Wellesley vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY at Purchase College is larger than Wellesley based on total student enrollment (3,333 students vs. 2,407 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wellesley College is located in Wellesley, MA (Large Suburban setting); SUNY at Purchase College is in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Wellesley College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wellesley College 7:1; SUNY at Purchase College 12:1.

Wellesley vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wellesley or Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Wellesley ($18,211 vs. $22,174).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 21.8% lower than at Wellesley College ($16,436 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 650.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $58,223 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 249.8% higher at Wellesley than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $47,973 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY at Purchase College than at Wellesley College (72% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 514.6% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($64,116 vs. $10,432).

Wellesley vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 230 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming Wellesley students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Purchase College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 1460/1560; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 33/35; SUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wellesley - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wellesley Jan 8, 2027; Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.6% at Wellesley vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

Wellesley vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wellesley and Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from Wellesley College earn a median of about $27,900 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,100 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $13,600 lower median loan debt than Purchase College graduates ($8,900 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Purchase College graduates ($92 vs. $232).
• More Wellesley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 65%)

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.