Head-to-head comparison
Colgate University vs. Wellesley College
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Colgate or Wellesley harder to get into?
Colgate is harder to get into than Wellesley. Colgate's 13.9% acceptance rate is lower than Wellesley's 14.1%.
Which is cheaper, Colgate or Wellesley?
Wellesley costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Wellesley's average net price is $25,496 vs $28,786 at Colgate.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Colgate graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $85,139 at Colgate and $84,803 at Wellesley.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Colgate | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 13.9% | 14.1% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1430–1540 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–34 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,070 | $86,290 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $28,786 | $25,496 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,180 | 2,300 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 91.2% | 91.5% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $85,139 | $84,803 |
| Setting | Hamilton, New York | Wellesley, Massachusetts |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Selectivity is essentially the same. Colgate's 13.9% acceptance rate and Wellesley's 14.1% are within a percentage point of each other. For an unhooked applicant, the difference is statistical noise. Apply to whichever you genuinely prefer.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Colgate is in Hamilton, New York; Wellesley is in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Wellesley has a more international student body (13.4% non-resident students vs 8.1%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Colgate is 56.8% women, 8.1% international, and 5.3% Asian-American. Wellesley is 99.9% women, 13.4% international, and 25.7% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Colgate | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 56.8% | 99.9% |
| International | 8.1% | 13.4% |
| White | 64.3% | 29.8% |
| Asian | 5.3% | 25.7% |
| Hispanic | 9.6% | 14.4% |
| Black | 4.3% | 8.4% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Colgate vs. Wellesley?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Colgate if
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($85,139 vs $84,803)
- Core Distinction courses
Pick Wellesley if
- Your odds are realistic at Wellesley (slightly easier admit)
- Net price matters: Wellesley costs $3,290 less per year on average
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- cross-registration with MIT
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Colgate University
13.9% accept · Hamilton, New York
Full profile
Wellesley College
14.1% accept · Wellesley, Massachusetts
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.