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College comparison
Hamilton 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 |  Hamilton Clinton, NY |  Wellesley Wellesley, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHamilton College is more selective | 14% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1450–1550 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,030 | 2,300 |
| Avg net price | $28,985 | $25,496 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Wellesley reports higher median earnings | $78,411 | $84,803 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 92% |
| Median debt | $17,000 | $10,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.3% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Hamilton vs Wellesley: how they compare
Two top-tier liberal arts colleges with similar selectivity but distinct environments and outcomes.
By the numbers Quantitatively, Wellesley holds a slight edge. Both schools share a 14% acceptance rate and near-identical SAT 25–75 ranges (Hamilton: 1450–1550; Wellesley: 1460–1560). Wellesley graduates report higher median earnings after ten years ($85k vs. Hamilton's $78k) at a lower average net price ($25k vs. $29k), resulting in a better calculated value (3.3× vs. 2.7× earnings per dollar of net price). Wellesley also shows a marginally higher economic-mobility rate (241% vs. 230%) and a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial health score (Hamilton: 2.9/3). Hamilton exhibits slightly lower admit-rate volatility (49% vs. 57%). Both have excellent graduation rates (Wellesley: 92%; Hamilton: 91%).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, suburban liberal arts colleges with robust graduation outcomes and strong financial health. They are peer institutions focused on undergraduate education within a residential community.
How they differ The core differences are cultural and structural. Wellesley is a historic women's college with a rigorous academic environment and formal cross-registration opportunities with MIT and other Boston-area schools. Hamilton is a coeducational institution known for an open curriculum and a campus culture described as a close-knit community, with significant student-led social and activity options.
Who each suits Wellesley suits a student seeking a traditionally single-sex academic environment with direct access to a major metropolitan hub (Boston) and its consortium resources. Hamilton is ideal for a student who prefers a coed, collaborative liberal arts experience in a more self-contained, upstate New York setting, valuing curricular freedom and student-led initiative.
Quick answers
- Is Hamilton College or Wellesley College harder to get into?
- Hamilton College is more selective: Hamilton College'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 Hamilton College vs Wellesley College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1550 at Hamilton College 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.