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University of Pennsylvania vs Wellesley College

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

22
University Wins
10
Tied / N/A
14
Wellesley Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
10,650
Enrollment
2,300
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1553
SAT Average
1520
34
ACT Midpoint
33
1510-1570
SAT Range
1460-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,686
In-State Tuition
$67,176
$68,686
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,176
$28,699
Average Net Price
$25,496
$-3,012
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,546
$316
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,836
$10,439
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,587
$55,972
Net Price ($110K+)
$54,188
17%
Pell Grant Rate
21%
10%
Federal Loan Rate
16%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
91%
99%
Retention Rate
97%
79%
Full-Time Faculty
80%
$22,117
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,120
19%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

57%
Female
N/A
27%
White
30%
11%
Hispanic
14%
9%
Black
8%
28%
Asian
26%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$90,555
Earnings (6yr)
$65,961
$100,118
Earnings (8yr)
$72,216
$111,371
Earnings (10yr)
$84,803
$15,715
Median Debt
$10,000
0.14x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.12x
90%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

176.28%
Mobility Rate
240.83%
3025.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4361.1%
582.7%
From Bottom 20%
552.2%
$95,400
Parent Median Income
$142,500

Social Capital

1.88
Economic Connectedness
1.84
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
16.7%

Research (Times HE)

#109
World Rank
N/A
46.3
Teaching Score
N/A
49.2
Research Score
N/A
77.6
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $111,371 earnings $28,699 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the University of Pennsylvania attracts students who are not only academically strong but also deeply passionate about their fields. This school is especially well-suited for those interested in areas like Biology and Biomedical studies, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Business and Marketing. The vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia adds an urban edge to the college experience, making it a great fit for students looking to engage in both rigorous academics and lively city life.

Looking at the outcomes, graduates from Penn see significant returns on their investment. With a 10-year earnings average of $111,371, it's clear that a degree from here can open doors to lucrative career paths. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds, the high graduation rate of 97% suggests that students who enroll are likely to complete their studies successfully.

Financially, the net price after aid sits at $28,699, which is manageable given the strong earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $15,715, students here can graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive at Penn are often highly motivated, driven, and ready to take advantage of the rich resources and opportunities available within the institution and the surrounding city.

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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