Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Wheaton offers over 100 interdisciplinary programs, with recent additions like nursing, finance, marketing, and criminal justice reflecting a pragmatic shift toward career-ready degrees. The most popular majors are Business (53 graduates), Psychology (47), and Biology (38), though the college emphasizes flexibility—students can design their own majors or combine disciplines like Neuroscience and Film Studies.

• Hands-On Learning: Internships, collaborative research, and independent study are baked into the curriculum.
• Global Focus: The college has a strong reputation for study abroad programs, with many students earning prestigious awards like Rhodes Scholarships.
• Faculty Access: With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, Wheaton fosters close mentorship, particularly in the sciences and humanities.

Life at Wheaton is intimate and engagement-heavy, with students describing it as easy to "find your people" through clubs, leadership roles, and campus events. The college actively promotes wellness (physical, emotional, and relational) alongside academics.

• Diversity Initiatives: Heritage month programs and social justice workshops aim to create an inclusive environment.
• Campus Vibe: The suburban Norton location (30 miles from Boston) means students often bond over on-campus activities, from film screenings to guest lectures.
• No Greek Life: Instead, social life revolves around 100+ student organizations, including a thriving arts scene.

Wheaton’s six-year graduation rate is 73%, slightly below the national average for private colleges, but it rebounds with strong post-grad outcomes. Alumni report average early-career earnings of $34,709, with many entering fields like business, education, and public service.

• Career Support: The college emphasizes internship pipelines to Boston and Providence.
• Graduate School: A notable number of students pursue advanced degrees, often in law or healthcare.

Wheaton’s sticker price is steep, but 73% of first-years receive need-based aid, with an average award of $45,947. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. for many students drops to $31,908 after scholarships and grants.

• Merit Aid: The college offers non-need-based scholarships, though these are less common than need-based packages.
• Calculator: Prospective students can use Wheaton’s Net Price Calculator to estimate costs.

Wheaton’s balance of accessibility and rigor makes it a hidden gem. Unlike hyper-competitive NESCAC schools, it welcomes B+ students who thrive in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Its interdisciplinary ethos—mixing business with humanities, or science with media—prepares graduates for hybrid careers. Plus, the 83.6% early acceptance rate is a tactical advantage for applicants who show genuine interest.