Head-to-Head Comparison
Drexel University vs Wellesley College
- Drexel Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 18
- Wellesley Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Wellesley College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $25,496 vs Drexel University's $38,509, Wellesley College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Wellesley College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Drexel
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Wellesley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than Drexel University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $25,496, roughly $13,013 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Drexel graduates concentrate in Health Professions (18% of degrees); Wellesley in Social Sciences (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Wellesley College over Drexel University. Median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment vs $84,648.
Pick Wellesley College over Drexel University. Net price $25,496 vs $38,509.
Pick Wellesley College over Drexel University. 91% completion rate vs 78%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Drexel University and Wellesley College are close on paper, but Wellesley College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Wellesley College is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Drexel University takes 79%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,345 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Wellesley College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Wellesley College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $25,496, about $13,013 a year below Drexel University's $38,509. Graduates of Wellesley College also borrow less: median debt of $10,000, against $25,325.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $52,052 before any change in aid. Choosing Wellesley College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Wellesley College graduates report median earnings of $84,803, compared with $84,648 at Drexel University. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, Wellesley College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Wellesley College graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 78%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 14% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Wellesley College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Drexel University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Engineering, Business & Marketing, while Wellesley College leans toward Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,509 runs well above Wellesley College's $25,496.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,325, against $10,000 at Wellesley College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Drexel University's enrollment, and Wellesley College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Drexel University's enrollment of 13,233 far exceeds Wellesley College's 2,300.
- Engineering-focused students: Drexel University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wellesley holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% of admitted students enroll, versus 7% at Drexel — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Wellesley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Drexel does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Drexel, where only about 35% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.
After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
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.
Rankings They Appear On
Wellesley College is featured on the Best Liberal Arts Colleges ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Drexel's top program is Nursing (BSN) (18% of enrollment), while Wellesley leads with Sociology (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Drexel) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wellesley).
The two schools feed different job markets. Drexel University is strongest in Health Professions, Engineering, Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, while Wellesley College concentrates in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, Physical Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Drexel University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 79% at Drexel University.
Which is more affordable, Drexel University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is more affordable, with an average net price of $25,496 after aid versus $38,509 at Drexel University.
Do Drexel University or Wellesley College graduates earn more?
Wellesley College graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,648 at Drexel University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Drexel University or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 78%.
Should you choose Drexel University or Wellesley College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Wellesley College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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