Wellesley vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Worcester State University is larger than Wellesley based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 2,407 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wellesley College is located in Wellesley, MA (Large Suburban setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Wellesley College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wellesley College 7:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Wellesley vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wellesley or Worcester State 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 Worcester State University than Wellesley ($12,778 vs. $22,174).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 31.9% lower than at Wellesley College ($14,307 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 470% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $55,390 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 276% higher at Wellesley than at Worcester State University (about $49,310 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at Wellesley College (80% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 577.5% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($64,116 vs. $9,464).

Wellesley vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wellesley or Worcester State 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 Worcester State University and Wellesley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 360 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 1460/1560; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wellesley - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wellesley Jan 8, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.6% at Wellesley vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Wellesley vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wellesley and Worcester State 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Wellesley College earn a median of about $18,900 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,100 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $11,100 lower median loan debt than Worcester State University graduates ($8,900 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Worcester State University graduates ($92 vs. $206).
• More Wellesley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University 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.