Wellesley College, the nation’s highest-rated liberal arts educational institution for women, has announced it will guarantee a tuition-free education to U.S. students whose families have a total annual income of $200,000 or less with typical assets.
According to the school, it is the first women’s college and the second liberal arts college in the country to guarantee free tuition at the $200,000 level. Some 85 percent of all families in the U.S. fall below this income threshold.
“Wellesley’s mission of educating women of all socioeconomic backgrounds is more important than ever,” said President Paula Johnson. “Through the Wellesley Tuition Promise, we will open doors to more students, ensuring that cost is not an obstacle when it comes to a life-changing Wellesley education.”
The Wellesley Tuition Promise will apply automatically to all first-year and transfer students who are admitted to Wellesley, as well as returning students, beginning in the Fall 2027 semester. For eligible students, the cost of attending the women’s college will likely be between $0 and $26,000, which will cover room, meals, and a mandatory student activities fee.
“Wellesley’s commitment to financial aid makes it possible for students from all backgrounds to attend Wellesley, without finances being a barrier,” said T. Peaches Valdes, Wellesley’s dean of admission and financial aid. “These students come to Wellesley because they want a rigorous education, and because they want to make a difference in the world. For an increasing number of students, Wellesley’s Tuition Promise will make that possible.”