After May 15, as the final processes of wind-down progress, the Wells College website will transition to procedural information for former students and former employees, with links to the Legacy institution, Hobart and William Smith Colleges.  

It is with deep regret that we announce the permanent closure of Wells College. After facing financial challenges exacerbated by national trends in higher education, the Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to cease the College's operations, effective June 30, 2024.

Recent Board of Trustees updates are below in Latest News.

For additional information and updates, please visit www.wells.edu/closure/.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have been a part of the Wells College family since its founding in 1868. Even though our physical campus is no longer open, our community remains vibrant and connected. Your unwavering support and dedication to our mission are appreciated more than words can express. Your continued support will help preserve our history and secure our legacy with honor, dignity, and grace. If you would like to make a charitable gift, checks can be made out to "Wells College," and mailed to:  Wells College, 170 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026 .

During the wind-down process, which will continue until all fiduciary responsibilities have been met, the campus is closed.   Access to the campus is limited to those with prior authorization from the President for a business-related reason for visiting the campus.

The Wells College Campus is for sale.  For more information, click here: wellscollegecampus.com.

The Board of Trustees is pleased to share that the College has filed a petition with New York State to name Hobart and William Smith Colleges as Wells College's Legacy Partner.

For more information, click here: www.wells.edu/closure/legacy.

About

Henry Wells, founder of American Express, established an institution in Aurora, NY to “promote the education of young women in literature, science and the arts.”   Wells Seminary, as it was originally called, received its charter from New York State in 1868. Wells College graduated many generations of curious intellectuals, responsible citizens, and confident leaders, individuals who understood the College’s mission that Wellsians would “think critically, reason wisely and act humanely.” Alumnae and alumni have gone onto successful careers in every profession, including academia, medicine, law, politics, science, and the arts. In 2004, after 136 years of leadership in women’s education, the college opened its doors to students of all genders. In June 2024, due to financial challenges exacerbated by national trends in higher education, the College closed.  Hobart and William Smith Colleges was approved by New York State to serve as Wells’ legacy institution. More information can be found at https://www.hws.edu/wells/default.aspx.

Alumnae/i and Former Students Information

Transcripts: Transcripts can be requested through the National Student Clearinghouse. You may request your transcript by clicking on the link below or by going to studentclearinghouse.org.

https://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/ficecode/00273180

If you have questions, please contact Clearinghouse Customer Service at (703) 742-4200 or transcripts@studentclearinghouse.org.

The Registrar’s Office of Hobart and William Smith can be reached at registrar@hws.edu; 315-781-3651.

Federal Student Loan Information: You can find all your federal student loan information by accessing the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) NSLDS: National Student Loan Data System (ed.gov)

You can access the site using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) User ID and qualifying personal identification information.

Medical Records: Records are available by request from The Community Medical Center - 18 Wells Rd, Aurora, NY 13026 - (315) 364-3388

Alumni Relations: As part of the legacy of Wells College, Hobart and William Smith will be engaging alumnae/i for future events. Should you have questions or wish to update your contact information, please email alumrelations@hws.edu, or please access this form on the HWS website.

Information for Former Employees

Employment verification can be obtained by contacting HR@hws.edu.