Aurora, New York
Wells College is the place to explore interests and find one’s own unique voice. A world of possibilities lie within the lakeside campus, including DIII athletics, graduate-level research alongside professors, multiple student groups and organizations, and transferable financial aid that continues in semesters abroad. The relationships forged throughout a Wells education will prepare and guide students no matter where they go in life.
Wells offers a well-rounded, rigorous liberal arts degree aimed to inspire students to be creative, to embrace new ways of knowing, and to respond ethically to the interdependent worlds to which they belong. The College emphasizes community engagement, a cooperative residential atmosphere, and hands-on learning. Classes are small, and professors are attentive and dedicated to student success.
Located on 300 acres of land on the Cayuga Lake in central New York, Wells students take advantage of their proximity to stunning natural parks and metropolitan hubs such as Rochester, Syracuse, Boston, and New York City.
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Music ensembles
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Symphony orchestra
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Undergraduate Research
- Capstone Courses and Senior Experience
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Peer Mentors
- Gender & Sexuality Center
“Wells has made me realize this is who I am. It has made me the best version of myself I could ever hope to be.” – Lyndsey Wells, Class of 2016
DIVERSITY AND GLOBAL LEARNING
A core tenet of the Wells College mission is to foster an empathetic and well-rounded understanding of the world. In fall 2018, the student body included 15.4% Black, 7.4% Hispanic, 2.0% Asian, and 58.6% white (non-Hispanic) students.
A diverse community inspires students to expand their perspective, which is a crucial element of responsible and successful leadership. As such, Wells College encourages eye-opening study abroad opportunities far beyond campus walls.
UNDERGRADUATE INVOLVEMENT AND RESEARCH
Wells professors offer one-on-one mentorship both in their own classrooms and beyond. Most classes are small and discussion based, much like typical graduate programs, to foster inclusive and collaborative learning.
Every academic program at Wells College requires hands-on experiences, so every Wellsian is an engaged student. Students have the opportunity to develop practical career skills, conduct research, and hold internships. Wells students have been selected to present their research at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 87 | 10-19: 78 | 20-29: 35
30-39: 2 | 40-49: 0 | 50-99: 0 | 100+: 0
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 1%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 15%
White, non-Hispanic: 59%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 10%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 4%
“Much of the learning process at Wells occurs outside of the classroom and in small groups. This, coupled with small class sizes, gives me the opportunity to get to know most of my students as individuals. It is enjoyable to watch them grow as scientists over their four years here, and then beyond.” – Dr. Christopher Bailey, Professor of Chemistry
EDUCATION FOR THE REAL WORLD
Wells takes a unique approach to higher education in the astounding way that it puts hands-on learning at the forefront. Classroom learning is connected directly to future careers in a global society. Wells students have unique and diverse opportunities to conduct research with faculty members, hold internships, and study across the United States and abroad.
All students, regardless of major, are required to participate in a senior project in order to finish their academic career with a clear understanding of all the progress they’ve made. In their last year, they may create a project or write a thesis about a topic relevant to their studies. No matter how they culminate their college experience, their projects further enhance their knowledge and prepare them for graduate studies.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
External degree program
Liberal arts/career combination
Teacher certification program
“I chose Wells because of the small and involved class sizes as well as the beautiful and remote campus. The current students made the school even more attractive by being extremely genuine about campus life, and all of the traditions that Wells has! As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew that it as my new home away from home.” – Ben Siemer, Class of 2022
150 years of rich traditions at Wells College connect students’ lives far beyond the campus. The Wellsian heritage welcomes new students through the candlelit Convocation ceremony and continues with fun Odd/Even events, Tea Time on Wells Wednesdays, birthday serenades in the Dining Hall, and much more. There is a Wells tradition for everyone!
Wells students are caring, global citizens eager to take action. Through Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge, Wells students give up their spring breaks to travel out of state to help renovate and build safe and affordable homes across the United States. “I think one point of having an Alternative Spring Break is immersing students in different environments and cultures that they wouldn’t normally encounter [at Wells],” said Hailey Uribe, Director of Student Activities and Leadership.
COMMUNITY-BASED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Only 10% of healthcare providers choose to practice in a rural area, which often means that there is an urgent need with few resources to address it. During the summer, Wells students travel to a rural community in New York State for the Rural Health Immersion Program, sponsored by the Wells College Health Sciences Department. Students gain valuable hands-on experience by shadowing health professionals in a variety of hospital departments to observe the unique health needs and challenges that face the area.
Wells College is dedicated to creating an engaging and inspiring community for everyone. Whether their interests are athletic, theatrical, cultural, social, political, or all of the above, every student has a place to direct their passion. The student activities scene at Wells is entirely based on individual interests and evolving. Students can join existing clubs and create their own organizations. Along with 15 athletic varsity teams, there are many different opportunities for students to get involved.
Situated on more than 300 scenic acres overlooking Cayuga Lake in central New York, Wells College offers the simplicity and safety of village living and easy access to metropolitan and educational centers: a half hour from Ithaca, 1 hour from Rochester and Syracuse, and approximately 5 hours from New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. The Finger Lakes are known for vast outdoor recreational opportunities as well as its high concentration of outstanding colleges and universities.
Over 150 men and women participate on one or more of Wells College’s 15 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Wells is a full-time member of the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC). Varsity sports offered are cross country, soccer, basketball, swimming, lacrosse, volleyball, field hockey, baseball, and softball.
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 98%
Campus housing options.
Special housing for disabled students
“The interactive learning on site [during a vet tech internship] gave me the assurance I needed to better understand my career goals. Actually seeing the animals’ anatomy and interconnections during surgery really made the class come alive for me.” – Angelique Villanueve, Class of 2016
The small faculty-to-student ratio gives Wellsians valuable flexibility when it comes to professional experience. Students receive one-on-one guidance to secure off-campus internships so they can explore different careers. They can also work side-by-side with professors conducting real research and co-author articles. Student work may even be selected for the prestigious National Conference on Undergraduate Research (Wells students have been invited to present for over 30 years)!
CAPSTONE SENIOR PROJECTS
All seniors are required to produce a thesis or special project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The senior thesis crystallizes the college experience and provides excellent training for graduate-level studies. It also provides students with the unique experience of completing a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of a topic that is of importance to them. View past senior projects to see the scope of research conducted at Wells!