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Diversity & Inclusion
It’s equitable, inclusive, and empowering. It’s home.
Wellesley was founded on the radical idea that women have an equal right to the best education in the country. We still believe—in fact, we know from experience—that the boldest ideas, the brightest solutions, and the healthiest communities draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences.
We’re dedicated to ensuring that all Wellesley students have an equal opportunity to flourish, no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, physical ability, or any other category that can be used to divide people.
All students deserve equity in how they are mentored, sponsored, supported, and empowered to experience Wellesley. We are dedicated to ensuring that each of our students is able to take advantage of Wellesley's rich learning and living environment.
—Paula A. Johnson, president of Wellesley College
A Wellesley education is 24/7 and leaves the confines of a classroom setting. We are preparing students who value the importance of inclusivity and celebrate the diversity that each member brings to campus. In the end, our students will graduate and have lives of consequence in their communities and the world.
—T. Peaches Valdes, dean of admission and financial aid
We’re diverse in many ways
The Mix
A mere sample of the brilliant variety of experiences in our community:
- Wellesley students come from all 50 states 🇺🇸, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. They hail from over 80 countries of citizenship and over 50 countries of residence.
- At least one language other than English is spoken more than 50% percent of students’ homes; over 30 languages are spoken 💬 on campus.
- 58 percent of the class of 2027 identify as domestic students of color ✍🏻✍🏼✍🏽✍🏾✍🏿
- Nearly 60 percent of our students receive financial aid 💵; the average annual scholarship (that does not need to be repaid) is over $60,000.
- 24 percent of students in the class of 2027 will be the first generation in their families to graduate 🎓 from college.
- From rainbow 🌈 “Safe Space” stickers on office doors to out-and-proud First-Year Mentors, Wellesley offers many informal mentoring and advising resources for its LGBTQ students and their allies.
- 13 religious organizations ✝️✡️☸️☪️☯️🛐serve students from agnostic to Zoroastrian and everything in between!
- Our Elizabeth Kaiser Davis Degree Program and transfer program welcome students who have taken many different 📓 educational journeys.
Diversity Recruitment Team Outreach
Our Diversity Recruitment Team is a group of staff and students who are committed to recruiting and enrolling students from underrepresented backgrounds. They organize the travel grant program that brings bright, deserving students to campus, engage with community-based organizations and high school counselors around the country, hang out with the dozens of cultural organizations on campus, and help connect prospective and current students.
Ask a student about the ways in which the team can support you in the application process.
Oftentimes, students arrive on a college campus not fully aware of their disadvantages. That was certainly my case. I was a good student who was very excited to be the first in my family to go to college. However, I had never experienced being away from home or sitting in a classroom with people that did not look or sound like me. College was such a culture shock! The drastic change intimidated me and caused me to clam up as opposed to fully owning my presence on campus.
Finding the “right fit” involves so much more than choosing a course of study and completing an application. It’s about finding a community that makes you feel safe, challenges you to grow and celebrates your accomplishments.
Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions. After all, this is your journey and it's an important one. How will your college take care of you? Will it foster an inclusive environment? Will the community expect you to assimilate or empower you to own the space that makes you uniquely you?
—Eliana Waite, associate director of admission
As a first-generation college graduate, I've seen first-hand just how valuable community is to a student's trajectory through their undergraduate degree. While I did not graduate from Wellesley, I witness students on a daily basis finding community through different facets across campus - in the classroom, resource centers, student organizations, affinity spaces, and/or residence halls. Wellesley students gravitate towards people who raise them up and challenge them to grow.
Every day I feel honored to engage with students in the college search and application process (especially in thinking back to those who helped me along the way as well). Don't forget how much agency you have in this process - the ultimate goal is to find a college community where you are thriving as your authentic self.
—Natalie Figueroa, senior assistant director of admission
Navigating the college search as a low-income student of color, my imposter syndrome made me constantly question where (and if) I belonged. Ultimately, I was inspired to apply to Wellesley because of the diverse array of perspectives and backgrounds present on this campus. What I've found here is an incredibly vibrant, uplifting, and unique community of budding global innovators, dedicated to cultivating an affirming, inclusive, and invigorating academic space.
I have been consistently amazed at the ways that Wellesley students, faculty, and staff show up for one another and create a sense of belonging, on-campus and beyond. The supportive and empowering nature of the Wellesley community has encouraged me to challenge myself, ask tough questions, and take advantage of exciting opportunities. Now, as an alumna, I cannot emphasize enough what a privilege it is to learn and grow in a community that actively amplifies each other’s voices, challenges the status quo, and celebrates who we are.
—Aminah Praileau '21, assistant director of admission
“What was unique about Wellesley was its holistic approach to an undergraduate education. As an Asian-American, I fell in love with its belief that, without exposure to a diverse pool of students, we lose the opportunity to develop essential qualities such as empathy, perspective, and awareness. At Wellesley, education doesn't end once you leave the classroom—it begins. So I knew as soon as I visited Wellesley that I would never have to justify why I belonged there.”
—Haley '24, belonging and equity liaison
“As a Latinx, low-income, first gen student, I felt ostracized coming from a predominantly white and affluent high school. Despite feeling lost, I always knew that I needed to go to a college that not only catered to my needs, but also introduced me to people of backgrounds both similar to mine and completely opposite. I knew by the time college came around that I needed to break out of the box I had been confined in for most of my life. Without much contemplation, I knew that Wellesley was exactly what I had been searching for; its nurturing environment and efforts to be inclusive for all immediately captured me. I am beyond grateful to call this campus my new home for the next four years, and am certain that Wellesley will give me the tools to help me take on the obstacles that lay ahead.”
—Jocelyn '24, belonging and equity liaison
"Coming from a school that was dedicated to serving low-income students of color, it was important for me to choose a college that would support me as I navigated higher education. At Wellesley, I have received more support than I ever could have imagined. I am surrounded by students who are intelligent, compassionate, and eager to use the knowledge they gain from Wellesley to impact our world in a meaningful way. During my next four years here to hope to learn more about the ways Wellesley supports its underrepresented students and be a part of efforts to nurture and encourage a safe and inclusive environment for all students."
—Nya '25, belonging and equity liaison
"As a first-generation immigrant, at the time of my application to Wellesley, my family was still finding its footing in this new society. I was acutely aware of our journey, and it was crucial for me to choose a college that wouldn't add extra hurdles to my adaptation but instead would wholeheartedly support my acclimation process. Through the resources provided by Wellesley to its students, I was not only able to succeed throughout my higher education journey, but I was also able to find a network of strong and powerful sibs to go through it with me. Wellesley offers a wealth of resources that empower its students. The Wellesley community is filled with individuals who are driven and determined to pioneer innovation in our world. I find inspiration in their dedication every single day. It is a profound honor to represent the legacy of Wellesley and to call this remarkable place my home!"
—Emi '24, belonging and equity liaison
"As a first-generation, low-income, community college transfer student at Wellesley, I am proud of my decision to further my education in such a supportive academic environment. I have met peers from all walks of life who have challenged my preconceptions inside and outside of the classroom. My socioeconomic background has never served as a burden due to the plethora of resources available. My professors have encouraged me to rise to the challenge of critical inquiry no matter what my academic background and limitations may be as a non-traditional student. There’s a strong network built to support non-traditional students through their journey alongside their traditional peers. My future may be as non-traditional as my academic path, but Wellesley has played a vital role in making it less precarious."
—Fatima '25, belonging and equity liaison
"Coming from a high school that served predominantly low-income students, Wellesley was not a college that was on my radar when applying to universities. Once I committed to Wellesley, I was worried that I would not be able to keep up with academics or really find my footing on campus because of Wellesley’s affluence. Thankfully, I felt supported by people from Wellesley even before stepping foot on campus with the Beal Scholars Program. The Beal Scholars Program is dedicated to helping students from low-income backgrounds adjust to Wellesley, and I have continued to feel support ever since arriving. I’m grateful to feel like many aspects of my identity are represented on campus and am happy to be working to ensure that future students that carry multiple identities know that there is space for them here."
—Kristal '26, belonging and equity liaison
"As a Latina first-generation, low-income student, applying to college has been one of the hardest experiences I have been through. I wanted a college that would provide me with all the resources I needed to succeed academically. Wellesley not only provided me with financial resources, but has also given me professors who help me succeed academically. With the diverse student organizations on campus, I’ve found a community and a sense of belonging. Wellesley is the place to thrive and explore your passions."
—Lissbeth '26, belonging and equity liaison
How we make Wellesley work for you
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A few of our most-used, best-loved campus resources
Acorns
Acorns, a renovated house overlooking Lake Waban, includes meeting space, a kitchen, and offices for advisors to students of Latinx and Asian descent.
Harambee House is home to Ethos, a group for students of African descent, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary!
Slater International Center is a gathering place for international students (about 10% of our student body) and students interested in global culture.
The Community Action Network hosts discussions, workshops, and events that promote a more nuanced, textured understanding of equity and inclusion.
The First Generation Network offers first-generation college students a supportive community, regular events, and mentorship from faculty, staff, and alumnae.
The Houghton Chapel and Multifaith Center is home to 17 weekly services, 8 religious and spiritual chaplains, and our Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
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Partnerships with progressive organizations around the world
Chicago Scholars is leading a powerful movement to guide a critical mass of Chicago’s talented youth into college and career success. Chicago Scholars are academically driven, first-generation college students from under-resourced communities who do not have the social capital or informational resources necessary to help them navigate the unfamiliar, complex transitions into college, through college, and beyond to a career. As a Platinum College Partner with the Chicago Scholars program in Cook County, Wellesley participates in special student recruitment events in the Chicago area. Partners are dedicated to supporting Scholars with financial support, academic advising, and leadership opportunities. We also meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need as well as provide additional opportunities.
Wellesley is among the diverse coalition of public and private colleges and universities nationwide to participate in the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success. The coalition developed a new application as well as a free platform of online tools to streamline the experience of planning for and applying to college and to provide low-income students with better information about high-quality, low-cost college options.
Wellesley is proud to be a QuestBridge partner school. This nonprofit organization links motivated high-achieving, low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation’s best colleges. QuestBridge believes that attending a top college can be affordable, and the organization is committed to helping students attain the college education they deserve.
Say Yes to Education In joining the Say Yes Higher Education Compact, Wellesley, as well as other private colleges and universities across the country, agree to ensure that most students from Say Yes communities whose annual family income is at or below $75,000 are able to attend college tuition-free.
The Posse Foundation places students in posses—groups of 10 students—to help foster academic excellence within the institutions that have awarded the selected students a four-year full-tuition leadership scholarship. Wellesley is proud to be Houston’s second STEM Program partner, and the 11th STEM partner nationally, welcoming our first Posse to campus in 2017.
United World Colleges (UWC) schools, colleges, and programs deliver a challenging and transformational educational experience to a diverse cross-section of students, inspiring them to create a more peaceful and sustainable future. UWC comprises 16 international schools and colleges located in North America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America; national committees in more than 150 countries; and a series of short educational programs. Learn about the Davis-United World College Scholars Program at Wellesley.
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Exceptional financial aid
We meet 100 percent of our students’ calculated need, ensuring that every admitted student can afford to attend Wellesley. Our MyinTuition calculator can give you a rough estimate of the aid you’d expect to receive if you attend Wellesley. On average, students receive about $60,000 in grants that don’t require repayment. Students graduate with less than half the average national student debt.
Explore more from Wellesley
This is what leadership looks like.
A lot like you, most likely.
