Wellesley vs. Ithaca College

Comparable Facts

Compare Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA with Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ithaca College is larger than Wellesley based on total student enrollment (4,767 students vs. 2,407 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wellesley College is located in Wellesley, MA (Large Suburban setting); Ithaca College is in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Wellesley College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ithaca College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wellesley College 7:1; Ithaca College 10:1.

Wellesley vs. Ithaca College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wellesley or Ithaca College? 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 Ithaca College ($22,174 vs. $35,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 23% lower than at Wellesley College ($16,192 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 25.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ithaca College (about $13,636 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.5% higher at Wellesley than at Ithaca College (about $13,636 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ithaca College than at Wellesley College (100% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 91.7% larger than aid received by Ithaca College students ($64,116 vs. $33,450).

Wellesley vs. Ithaca College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wellesley or Ithaca College? 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 Ithaca College and Wellesley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 200 points higher than at Ithaca College (1310).
• Incoming Wellesley students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Ithaca College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 1460/1560; Ithaca College 1230/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 33/35; Ithaca College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wellesley - Test optional; Ithaca College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wellesley Jan 8, 2027; Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027.
• Ithaca College has a higher acceptance rate (69%) than Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.6% at Wellesley vs. 12.3% at Ithaca College.

Wellesley vs. Ithaca College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wellesley and Ithaca College? 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 Ithaca College's (74%).
• Graduates from Wellesley College earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Ithaca College graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,100 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $16,850 lower median loan debt than Ithaca College graduates ($8,900 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $174 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ithaca College graduates ($92 vs. $266).
• More Wellesley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ithaca College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.