Wellesley College
Wellesley, United States • Founded 1870 • World Rank #1908
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
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
Wellesley College's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on Wellesley College's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
The departmental layout below shows how Wellesley College groups subjects, faculties, and teaching units. Subject grouping reflects institutional priorities, research strengths, and historical evolution.
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
Wellesley College's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
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
Showing 10 of 39.
How to apply to Wellesley College
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Wellesley College, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Quick answers to the most common questions about Wellesley College — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
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 2,000-2,999 students.
What is Wellesley College's ranking?
Wellesley College holds rank #1908 globally and #252 in United States.
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)
If Wellesley College's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near Wellesley College may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Capstone publication or portfolio output from Liberal Arts programmes affects what you graduate with. Some the United States institutions retain student work; others publish it as part of programme outputs.
Universities Compared with Wellesley College
The institutions below sit at a comparable academic standing to Wellesley College, often shortlisted together. Same-tier comparison helps when you have a target level but want to weigh non-ranking factors like culture or specialism.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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