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University of Chicago vs Wellesley College

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

25
University Wins
10
Tied / N/A
11
Wellesley Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Great Lakes
Region
New England
7,569
Enrollment
2,300
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1554
SAT Average
1520
34
ACT Midpoint
33
1510-1580
SAT Range
1460-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,662
In-State Tuition
$67,176
$70,662
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,176
$14,860
Average Net Price
$25,496
$-1,264
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,546
$914
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,836
$226
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,587
$48,524
Net Price ($110K+)
$54,188
15%
Pell Grant Rate
21%
5%
Federal Loan Rate
16%

Academics

95%
Graduation Rate
91%
99%
Retention Rate
97%
85%
Full-Time Faculty
80%
$19,806
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,120
20%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

52%
Female
N/A
30%
White
30%
17%
Hispanic
14%
7%
Black
8%
19%
Asian
26%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$80,870
Earnings (6yr)
$65,961
$87,164
Earnings (8yr)
$72,216
$91,885
Earnings (10yr)
$84,803
$15,000
Median Debt
$10,000
0.16x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.12x
83%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

194.09%
Mobility Rate
240.83%
4508.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4361.1%
430.5%
From Bottom 20%
552.2%
$132,000
Parent Median Income
$142,500

Social Capital

1.81
Economic Connectedness
1.84
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
15.6%
Volunteering Rate
16.7%

Research (Times HE)

#12
World Rank
N/A
79.1
Teaching Score
N/A
87.9
Research Score
N/A
96.9
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit

4% accept 95% grad $91,885 earnings $14,860 net

The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.

Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.

The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.

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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