Mission Statement: The mission of Wells College is the educate women to think critically, reason wisely, and act humanely as they cultivate meaningful lives. Through Wells' academic program, residential atmosphere, and community activities, students learn and practice the ideals of the liberal arts. The Wells experience prepares students to appreciate complexity and difference, to embrace new ways of knowing, to be creative, and to respond ethically to the interdependent worlds to which they belong. Committed to excellence in all areas of its reach, Wells College equips students for lifelong learning and for sharing the privileges of education with others.

Where is Wells located? Wells College is on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York's beautiful Finger Lakes. The campus is located at the southern end of Aurora, a picturesque community with a population of 500. Both the village and Wells are listed on the New York State Register of Historic Sites. Wells is within a half hour's drive of Ithaca and Auburn, cities, which offer shopping, and entertainment, and within an hour's drive of Syracuse and Rochester, cities that are served by major airlines, trains, and buses. 

Wells is centrally located among many colleges in the area including Cornell University, the University of Rochester, Syracuse University, Colgate University, Hamilton College, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and Ithaca College. The campus is also within an hour's drive of many of the attractions that have made the Finger Lakes a center of tourism. There are several state parks, including Taughannock Falls with its 215-foot waterfall, Corning Glass Center in Corning, the wineries in Hammondsport, King Ferry and Ovid, ski trails at Greek Peak and Song Mountain, and the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls.

Cost? Our tuition reduction continues to make us one of the most affordable private colleges in higher education today. Our total cost for the 2002-03 year will be $20,200 ($13,070 tuition, $6,450 room and board, and $680 student fees). Wells also offers financial aid to qualified students.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions by parents. You may learn more about Wells as you explore our entire website. Please do not hesitate to call the Admissions Office if you have questions. We look forward to meeting you and your daughter.

Do you offer merit scholarships? Yes, Wells has an exciting scholarship program that offers academically talented students a guaranteed first-year internship or related experience during the January intersession and a $3,000 stipend to support an internship, research, or related experiential learning opportunity subsequent to the first-year experience. In addition, Wells will pay the reasonable cost of transportation to visit campus for a special celebration in honor of the Henry Wells Scholars. To receive a merit scholarship, students must be nominated by their high school guidance counselor or a Wells College alumna.

How is campus security? The Department of Security consists of a team of professionals working with the campus community. The officers conduct foot and vehicular patrols of campus and residence halls 24 hours a day. All have been trained in emergency procedures, first aid, CPR, and a wide variety of law enforcement and crisis intervention skills. Wells maintains an outstanding safety record; annual statistics may be obtained from the Campus Services and Safety Office.
Warmest Regards,
Susan Raith Sloan
Director of Admissions