Head-to-Head Comparison
Wellesley College vs Smith College
- Wellesley Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 14
- Smith Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Wellesley College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $25,496 vs Smith College's $27,579, 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.
49 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Wellesley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment, 32% more than Smith College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $25,496, roughly $2,083 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Smith
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Wellesley graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (23% of degrees); Smith in Social Sciences (16%). 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 Smith College. Median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment vs $64,027.
Pick Wellesley College over Smith College. Net price $25,496 vs $27,579.
Pick Wellesley College over Smith College. 2.4% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Wellesley College and Smith College are close on paper, but Wellesley College wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Smith College takes 21%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,500.
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 $2,083 a year below Smith College's $27,579. Graduates of Wellesley College also borrow less: median debt of $10,000, against $17,550.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $8,332 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 $64,027 at Smith College. That is a 32% advantage. Set against borrowing, Wellesley College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 32% 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.
Moving people up
Wellesley College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.4%; at Smith College, it is 1.9%. Wellesley College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Wellesley College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Wellesley College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Wellesley College concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Smith College leans toward Physical Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Wellesley competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,550, against $10,000 at Wellesley College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Smith College's enrollment, and Wellesley College is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wellesley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Smith does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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 5 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Smith College
Northampton, MA · Private nonprofit
Smith College is a great fit for students who are looking for a strong liberal arts education with a focus on personal growth and leadership. With an acceptance rate of 21%, this private nonprofit institution has a close-knit community of around 2,544 students. It stands out in fields like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts, and Engineering, making it a solid choice for those eager to explore a diverse array of academic interests.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $64,027 ten years out, which gives a good indication of the return on investment for their education. The graduation rate is impressive at 89%, suggesting that most students successfully complete their degrees. This high completion rate often correlates with upward mobility, even if specific mobility data isn’t available. For many, the affordability factor is crucial, especially with a median debt of $17,550, which is manageable compared to average earnings.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is about $27,579, making it essential for students to consider their financial plans carefully. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated individuals looking for an enriching academic environment where they can engage deeply with their studies and peers. The supportive atmosphere at Smith College fosters not just academic success but also personal development, preparing graduates for a fulfilling life beyond college.
Rankings They Appear On
Wellesley College and Smith College appear together in 12 rankings. On the Best Liberal Arts Colleges, Wellesley College ranks #2 — Wellesley College outranks Smith College by 13 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Wellesley's student body and 16% of Smith's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wellesley) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Smith).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Wellesley College or Smith College?
Wellesley College is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 21% at Smith College.
Which is more affordable, Wellesley College or Smith College?
Wellesley College is more affordable, with an average net price of $25,496 after aid versus $27,579 at Smith College.
Do Wellesley College or Smith College graduates earn more?
Wellesley College graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment, versus $64,027 at Smith College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Wellesley College or Smith College?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 89%.
Wellesley College vs Smith College: which is better for social mobility?
Wellesley College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.4% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Wellesley College or Smith 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Wellesley and Smith stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
