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Bowdoin College vs Wellesley College

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

14
Bowdoin Wins
9
Tied / N/A
19
Wellesley Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
New England
1,873
Enrollment
2,300
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1520
SAT Average
1520
N/A
ACT Midpoint
33
1470-1550
SAT Range
1460-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,832
In-State Tuition
$67,176
$67,832
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,176
$14,398
Average Net Price
$25,496
$3,145
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,546
$2,800
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,836
$9,007
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,587
$35,196
Net Price ($110K+)
$54,188
17%
Pell Grant Rate
21%
8%
Federal Loan Rate
16%

Academics

95%
Graduation Rate
91%
97%
Retention Rate
97%
89%
Full-Time Faculty
80%
$14,216
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,120
19%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

51%
Female
N/A
53%
White
30%
15%
Hispanic
14%
5%
Black
8%
11%
Asian
26%
0.67
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$61,692
Earnings (6yr)
$65,961
$79,520
Earnings (8yr)
$72,216
$82,735
Earnings (10yr)
$84,803
$18,500
Median Debt
$10,000
0.22x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.12x
80%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

109.47%
Mobility Rate
240.83%
4153.2%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4361.1%
263.6%
From Bottom 20%
552.2%
$177,600
Parent Median Income
$142,500

Social Capital

1.81
Economic Connectedness
1.84
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
10.4%
Volunteering Rate
16.7%

The Overviews

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 95% grad $82,735 earnings $14,398 net

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Bowdoin College is an excellent fit for students who are academically driven and ready to engage in a tight-knit community. With a total enrollment of 1,873, this private nonprofit institution in Brunswick, Maine, stands out for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts. Students here often delve into social sciences, biology, physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics, allowing them to develop a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths.

When it comes to life after graduation, Bowdoin graduates see solid earnings, with a 10-year median income of $82,735. This financial stability highlights the value of a Bowdoin degree in the job market. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need, the college’s overall affordability makes it a viable option for many families looking for a meaningful investment in education.

Looking at the numbers, the net price after aid is $14,398, and the median debt for graduates is $18,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook. Bowdoin tends to attract students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment and are eager to contribute to their communities, both on campus and beyond.

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $84,803 earnings $25,496 net

Wellesley College is a great fit for students who are focused on a strong academic experience and personal growth. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, this school attracts motivated individuals who are passionate about subjects like Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science. The environment here is tailored for those who thrive in a rigorous, supportive setting, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about their studies.

After graduation, Wellesley alumni see impressive outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $84,803 after ten years. This reflects the value of a Wellesley education in the job market. While the cost of attendance can be a concern, the school’s commitment to affordability helps many students manage their financial futures. The relatively low median debt of $10,000 for graduates suggests that most leave with manageable financial obligations.

When it comes to the practicalities, the net price after aid sits at $25,496, which is reasonable for a private institution. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who appreciate a close-knit community and seek a challenging academic environment. With a graduation rate of 91%, it’s clear that Wellesley supports its students well, helping them not just to finish their degrees, but to succeed afterward.

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