellesley is a women's college located in a suburban setting near Boston, whereas Colgate is a coeducational school in a small, rural college town.
Who each suits Wellesley suits a student seeking a rigorous, intellectually-driven environment within a women's college, with pronounced strength in propelling graduates toward doctoral study and exceptional support for economic mobility. Colgate is a better fit for a student who prefers a co-ed liberal arts experience in an intimate rural setting, valuing a practical education within a tight-knit campus community.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Colgate University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
- Colgate University is more selective: Colgate University's acceptance rate is approximately 14% and Wellesley College's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Colgate University vs Wellesley College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1430–1540 at Colgate University and 1460–1560 at Wellesley College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.