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College comparison
WashU 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 |  WashU St. Louis, MO |  Wellesley Wellesley, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateWashington University in St Louis is more selective | 12% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,857 | 2,300 |
| Avg net price | $21,786 | $25,496 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)WashU reports higher median earnings | $86,182 | $84,803 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 92% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $10,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.0% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
WashU vs Wellesley: how they compare
Balanced comparison of two elite, suburban liberal arts/research universities with distinct identities and outcomes.
By the numbers Both are highly selective: WashU's 12% acceptance rate and 1500–1570 SAT range are marginally more exclusive than Wellesley's 14% and 1460–1560. Post-graduate earnings are nearly identical (WashU $86k vs. Wellesley $85k). Value diverges: WashU's lower average net price ($22k vs. $25k) yields a higher earnings-per-dollar value multiplier (4.0× vs. 3.3×). Wellesley excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 241% dwarfing WashU's 104%, and leads in producing future scholars (7.8 S&E PhD yield). Institutional stability metrics are mixed: Wellesley has a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial-health score versus WashU's 2.4, but shows higher admit-rate volatility (57% vs. 35%). Graduation rates are both excellent (WashU 94%, Wellesley 92%).
Where they overlap They share a suburban campus setting and a commitment to high academic achievement, reflected in their strong graduation rates and elite student profiles. Both provide substantial financial resources, as indicated by their healthy DOE scores, supporting robust undergraduate experiences.
How they differ The cultures are distinct. WashU is a larger private research university integrated with the city of St. Louis, offering a dynamic, resource-rich environment with a noted emphasis on academics. Wellesley is a historic women's college with a focus on undergraduate teaching within a powerful consortium network (including MIT cross-registration), fostering a supportive and ambitious academic community known for its alumnae network.
Who each suits WashU suits a student seeking a comprehensive research university environment within a mid-sized city, preferring rigorous academics with a self-directed social scene. Wellesley is ideal for a student who thrives in a close-knit, all-women's liberal arts setting that prioritizes leadership, mentorship, and access to a strong network, with pathways to graduate study and high-impact careers.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Washington University in St Louis or Wellesley College harder to get into?
- Washington University in St Louis is more selective: Washington University in St Louis's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and Wellesley College's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Washington University in St Louis vs Wellesley College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Washington University in St Louis 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.