There are three reasons why this is the right time for Wells to reduce its tuition. First, we have seen costs rising at both public and private colleges. We have also seen that students are increasingly concerned about their ability to obtain the education that is the right fit for them. We want to make Wells more accessible to women who would choose the unique blend of academic challenge and supportive learning environment we offer.

Second, we are blessed with a generous alumnae donor group. Their giving enables us to enrich our academic programs at the same time we are reducing our costs to students.

And third, through their recent introduction of new financial packages, Princeton, Yale and other top tier colleges have paved the way for other quality academic institutions to address their pricing structures. Wells is proud to be a leader among women’s colleges in taking this new, fresh approach to affordability.

How will this tuition reduction affect current students and their families?

Some students will benefit and no one will be harmed by this change. Students who currently pay more than the new tuition will benefit from the lower tuition rate starting in the fall of 1999. Students with financial aid who are paying less than the new tuition will pay the same final cost for their tuition as they are paying today. In other words, unless their parents’ financial picture changes, a student’s out-of-pocket cost for tuition will not change. Students who have received scholarship awards will continue to receive these awards under the new tuition structure.

Students will also benefit from the new enrichments to the academic programs that the Board has approved.

What will happen to students with financial need? Will Wells still provide financial aid for them?

Wells has a strong tradition of providing financial assistance to students with need. Our commitment to these students has not changed. Specifically, our financial aid support will continue to be as strong and affirmative as it has in the past.

We also hope that our new pricing will make Wells accessible to more students from a broad array of financial backgrounds, including students who may not have considered a Wells education as within their reach.

How does this lower tuition cost affect the value of a degree from Wells College?

The value of a Wells degree can be measured in the success of our students. Wells graduates benefit from an outstanding rate of acceptance into graduate schools, law schools and medical schools. For example – 100% of recent Wells graduates with a GPA of 2.9 or higher who applied to law school were accepted. Alumnae who have entered careers directly after graduation have gone on to high achievement and attained leadership positions in many fields. The new lower tuition cost enhances the already strong value of a Wells degree.

Tell us more about the academic enrichments Wells is planning.

Wells offers a unique educational environment. Even among small liberal arts colleges, Wells is known for its low student-to-professor ratio, participative learning atmosphere and small class size. Many compare their Wells education – with its small seminars and thesis experience -- to honors programs available to only a few students at other colleges. We will immediately begin planning further enrichments to the academic program to give women educated at Wells the best opportunities for success in the 21^st century.

For more information call:
Wells College Public Relations
at (315) 364-3260 

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