Campus Vibe
Known for psychology — close-knit campus
Wells College is a private institution in Aurora with particular strength in psychology and biology.
A small campus of 355 undergraduates with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
41% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,094 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $22,921.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Wells College Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
19.1%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
2
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (28)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
50%
- •50% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Express
History & Fun Facts
- •History Founding Wells College was established by Henry Wells in 1868 as Wells Seminary, a women's college.
- •In 1875, Wells stated in an address that he founded the college with the hope it would "always be conducted on truly Christian principles".
- •On March 28, 1868, the college was incorporated by the New York State Legislature for the purpose of "promoting the higher education of young women in literature, science and the arts".
- •In 1870, the seminary's name was changed to Wells College.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average