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Wells College

Aurora, NY·Private nonprofit·355 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

70%
Accept
355
Students
$22,921
Net Price
41%
Grad Rate
$39,200
Earnings
10 yr
$12,000
Debt

About This School

Wells College is a private nonprofit institution located in Aurora, New York with approximately 355 undergraduate students enrolled. Wells College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 70%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,921 per year. The graduation rate is 41%, and the typical graduate earns $39,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Wells College was a private liberal arts college in Aurora, New York, United States. From its founding in 1868 until it became coeducational in 2005, Wells was a women's college. The college's campus, set on the shore of Cayuga Lake, remains a part of the Aurora Village–Wells College Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 41% graduation rate and 50% freshman retention rate suggest that a significant portion of students either leave or struggle to finish, which is a real concern worth digging into before committing. On the plus side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $12,000, and the $22,921 average net price makes it more affordable than many small private colleges. Worth considering if you're drawn to a close-knit, intimate campus experience and have a clear plan to stay engaged, but ask hard questions about student support and why so many students don't make it to graduation day.

Founded
1868
Setting
Distant rural

Popular Programs

Psychology20%
Biological Sciences15%
Social Sciences12%
Business & Marketing10%
English10%
Visual & Performing Arts8%
Education3%
Physical Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Frances ClevelandEmma Lampert CooperKati Marton

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$35,166
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,166
Avg Net Price
$22,921
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants47%
Median debt at graduation$12,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
41%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
50%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White59%
Black15%
Hispanic/Latino12%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (355 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Wells College

170 Main Street

Aurora, NY 13026-0500

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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