Wells College: 87.7% Acceptance Rate

87.7%Acceptance

$35,166Tuition

355Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,094Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Wells College

Wells College transforms bright students into confident graduates through intensive mentorship at one of America's most intimate campuses. This liberal arts college enrolls just 355 students in rural Aurora, New York, where professors know every name in their small classes. The school opened as a women's college in 1868 and welcomed men starting in 2005. Notable graduates include First Lady Frances Folsom Cleveland and acclaimed actress Glenn Close.

Students pay an average of $22,921 after financial aid, making this expensive education surprisingly affordable for many families. Graduates earn a median of $51,094 ten years after college, easily covering the typical $276 monthly loan payment. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to economic diversity. The generous aid packages mean families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,281 net price.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely personal academic experience that few colleges can match. However, only 41% of students graduate within six years, and the 50% retention rate suggests the intimate environment isn't right for everyone. Women comprise 61% of the student body, maintaining echoes of the school's original mission. The 93% employment rate shows graduates find their footing in competitive job markets.

Academics & Faculty

Wells offers classic liberal arts education with intensive faculty mentorship. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and provide hands-on guidance throughout their academic journey. This small college atmosphere traditionally emphasized women's leadership development before becoming coeducational in 2005. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, writing, and interdisciplinary learning across humanities, sciences, and social sciences. However, only 46% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges some face in this demanding academic environment. Wells particularly excels in environmental studies, taking advantage of its pristine Finger Lakes location for field research. The college also maintains strong programs in psychology, education, and creative writing.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 69.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 45.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.9%
Retention Rate: 50.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,094
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Bachelor	$26,353
Sociology.	Bachelor	$26,353
Visual and Performing Arts, Other.	Bachelor	$21,964
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$17,560

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

Wells College sits on the shores of Cayuga Lake in the tiny village of Aurora, about an hour from Syracuse and Rochester. With only 355 students and a stunning lakefront campus, this feels more like an intimate retreat than a typical college. You'll need serious winter gear as upstate New York brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures from November through March.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. With housing capacity for 507 students but only 355 enrolled, nearly everyone lives on campus in the historic collegiate Gothic buildings. The 77% of students from New York State creates a tight-knit community where weekend options include hiking the lake trails, studying in the library's tower room, or making the drive to bigger towns for entertainment.

As a former women's college that went coed in 2005, Wells maintains its progressive liberal arts tradition. The 61% female student body and small size foster close friendships and spirited discussions that often continue long after class ends. Students here embrace the quirky, intellectual atmosphere of their lakeside bubble.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 507 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1868

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–31°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.2"
Annual Snowfall: 59.7"

Student Demographics

Wells draws primarily from New York state, with 77% of students staying close to home for this intimate liberal arts experience. The student body reflects the school's commitment to accessibility, as nearly half receive Pell Grants. Women still outnumber men 60% to 40%, a legacy of Wells' history as a women's college until 2005. The diverse mix includes significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside a white majority. These students seek the close mentorship that comes with 355 total enrollment and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio in the scenic Finger Lakes region.

Men: 39.4%
Women: 60.6%
White: 58.9%
Black: 14.7%
Hispanic: 12.1%
Asian: 2.8%
In-State Students: 77.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.8%

Location

Wells College sits in Aurora, New York, a small lakeside village on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region. The campus lies about 25 miles south of Syracuse, the nearest major city. Aurora has fewer than 1,000 residents and maintains its 19th-century charm with historic buildings and quiet streets. The college's rural-distant setting means students experience true small-town life surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and glacial lakes. The Finger Lakes region attracts tourists for its natural beauty and wine country atmosphere. With 77.05% of students coming from within New York state, many appreciate staying close to home while experiencing this picturesque corner of central New York. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Wells College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Aurora, New York 13026-0500

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,094
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,494
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 57.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wells College?

Wells College accepts 87.68% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This small liberal arts college in rural New York historically served as a women's institution before becoming coeducational in 2005.

How much does Wells College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Wells College is $22,921, lower than the full tuition of $35,166. Nearly 47% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $28,212 to help make education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wells College?

Wells College maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with only 355 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in the liberal arts tradition that the college has maintained since 1868.

What are the graduation outcomes at Wells College?

Wells College has a 40.90% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $51,094 ten years after graduation. The college maintains a 93.4% employment rate for its graduates, though the 50.34% retention rate indicates some students transfer or leave before completing their degrees.

Where is Wells College located and what is campus life like?

Wells College sits in Aurora, New York in a rural setting along Cayuga Lake. With housing capacity for 507 students and total enrollment of 355, the campus provides an intimate residential experience where 77% of students come from New York state.

Is Wells College still connected to its women's college heritage?

Wells College became coeducational in 2005 after 137 years as a women's college, though women still make up 60.56% of the student body. Notable alumnae include actress Glenn Close and Frances Folsom Cleveland, who became First Lady after marrying President Grover Cleveland.