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Wells College

Wells

Aurora, New York 13026-0500

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Tight-knitRuralGreek life

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.

Motto
Habere et Dispertire
Type
Private liberal arts college
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

46 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Tour

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70%Acceptance
SAT Avg
355Students
8:1Student:Faculty
41%Grad Rate
$51,094Earnings 10yr
$22,921Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate69.7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Financial Aid

Pell Grant eligible
47%
First-generation
27%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$35,166
Room & Board$14,950
Books & Supplies$1,050
Total Cost of Attendance$51,012
Average Net Price$22,921
Median Debt at Graduation$26,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$276

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$17,281
$30–48K$18,030
$48–75K$21,000
$75–110K$26,997
$110K+$30,684

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

19.0%

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)

0

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

0

Motor Vehicle Theft

0

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

1

Drug Arrests

1

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

Student-faculty ratio
8:1

Programs (28)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

50%

Below Average

Student Body

Undergrads
355
Gender Split
61% / 39%
Women / Men
First Generation
27%
Pell Grant Recipients
47%

Race & Ethnicity

White 59%
Black 15%
Hispanic 12%
Asian 3%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate40.9%
Freshman Retention50.3%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$35,648
10 Years$51,094

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#146
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Express

TennisBowlingColleges conferenceSoccerLacrosseSwimmingCollegeSwimming wonSwimming haveBasketball wonVolleyballVolleyball tournamentSwimLacrosse tournamentLacrosse teamsSwimming records

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

139Very High

Estimated from NY state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

New Yorkpop. 8.3M
197 mi(341 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
208 mi(361 min)
Pittsburghpop. 300K
233 mi(404 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

SYR Syracuse Hancock39 mi
ROC Rochester56 mi
BUF Buffalo Niagara104 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA288 mi · ~8h 19m drive
New York, NY197 mi · ~5h 41m drive
Hartford, CT216 mi · ~6h 14m drive
Providence, RI277 mi · ~8h drive
Albany, NY149 mi · ~4h 18m drive
Syracuse, NY35 mi · ~1h 1m drive
Rochester, NY54 mi · ~1h 34m drive
Buffalo, NY111 mi · ~3h 12m drive
Philadelphia, PA208 mi · ~6h 1m drive
Pittsburgh, PA233 mi · ~6h 44m drive
Harrisburg, PA171 mi · ~4h 56m drive
Newark, NJ190 mi · ~5h 29m drive
Trenton, NJ202 mi · ~5h 50m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

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