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College comparison
Tufts 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 |  Tufts Medford, MA |  Wellesley Wellesley, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateTufts University is more selective | 11% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,061 | 2,300 |
| Avg net price | $39,998 | $25,496 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Wellesley reports higher median earnings | $83,214 | $84,803 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 92% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $10,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.1% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Tufts vs Wellesley: how they compare
Two institutions in suburban Boston, one a research university and the other a premier women's college, offer distinct pathways.
By the numbers Wellesley presents a stronger quantitative value proposition. Its average net price is $25k versus Tufts' $40k, and its value (earnings per dollar of net price) is 3.3×, significantly higher than Tufts' 2.1×. Both schools yield strong 10-year median earnings ($85k vs. $83k) and high graduation rates (92% vs. 94%). Wellesley also leads in economic mobility (241% vs. 213%) and has a perfect DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3 (Tufts: 2.7/3). Tufts is slightly more selective (11% acceptance vs. 14%), though their SAT 25-75th percentile ranges are nearly identical (Tufts 1470–1560, Wellesley 1460–1560). Admit-rate volatility is comparable (58% vs. 57%). Wellesley's standout metric is its future-scholar yield, with 7.8% of students earning Science & Engineering PhDs.
Where they overlap Both are selective, suburban campuses within the greater Boston academic ecosystem, providing access to the region's resources. They deliver high graduation rates and strong early-career financial outcomes.
How they differ The core distinction is institutional mission and campus culture. Tufts is a mid-sized, coeducational research university with a broader range of graduate programs. Wellesley is an undergraduate-focused women's college known for its academic rigor and track record of producing PhDs and leaders. Qualitative notes describe Wellesley's social scene as more individualistic, while Tufts is seen as offering a more traditional college experience.
Who each suits Wellesley suits a highly driven, academically intense student who thrives in a single-sex environment focused on empowering women and values strong financial value and a pipeline to graduate scholarship. Tufts is a fit for a student seeking a more traditional, collaborative co-ed experience within a research university framework.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Tufts University or Wellesley College harder to get into?
- Tufts University is more selective: Tufts University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and Wellesley College's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Tufts University vs Wellesley College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Tufts 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.