Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.9%
- Retention Rate
- 50.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $51,094
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $26,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Wells graduates face a mixed financial picture after leaving this small liberal arts college. The median debt of $26,000 creates monthly payments of $276, consuming about 6.5% of typical graduate income. Ten years out, graduates earn a median of $51,094, giving the degree a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51. The college's liberal arts focus traditionally feeds graduates into education, nonprofit work, and creative fields where starting salaries trend lower. With 93.4% of graduates finding employment, job prospects remain solid despite the concerning 40.9% six-year graduation rate. Alumni like actress Glenn Close demonstrate the college's creative pipeline, though such success stories are strong. Overall, Wells offers an average return on investment for students who complete their degrees.