Wells College

Wells College was a private liberal arts college in Aurora, New York, United States, until its closure in 2024. It was founded in 1868 as a women's college and became coeducational in 2005. The college's campus, set on the shore of Cayuga Lake, remains a part of the Aurora Village–Wells College Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Henry Wells, a co-founder of both Wells Fargo & Company and American Express Company, established Wells College in 1868 as Wells Seminary, stating that the promotion of higher education for women was his life's dream. It ceased operations on June 30, 2024, with administrators citing financial challenges. In 2025, Hobart and William Smith Colleges were announced as Wells' legacy partner, who will maintain the closed college's records and endowment.