At $22,921/yr net price, Wells College graduates earn $51,094/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,094/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,921 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,094/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,094/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,281/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,030/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,000/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,997/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,684/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
40.9% of students at Wells College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Wells College delivers weak financial returns that should give you pause before enrolling. The median graduate earns just $51,094 ten years after graduation, barely double the $22,921 annual net price, while carrying $26,000 in debt.
The graduation rate of 41% means most students leave without a degree, making Wells one of the riskier investments in higher education. The 50% retention rate signals that half of freshmen transfer or drop out after their first year, suggesting systemic issues with student satisfaction or academic support.
Wells' top-earning programs still pay poorly compared to national averages. Natural Resources Conservation and Sociology graduates earn just $26,353, while Psychology majors face the worst outcome with $17,560 median earnings against $26,500 in debt. Visual and Performing Arts graduates earn $21,964, which may work for those with family financial support but creates financial stress for most.
You face significant risk that you will not complete your degree at Wells, given the low graduation and retention rates. Even if you do graduate, your earning potential remains limited across all major programs offered.
Wells makes financial sense only for students who receive substantial need-based aid or have family wealth that makes the modest returns acceptable. If you need your college investment to pay for itself through higher earnings, look elsewhere. The combination of high dropout risk and low graduate earnings creates a particularly poor financial proposition for middle-class families taking on debt to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wells College worth the cost for the career outcomes?
Wells College graduates earn a median of $51,094 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $22,921 annual net price. The 40.9% graduation rate suggests many students don't complete their degrees, making the investment risky.
Which Wells College programs offer the best return on investment?
Natural Resources Conservation offers the highest starting earnings at $26,353, followed by Sociology programs. Psychology graduates start at just $17,560, making it a poor financial choice given the school's costs.
How much debt do Wells College students typically graduate with?
Wells College graduates carry a median debt of $26,000. With starting salaries around $17,000-$26,000 for most programs, this debt load creates a challenging repayment situation for many graduates.
Does Wells College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The net price of $22,921 after financial aid is still substantial given the low graduation rate and modest earning potential. Many students may struggle to see positive returns on this investment.