Wellesley vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wellesley College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,407 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wellesley College is located in Wellesley, MA (Large Suburban setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Wellesley College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wellesley College 7:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Wellesley vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wellesley or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University than Wellesley ($18,595 vs. $22,174).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 30.8% lower than at Wellesley College ($14,540 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 159.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $41,318 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 159.8% higher at Wellesley than at Fisk University (about $41,318 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Wellesley College (87% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 181.1% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($64,116 vs. $22,811).

Wellesley vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wellesley or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University and Wellesley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 180 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Wellesley students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 1460/1560; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 33/35; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wellesley - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wellesley Jan 8, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.6% at Wellesley vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Wellesley vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wellesley and Fisk University? 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Wellesley College earn a median of about $32,200 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,100 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $17,100 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($8,900 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $176 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($92 vs. $268).
• More Wellesley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 38%)

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.