Head-to-head comparison
Hamilton College vs. Wellesley College
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Hamilton or Wellesley harder to get into?
Hamilton is harder to get into than Wellesley. Hamilton's 13.6% acceptance rate is lower than Wellesley's 14.1%.
Which is cheaper, Hamilton or Wellesley?
Wellesley costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Wellesley's average net price is $25,496 vs $28,985 at Hamilton.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Wellesley graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $78,411 at Hamilton and $84,803 at Wellesley.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Hamilton | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 13.6% | 14.1% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1450–1550 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,230 | $86,290 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $28,985 | $25,496 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,030 | 2,300 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 90.6% | 91.5% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $78,411 | $84,803 |
| Setting | Clinton, 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. Hamilton's 13.6% 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. Hamilton is in Clinton, 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 8.2%). 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. Hamilton is 55.6% women, 8.2% international, and 9.0% Asian-American. Wellesley is 99.9% women, 13.4% international, and 25.7% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Hamilton | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 55.6% | 99.9% |
| International | 8.2% | 13.4% |
| White | 62.2% | 29.8% |
| Asian | 9.0% | 25.7% |
| Hispanic | 9.7% | 14.4% |
| Black | 3.1% | 8.4% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Hamilton vs. Wellesley?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Hamilton if
- its open curriculum
Pick Wellesley if
- Your odds are realistic at Wellesley (slightly easier admit)
- Net price matters: Wellesley costs $3,489 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($84,803 vs $78,411)
- 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
Hamilton College
13.6% accept · Clinton, 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.