Lake Waban sits at the heart of Wellesley's campus, about 12 miles west of Boston, and the walking path around it is a campus ritual. Wellesley is a highly selective liberal arts college for women, founded in 1870. Students can cross-register at MIT, and a shuttle runs between the two campuses. Economics, computer science, neuroscience and political science are among the most popular majors.
Wellesley, Massachusetts, United States
Official website: wellesley.edu
1870
Private liberal arts college for women
About 2,400 students
Cross-registration with MIT
$66,000 – $70,000
Tuition and fees before financial aid
$20,000 – $23,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on wellesley.edu before you apply.
BA Economics
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Neuroscience
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Political Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Mathematics
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Cross-registration with MIT, plus Babson, Olin and Brandeis.
A lakeside campus with the Davis Museum.
An alumnae network active in public life and business.
Graduates go into finance, consulting, technology, law and public service.
Many continue to leading graduate and professional schools.
Bachelor's graduates can apply for OPT, with extensions for STEM majors.
Undergrad
1 Jan 2027
Postgrad
No PG intake
Almost all students live on campus in residence halls around Lake Waban and the academic quad. Dining halls and the Davis Museum are a short walk apart.
Wellesley is a leafy, expensive suburb. The commuter rail runs into Boston in about half an hour, and the college bus connects to MIT and Cambridge.
Form I-20 issued by Wellesley College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Early Decision I closes around 1 November. Early Decision II and Regular Decision close around 1 January 2027. Apply through the Common App or QuestBridge.
First-year students start in late August.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Wellesley College after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Economics, computer science, neuroscience, political science and mathematics are popular. Admission is holistic and very selective. Non-native English speakers usually need TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0.
Wellesley meets the full demonstrated need of every admitted student, international students included. Admission is need-aware for international applicants, so requesting aid can be a factor in the decision.
