Financial Aid Facts and Stats
- Admission for U.S. students and permanent residents is need-blind, without regard to a student’s financial aid status. In addition, we meet 100 percent of a student’s calculated financial need.
- The financial need of admitted international students is also fully met. In addition, an international student’s family contribution is determined at the time of admission and remains the same for all remaining years, making college costs very predictable.
- Financial aid, along with the ability of our students to finish in four years, means that our real cost is often the same as, close to, or less than costs at public universities.
- Since student loans relate to family economic resources, packaged loans for first-year students range from $0 to $3,000. Students who choose to borrow in excess of their packaged loans can still graduate with low loan debt.
- Wellesley’s student employment program helps students cover about $2,000 of their expenses. Students also gain valuable work experiences (e.g., research) and references for future employment and admission to graduate programs.
- Our aid program is funded mostly by donors who are graduates of Wellesley College. They value their education at Wellesley and are committed to opening the door for future students.
Some Quick Statistics
100% of calculated need.
Wellesley will meet 100% of calculated need for all admitted students.
60% of first-years received aid.
Nearly 60% of our students receive need-based financial aid. We admit students based on their skills, abilities, and promise—not on their financial situation.
$77 million grant aid total.
We maintain a financial aid budget of over $77 million. That money is dedicated exclusively to supporting students who have demonstrated financial need.
$59,000 average grant.
Our average grant—money that does not need to be repaid—is more than $59,000.
$2,000 student employment.
Wellesley's student employment program helps students cover about $2,000 of their expenses. Students also gain valuable work experiences and references for future employment and admission to graduate school programs.
Among top 10 colleges for low debt.
Wellesley is widely recognized as one of the top 10 colleges in the country for students graduating with the least amount of debt.