| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Aurora, New York, USA
Situated in the Finger Lakes region, along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake—a scenic and peaceful area.
Founded: 1868
Type: Private Liberal Arts College
Affiliation: Historically affiliated with the Episcopal Church
Originally a women’s college, it became coeducational in 2005
Offers Bachelor’s degrees in a range of liberal arts and sciences
Strong emphasis on experiential learning, critical thinking, and community involvement
Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized learning
Popular programs:
Environmental Science
Psychology
Literature and Writing
Business and Entrepreneurship
Performing Arts
Active study abroad programs
Emphasizes internship experiences as part of the graduation requirement
Wells’ off-campus study programs are well integrated into the curriculum
Tight-knit, inclusive community
Clubs, athletics, student organizations, and cultural events
Notable for its scenic campus with historic architecture
Residential college: most students live on campus
Member of the Associated Colleges of the Finger Lakes
Cross-registration with nearby schools like Ithaca College and Cornell University
Known for a strong alumni network and mentorship opportunities
Wells College offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees across a range of liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional fields.
English: Literature & Creative Writing
Visual Arts
Theatre & Dance
Music
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Sociology & Anthropology
History
Political Science
Philosophy
Business
Sustainability & Business
Economics
Public Health
International Studies
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Biology
Chemistry
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Mathematics
Physics (offered via cross-registration with Cornell)
Environmental Science
Psychology
Neuroscience
Health Sciences (Pre-Med, Pre-Health)
Computer Science (some courses available through partnerships)
Cognitive & Computer Science (Interdisciplinary)
Sustainability Studies
Individualized Major (design your own interdisciplinary major with faculty guidance)
Wells offers advising tracks rather than standalone majors in:
Pre-Med
Pre-Law
Pre-Veterinary
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Dental
Most majors also have minor options, and students are encouraged to combine disciplines. Popular minors include:
Film and Media Studies
Entrepreneurship
Women’s & Gender Studies
Spanish
Environmental Studies
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Chemistry |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Environmental Science |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Sustainability & Environmental Studies |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Mathematics |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Psychology |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Neuroscience |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Business |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Sustainability and Business |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Economics |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Public Health |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
English: Literature and Creative Writing |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Visual Arts |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Theatre and Dance |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
History |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Political Science |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Philosophy |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Sociology and Anthropology |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
International Studies |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Cognitive and Computer Science (Interdisciplinary) |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
|
Individualized Major (Student-designed) |
4 Years |
$35,000 |
Academics
Offers Bachelor’s degrees in Liberal Arts, Sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.
Emphasis on personalized education with small class sizes and close interaction with faculty.
Students can also cross-register for courses at Cornell University and Ithaca College.
Why International Students Choose Wells
Safe, scenic campus in Aurora, New York – peaceful and student-focused.
Strong community support and accessible faculty.
Opportunities for internships, study abroad, and research.
Flexibility to design your own major if desired.
English Language Requirements
Proof of English proficiency is required:
TOEFL iBT: Minimum ~80
IELTS: Minimum ~6.5
Duolingo English Test (DET): Accepted
Students who do not meet these may be considered for conditional admission.
Merit-based scholarships are available (up to ~$25,000/year).
All applicants are automatically considered upon applying — no separate application required.
Additional scholarships available for specific talents (e.g., arts, writing, leadership).
International Student Orientation upon arrival.
Help with visa processing and maintaining F-1 visa status.
Ongoing support through the Center for Academic & Career Advising.
Peer mentoring and cultural integration programs.
Support with internships, CPT/OPT, and grad school planning.
Residential campus — all students are encouraged to live on campus.
Student clubs, cultural activities, sports, and leadership opportunities.
Beautiful lakeside location in a safe rural village.
Apply via the Wells College Application Portal
Apply Directly
Or use the Common Application
Application Type |
Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Early Action |
November 15 |
|
Regular Decision |
February 15 |
|
Rolling Admission |
After Feb 15 (space-available basis) |
International Students: Apply by February 15 for fall intake (August start). Spring intake is limited—check directly with the college.
For All Applicants:
Completed application form (Wells or Common App)
Official high school transcripts (translated if not in English)
Personal statement / essay
1–2 letters of recommendation (from teachers or counselors)
Optional: SAT or ACT scores (Wells is test-optional)
Additional for International Students:
Proof of English proficiency:
TOEFL iBT: 80+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test: 105+
Copy of passport
Proof of financial support (bank statements or sponsor letter) for F-1 visa
Merit-based scholarships (up to $25,000/year)
Automatically considered during application review
Additional talent-based scholarships (e.g., arts, writing, music)
Once accepted and deposit is paid:
Receive Form I-20
Pay SEVIS fee
Schedule F-1 visa interview at U.S. embassy
Attend International Orientation upon arrival
After submission, you’ll get a student portal login to:
Track documents
View admission decision
Submit deposit
Apply for housing
Intake |
Application Deadline |
Semester Start |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (Primary) |
February 15 (Regular) / November 15 (Early Action) |
Late August |
|
Spring (Limited Availability) |
Contact Admissions for availability |
Mid-January |
|
Rolling Admissions |
After Feb 15 (space available) |
As applicable |
Note: Fall is the main intake and has the most program and housing availability.
High school diploma or equivalent
Strong academic performance in:
English / Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Foreign Language (recommended)
No specific GPA cutoff, but most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
SAT/ACT: Optional (Test-Optional Policy)
Students may submit scores if they believe it strengthens their application
English Language Proficiency (if English is not your first language):
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80
IELTS: Minimum 6.5
Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum 105
Academic transcripts in English or with certified translation
Proof of Financial Support (for I-20 issuance)
Valid passport
Completed application (Common App or Wells App)
Official transcripts from all schools attended
Personal essay
1–2 letters of recommendation
English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
Financial documents (international students)
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD/year) |
Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Trustee Scholarship |
Exceptional academic achievement (GPA 3.9+) |
Up to $25,000 |
Yes |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
Strong academics (GPA 3.5–3.89) |
Up to $22,000 |
Yes |
|
Dean’s Scholarship |
Good academic performance (GPA 3.0–3.49) |
Up to $20,000 |
Yes |
|
Founders Award |
Based on leadership, service, or special talents |
$1,000–$3,000 |
Yes |
|
Campus Visit Grant |
Students who visit campus (in person or virtually) |
$1,000 |
Yes |
|
International Student Scholarship |
Based on academic merit and financial need |
Up to $25,000 |
Yes |
|
Talent Scholarships (Art, Theatre, Music, Writing) |
Portfolio or audition required |
(up to $3,000) |
Yes |
|
Legacy Grant |
For children/grandchildren of Wells alumni |
$2,000 |
Yes |
Facility / Residence Hall |
Type |
Features |
Cost (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Main Building Residence |
Traditional Dorm |
Historic setting, shared rooms, lake views |
~$6,500 |
|
Glen Park |
Suite-style Dorm |
Shared suites with private bathrooms |
~$6,800 |
|
Leach House |
Small Residential House |
Cozy, quiet atmosphere, often for upperclassmen |
~$6,800 |
|
Fairlane Apartments |
Apartment-style Housing |
Kitchen, living room, private/shared bedrooms |
~$7,200 |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Limited (by approval only) |
Must meet eligibility; mostly upper-level students |
N/A |
Facility |
Availability |
|---|---|
|
Wi-Fi / Internet |
Included |
|
Laundry Facilities |
Free access |
|
Common Rooms / Lounges |
Available in most halls |
|
Meal Plan Access |
Required for all residents |
|
Security & Maintenance |
24/7 Campus Safety |
Wells College is known for its small, welcoming environment where students really get to know each other — and their professors. With around 400–500 students, it feels personal, collaborative, and community-driven. You’re more than just a number here.
Most students live on campus, which helps build strong friendships and a real sense of belonging. Dorms are comfortable and historic, with beautiful views of Cayuga Lake. Living on campus makes it easy to get involved and stay connected.
There’s always something happening:
Over 40 student-run clubs and organizations
Student government, leadership councils, and activist groups
Campus events like open mic nights, dances, game nights, and wellness workshops
Varsity athletics (NCAA Division III) in sports like basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and swimming
Intramural and recreational sports for casual play
Wells has a creative and artistic vibe. Students can get involved in:
Theater productions
Campus concerts
Art shows and gallery exhibits
Creative writing groups and poetry readings
The college is located right on Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York, offering a peaceful, nature-filled setting. Students love:
Hiking
Kayaking
Bonfires by the lake
Visiting nearby state parks and waterfalls
Wells emphasizes equity, inclusion, and social justice. There are student affinity groups and cultural organizations that celebrate and support diverse backgrounds and identities.
Students have access to:
Career coaching and internship placement
Study abroad opportunities
Research and leadership development
Graduate school advising
The dining hall serves a variety of meals with vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-friendly options. There's a focus on locally-sourced and sustainable food practices.
Wells offers:
Counseling services
Wellness workshops
Peer support programs
Fitness classes like yoga and meditation
While Wells College isn’t a large research university with a corporate-style placement office, it offers strong career support and focuses on individualized career planning—a big benefit of its small, personalized environment.
Wells has a Center for Academic and Career Advising (CACA) that supports students with:
Resume & cover letter building
Job and internship search assistance
Interview preparation
Graduate school application help
Networking and alumni mentoring programs
Career workshops and events
All Wells students are required to complete at least one internship before graduation. This helps ensure real-world experience and improves employability.
Internships are available in areas like:
Business and marketing
Environmental science and sustainability
Psychology and social services
Arts and communications
Education, public health, and more
Students often intern at:
Local organizations in New York State
Partner schools like Cornell University
Non-profits, government agencies, and small businesses
According to Wells College data:
Around 90% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within 6 months of graduation
Many go on to grad schools such as:
Cornell University
Syracuse University
Columbia University
University of Rochester
Others work in education, non-profits, business, healthcare, environmental advocacy, and creative industries
Strong, supportive alumni base
Career mentoring and networking opportunities through the Wells Alumni Mentorship Program
Alumni often help current students with internships and job referrals
Psychology
Environmental Science
Education
Writing & Communications
Business and Entrepreneurship
The acceptance rate of Wells College, USA is approximately 73%.
Moderately selective – Wells College is accessible to many students, especially those with solid academic records and a passion for liberal arts.
The college looks beyond just grades; they consider:
Personal essays
Letters of recommendation
Extracurricular involvement
Leadership and community engagement
Unique talents or interests
Students seeking a small, supportive learning environment
Those interested in personalized education, close faculty relationships, and liberal arts majors
International students looking for a safe, inclusive campus with scholarship opportunities
Address:
Wells College
170 Main Street
Aurora, New York 13026
United States