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Wellesley College

Wellesley, United States • Founded 1870

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: wellesley.edu

Overview

Acronyms: WC
Founded: 1870
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
SCImago 2026 #1908
Motto: Non Ministrari Sed Ministrare
Colours: Blue
Wellesley College main campus view
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Founded in 1870, the Wellesley College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Wellesley (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.

Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Wellesley College (WC) is a small-sized women only US higher education institution. Wellesley College (WC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

This 154-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

WC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are Wellesley College's address, location, and primary contact channels.

Address: 106 Central Street
Postal Code: 02481-8203
Phone: +1 (781) 283 1000
Fax: +1 (781) 283 3639
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Wellesley College are listed below.

Recognition: New England Commission of Higher Education
Total Students: 2,300
Academic Staff Range: 400-499
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Wellesley College are listed below.

Unit 7 items
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • College of Nursing
  • Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Irvin D. Reid Honors College

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Wellesley College are listed by degree level.

39 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 39 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Classical and Ancient Studies
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences

Showing 10 of 39.

Scholarships in United States

Below are scholarships available to students in the United States.

How to apply to Wellesley College

The application path for Wellesley College, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Wellesley College

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Wellesley College runs 39 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to Wellesley College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Wellesley College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.wellesley.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (781) 283 1000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wellesley College

Concise answers to common questions about Wellesley College.

When was Wellesley College founded?

Wellesley College was established in 1870 (approximately 156 years ago).

What city is Wellesley College in?

Wellesley College operates from Wellesley, United States.

Is Wellesley College a public or private institution?

Wellesley College is a private institution.

How big is Wellesley College's student body?

Wellesley College serves approximately 2,300 students.

How many faculties does Wellesley College have?

Wellesley College is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.

Who recognises Wellesley College?

Wellesley College is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.

What is Wellesley College's official website?

Wellesley College's official website is www.wellesley.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Wellesley College overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Below: other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member institutions, alongside Wellesley College.

Faculties at nearby universities

Below are universities in the same area as Wellesley College.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts is also taught at these universities in the United States.

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