Why Wells?

Your dreams. Your future. Your Wells.

Wells is small in size but big on opportunity. Nothing is ever out of reach. You’ll always feel like you belong here because we celebrate you – just as you are, without compromise. You’ll be challenged to think differently by talented faculty and peers from all over the globe. And when you graduate, you’ll join more than 9,200 proud alumni who are professionals, scholars and leaders in their fields.

Wells by the Numbers

Founded in 1868 Wells College is an ever-changing community committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome and value students of any race, culture, nationality, ethnicity, religion, belief, class, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability or age.

Full-Time Students from

21 States and 6 Countries

93%

Full-Time Faculty with
Terminal Degrees

35%

Students of Color

16+

Student Organizations
and Clubs

37%

of students are
student-athletes

16

Division III Sports

% of students who participate in an internship or other experiential learning opportunity

% of students employed full-time within six months of graduation

% of students continuing their education in graduate school or in professional programs

Lakeside Learning and Living

Situated on more than 300 acres overlooking Cayuga Lake in Aurora, New York, Wells combines the simplicity and safety of village living with easy access to metropolitan and educational centers: ½ hour from Ithaca (home of Cornell University), 1 hour from Rochester and Syracuse, and 5 hours from New York City.

of Students Live On Campus

in 6 residence halls featuring a variety of architectural styles and room types–from the comfortable cottage feel of Weld House to the 19th century Glen Park Mansion, the former home of Wells’ founder Henry Wells.

Unmatched Personal Attention

Your Wells journey will be supported by rich mentorship and advising as you work one-on-one with faculty. Wells professors know you by name and are passionate about what you are passionate about. They are lifelong mentors who will guide and support you on your unique path well beyond graduation.

8:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

12

Average Class Size

Wells Invests In You

When it comes to financial aid, we are need-blind — your need for financial assistance does not impact your chance for admission. Your education is a significant investment and we are committed to helping put a Wells education within reach.

of Wells students receive need-based aid or merit-based scholarships.
Many receive both!

$22k

Average Institutional Aid Award

$16k

Average Net Cost for 2022-23

54%

of Incoming Students Were Awarded Top-Level Scholarships (3.5 GPA or higher)

Nearly 2/3 of Tuition

Can be Covered by Merit-Based Scholarships

125 Endowed Awards

Are Offered to Help with Your Wells Education Investment.

What Others Are Saying

Ranked #12 for social mobility and #44 for campus diversity among liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report

Named on Princeton Review’s list of best northeastern colleges

One of the 416 "Best Green Colleges" named by Princeton Review

Named "Best Bang For The Buck" on Washington Monthly’s list of the nation's top liberal arts colleges

Phi Theta Kappa recognized Wells for its excellence in creating and implementing dynamic pathways for transfer students.

The town of Aurora was recently named one of the most charming college towns in New York by Travelmag.com.