Northeastern University Oakland vs. Wellesley

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University Oakland in Oakland, CA with Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wellesley College is larger than Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (2,407 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University Oakland is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); Wellesley College is in Wellesley, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northeastern University Oakland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wellesley College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University Oakland 7:1; Wellesley College 7:1.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Wellesley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern University Oakland or Wellesley? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Wellesley College than Northeastern University Oakland ($22,174 vs. $27,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University Oakland are 6.9% lower than at Wellesley College ($19,580 vs. $21,024).
• Northeastern University Oakland is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wellesley (about $602 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $67,176.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Northeastern University Oakland than at Wellesley College (about $602 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $67,176.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University Oakland than at Wellesley College (67% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 10.6% larger than aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students ($64,116 vs. $57,948).

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Wellesley Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern University Oakland or Wellesley? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Wellesley and Northeastern University Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 40 points higher than at Northeastern University Oakland (1470).
• Incoming Wellesley students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Northeastern University Oakland).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520; Wellesley College 1460/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 32/33; Wellesley College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern University Oakland - Test optional; Wellesley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wellesley Jan 8, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Northeastern University Oakland (3.57).
• Northeastern University Oakland has a higher acceptance rate (16.7%) than Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 47.6% at Wellesley.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Wellesley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern University Oakland and Wellesley? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Wellesley College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Northeastern University Oakland's (57%).
• Graduates from Wellesley College earn a median of about $23,700 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,100 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $14,600 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($8,900 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($92 vs. $242).
• More Wellesley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern University Oakland students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.