Wells College is a nationally recognized, private liberal arts college located on the shores of beautiful Cayuga Lake in upstate New York. It is regularly recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, and the Sierra Club for its rigorous and relationship-based academic experience strengthened by an emphasis on community, residential atmosphere, and dedication to hands-on learning.
With more than 50 majors and minors to choose from — including business, health sciences, psychology, English, biology and biochemistry, environmental science and inclusive childhood education — students at Wells benefit from a personalized approach tailored to their individual needs. And with tuition reduced by 25 percent starting in fall 2019, complemented by generous merit-based scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid, the Wells experience is now available to an even greater number of students and families.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2018, Wells College aims to teach students to think critically, reason wisely, and act humanely as they cultivate meaningful lives. Wells welcomes students who are, above all, open to learning. Whether that comes in the form of unfamiliar ideas, intellectually stimulating experiences, or hands-on learning that broadens horizons, it all leads to one thing: a global citizen who is ready to take the lead and effect change.
With one teacher for every nine students, Wells offers countless opportunities for one-on-one mentoring and advising. Many classes are taught seminar-style (over 80 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students), allowing for deep discussion and a true emphasis on collaboration. Students also have ample opportunity to partner with professors on their research, even during their first year.
One hundred percent of Wells students complete at least one internship or field experience before graduation. The Center for Academic and Career Advising is dedicated to helping students achieve success both on- and off-campus, whether they are seeking an internship, preparing for the job search, or want to boost their networking or résumé-writing skills.
Further academic offerings are available through articulation programs with the University of Rochester and Clarkson University, meaning that within five years, students may earn both an undergraduate degree from Wells and a professional degree (business, engineering, nursing or teacher education) from the affiliated university. Wells students may also cross-register for courses at Cornell University, Ithaca College or Cayuga Community College.
Wells College has 15 NCAA Division III varsity athletic teams and is a member of the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) league, which offers an NCAA automatic bid for conference championships in soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, women’s lacrosse and women’s volleyball. Wells’ athletics teams also benefit from the newly renovated Schwartz Athletic Center and a multi-sport outdoor turf field that provides a championship-level facility for practice and competition, both day and night.
Off-campus study is also a core element of the Wells experience. Seventeen study-abroad locations are available, including Australia and New Zealand, Belize, Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland, Spain, United Kingdom, and our flagship program in Florence, Italy.
Whatever is next in their lives — whether it’s an advanced degree, a focused career, a series of new and varied opportunities or a lifetime of learning — Wells graduates are ready to live life to the fullest.