Smith vs Wellesley: Which Top School Is Better?

Choosing between Smith vs Wellesley can feel tricky because both schools are top women’s colleges with strong academics and close communities, and knowing the differences can help you figure out which one fits you best. Comparing factors such as acceptance rates, campus life, and cost will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to plan your applications.

This blog compares Smith vs Wellesley in detail—covering admissions, academics, campus life, and financial aid—so you can decide which school best fits your goals and lifestyle. You will get a side-by-side look that makes choosing feel less overwhelming and helps you plan your next steps as a high school student.

• Smith vs Wellesley: Acceptance Rates
• Smith vs Wellesley: Rankings
• Smith vs Wellesley: Academics
• Smith vs Wellesley: Campus Life
• Smith vs Wellesley: Cost of Attendance
• Smith vs Wellesley: Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Smith vs Wellesley: Acceptance Rates

One of the first factors you probably want to compare between Smith and Wellesley is how competitive the admissions process is. Acceptance rates do not tell you everything about admissions, but they do give you a good picture of how strong your application needs to be.

Here are the admissions numbers for the Class of 2029:

As you can see, Wellesley is more selective than Smith. For the Class of 2029, Wellesley received 8,700 applications and admitted 1,191 students, which gave it an acceptance rate of 13.7%. Smith admitted more students, with 1,816 accepted out of 8,102 applicants, which worked out to an acceptance rate of 22%.

Here is how acceptance rates have shifted at each school over the past three years:

• Wellesley’s acceptance rate was 13.9% for the Class of 2027 with 8,184 applicants. The rate then increased slightly to 14.1% for the Class of 2028 with 8,714 applicants, before dropping to 13.7% for the Class of 2029 with 8,700 applicants.
• Smith’s acceptance rate was 19% for the Class of 2027 with 9,968 applicants. The rate then rose to 20.5% for the Class of 2028 with 8,666 applicants, and climbed again to 22% for the Class of 2029 with 8,102 applicants.

The bottom line is that Wellesley is harder to get into than Smith. That said, both schools have competitive admissions. You need strong grades, meaningful extracurricular activities, and well-written essays to stand out.

Smith vs Wellesley: Rankings

While rankings should not be the only reason you decide where to apply, they can give you a helpful way to compare schools. Rankings usually reflect how each college is viewed in terms of academics, teaching quality, and how graduates are valued by employers and graduate programs.

Here is how Smith and Wellesley compare across three major ranking systems:

U.S. News (National Liberal Arts Colleges)

• Wellesley: #7
• Smith: #14

Wellesley ranks higher than Smith in the U.S. News national liberal arts list. Being in the top ten means Wellesley is recognized for strong graduation rates, faculty support, and peer reputation. Smith is still well respected with a #14 ranking, but Wellesley’s spot gives it more national visibility.

Takeaway: If a stronger U.S. News national ranking matters to you, Wellesley has the edge.

Times Higher Education (World University Rankings)

• Wellesley: No data
• Smith: No data

Neither school appears in the Times Higher Education global list. This is common for liberal arts colleges, since the ranking system tends to highlight large research universities. Do not take the absence here as a negative. Liberal arts schools simply measure success differently.

Takeaway: You should focus more on national rankings when comparing Smith and Wellesley, since global lists often favor big universities.

QS World University Rankings

• Wellesley: #251–300
• Smith: #601–650

Wellesley performs better than Smith in the QS rankings, which weigh factors like employer reputation and research impact. The difference here shows that Wellesley has broader international recognition. Smith’s placement is still respectable, but Wellesley’s stronger position could matter if you want to work or study abroad later.

Takeaway: If international reputation is something you care about, Wellesley has the advantage in the QS system.

Smith vs Wellesley: Academics

Smith and Wellesley both give you a strong liberal arts education, but the way you will experience academics at each school feels very different. When you compare them, think about whether you want the freedom of an open curriculum or the structure of requirements that guide you through a wide range of fields.

Wellesley academics

The curriculum at Wellesley is built to balance guidance and choice. By the time you graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, you will be expected to know the main fields of human inquiry, bring together knowledge from different areas, and show maturity of thought in your major.

Wellesley also has a set of requirements that shape your education, including writing, foreign language, multicultural learning, quantitative reasoning, and distribution across different subjects.

Some of Wellesley’s strongest programs include:

• Social sciences
• Biological and biomedical sciences
• Computer and information sciences
• Psychology
• Physical sciences

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 and about two-thirds of classes having fewer than 20 students, you will get plenty of close interaction with professors. The combination of structure and flexibility helps you build a strong foundation while still leaving space to follow your personal interests.

Smith academics

Smith has an open curriculum, which means you do not have to take a set of required core classes. Instead, the only requirements are a writing-intensive course in your first year and completion of your major. Everything else is open for you to explore, making Smith a great place to design your own path and dive into subjects that excite you.

Top programs at Smith include:

• Research and experimental psychology
• Data science
• Political science and government
• Biology and biological sciences
• English language and literature

The student-to-faculty ratio at Smith is 8:1, and about 69% of classes have fewer than 20 students. You also get the benefit of the Five College Consortium, which allows you to take courses at Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and UMass Amherst, adding more than 5,000 options each year.

Still unsure whether Smith or Wellesley is the better fit for you? Our Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation & Roadmap will give you the clarity you need. In one consultation, you will receive a detailed, customized high school plan that outlines what a strong top-college applicant profile looks like for each school.

Smith vs Wellesley: Campus Life

The people you meet, the traditions you take part in, and the way you spend your free time will shape your entire college experience. Campus life influences your friendships, daily routine, and how connected you feel to your school.

Wellesley campus life

Wellesley creates a campus environment where you can be yourself while exploring new ideas and perspectives. You will find a diverse community that encourages curiosity, deep learning, and lifelong friendships. Campus traditions, meals, and wellness resources all contribute to an experience that is both supportive and engaging.

Here is what to expect at Wellesley:

• Each residence hall has its own personality shaped by the students who live there. You will feel at home in a community where conversations, study sessions, and social events happen naturally.
• Wellesley dining offers fresh, sustainable, and creative meals every day. From Tower Dining Hall to Leaky Beaker, you can find halal, kosher, vegan, and allergy-friendly options to meet your needs.
• The campus provides extensive mental, emotional, and physical health support. Services include the Stone Center Counseling Service, Health Services, and fitness opportunities like the Keohane Sports Center and club sports.
• Wellesley is just a 30-minute bus ride from Boston and Cambridge. You can access cultural events, shopping, museums, and college networking opportunities with ease.

Smith Campus Life

Campus life at Smith emphasizes independence and self-governance through its house system. Living in one of 41 houses gives you a unique opportunity to build close relationships with students from all class years, where late-night study sessions or casual hangouts are part of daily life. You will also enjoy flexible dining options, active student communities, and a safe campus environment that makes it easy to feel at home.

Here is what you can expect at Smith:

• Each house mixes students from different years and backgrounds to create a vibrant, supportive community. You will live in spaces with common rooms and shared facilities that foster friendships and collaboration.
• Smith has 15 dining locations and student-run cafés offering fresh, locally sourced meals. Meal plans accommodate dietary restrictions, and sustainability is integrated into daily dining practices.
• The Campus Safety Department focuses on inclusivity and community-based protection. Officers are unarmed, highly trained, and engage with students through events and advisory programs.
• You can participate in clubs, the student government, and on-campus events that match your interests. Smith encourages leadership and creativity while giving students the freedom to shape their own social experiences.

Smith vs Wellesley: Cost of Attendance

When deciding between Smith and Wellesley, cost is something you definitely want to consider. Both are private colleges, so the price is high, but seeing the breakdown helps you understand where your money will go each year. Knowing the total cost can help you plan your college budget more realistically.

Here is what one year at each school might cost you:

Here is what to expect at Wellesley ($99,741 total):

• $69,800 for tuition
• $11,520 for housing
• $10,776 for meals
• $344 for student activity fee
• $800 for books
• $1,250 for personal expenses
• $2,000 for transportation
• $4,051 for health insurance

Here is what to expect at Smith ($98,046 total using international transportation):

• $67,140 for tuition
• $23,360 for food and housing
• $308 for student activities fee
• $3,588 for health insurance
• $800 for books and course materials
• $1,000 for transportation
• $1,850 for personal expenses

Wellesley ends up being $1,695 more expensive than Smith each year. Over four years, that difference adds up to $6,780, which is worth keeping in mind as you compare schools and plan your budget.

Smith vs Wellesley: Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you are comparing Smith and Wellesley, understanding how each school handles financial aid can help you see which one is the better financial fit for you. Both schools meet 100% of demonstrated need, but the way they structure their packages can make a big difference in what you actually pay. Knowing the details can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Wellesley financial aid and scholarships

Wellesley meets 100% of calculated need for all admitted students, and nearly 60% of students receive aid. The average annual grant is over $67,469, which does not need to be repaid. Families provide a contribution based on income, assets, household size, and number of children in college, and adjustments can be made for unusual circumstances.

Here is what you can expect at Wellesley:

• Wellesley provides grants, loans if requested, and work-study opportunities to help you cover tuition, room, board, books, and personal expenses.
• Your aid travels with you if you study away or participate in Wintersession programs, so you can continue to receive support off-campus.
• Special circumstances like a job change, medical expenses, or unusual family situations can be reviewed for adjustments to your aid package.
• Paper copies of financial aid statements are sent to new students, while returning students can access their awards online.

Smith financial aid and scholarships

Smith has eliminated loans from its undergraduate financial aid packages, replacing them with grants, so students can graduate without a heavy debt burden. About 20% of incoming students qualify for one-time startup grants to help cover initial college expenses like dorm furnishings and personal needs. 

Here is what financial aid looks like at Smith:

• Smith provides more than $80 million annually in institutional aid, and all undergraduates, including international and undocumented students, are eligible for no-loan packages.
• Your financial aid package includes grants and a work expectation to cover full demonstrated need, without requiring loans.
• Low-income students with an expected family contribution under $7,000 can receive a one-time startup grant to help with initial college expenses.
• You can still borrow federal loans if you want to, but the no-loan policy means borrowing is optional rather than required.
• Smith’s approach ensures that students from all economic backgrounds can participate fully in campus life and access the college’s resources equally.

Final Verdict

Smith and Wellesley are both top women’s colleges, but choosing the right one depends on what kind of college experience feels like home to you.

• Choose Wellesley if you want a structured curriculum with clear guidance across a variety of subjects while still having room to explore your interests. You will be part of a close community just 30 minutes from Boston, giving you access to city life, cultural events, and internships. Financial aid is generous, with nearly 60% of students receiving support, and the average grant exceeds $67,000 each year.
• Choose Smith if you want maximum freedom to design your own academic path with an open curriculum and the flexibility to explore classes across five nearby colleges through the Five College Consortium. Campus life emphasizes independence through the house system and gives you opportunities to shape your social and academic experience. Financial aid is also strong, with more than $80 million in institutional support each year, no loans required, and startup grants available for low-income students.

In the end, think about whether you see yourself thriving in Wellesley’s structured, city-adjacent environment or Smith’s flexible, self-directed college-town setting. Both schools will challenge you, open doors, and connect you with opportunities, but one will feel more like your personal fit for four years of college.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which school is harder to get into, Smith or Wellesley?

Wellesley is more selective than Smith, with an acceptance rate of 13.7% for the Class of 2029 compared to Smith’s 22%. This means you will need strong grades, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to have a shot at Wellesley. Smith still has competitive admissions, but your chances are higher if you want a school with slightly more flexibility in the acceptance process.

2. Which college is more affordable, Smith or Wellesley?

Smith is a bit more affordable, with a total annual cost of $98,046 compared to Wellesley’s $99,741. The $1,695 difference each year adds up to $6,780 over four years, which can help you plan your budget for tuition, housing, and other expenses. Both schools offer strong financial aid, but Smith’s no-loan policy and startup grants make it especially appealing if you want to minimize debt.

3. Which school is better overall for students like me?

Choosing between Smith and Wellesley depends on what kind of environment makes you thrive. Wellesley gives you structure, guidance, and easy access to Boston, while Smith offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to explore courses across five colleges. Both schools will challenge you academically, connect you with opportunities, and help you grow, but one will feel more like home based on how you learn and live.

Takeaways

• It’s harder to get into Wellesley, since its acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 is 13.7% compared to Smith’s 22%. Be sure to highlight strong grades and activities in your application.
• Smith is slightly more affordable than Wellesley, with an annual cost of $98,046 compared to $99,741. That difference can save you $1,695 per year, or $6,780 over four years.
• Academics at Wellesley give you a structured curriculum with guidance across many subjects, while Smith lets you design your own path with the open curriculum and access to courses at five other nearby colleges.
• Campus life at Wellesley puts you close to Boston with lots of city opportunities, while Smith emphasizes independence through its house system and gives you flexibility to shape your social and academic experience.
• You can work with a college admissions expert who will help you compare Smith and Wellesley, guide you through applications, and make sure your profile stands out for the school that fits you best.