College Costs in Wellesley, MA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$48,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,497
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Wellesley Overview
Population
29,673
Student Population
2,624 (8.8%)
Cost of Living Index
136.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Wellesley
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$125,596
Total After Financial Aid
$125,596
Annual Cost
$31,399
Annual After Aid
$31,399
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $125,596 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,426 |
| Total Interest | $45,538 |
| Total Loan Cost | $171,134 |
Universities in Wellesley
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wellesley State University | Public | $15,685 |
| Wellesley Community College | Community | $6,268 |
Wellesley has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wellesley vs. National Average
| Category | Wellesley | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $16,100 | $10,940 | +$5,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,497 | $1,050 | +$447 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.7 | 100 | +36.69999999999999 |
Wellesley's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Wellesley
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,624 students
Wellesley has a total population of 29,673, with approximately 2,624 college students (8.8% of the population). Wellesley has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wellesley
$46,908
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wellesley earn a median starting salary of $46,908, which is $11,908 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $125,596 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,141 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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