About Hobart William Smith Colleges
Hobart William Smith operates as coordinate colleges, maintaining separate men's and women's institutions that share a single campus overlooking Seneca Lake. The 1,606 students experience this unique liberal arts structure in Geneva, a town setting that balances small-college intimacy with access to the Finger Lakes region. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the US, graduated here, as did NFL quarterback and US Secretary of Housing Jack Kemp. The coordinate system preserves distinct traditions while allowing students to take classes and participate in activities across both colleges.
Families pay an average net price of $31,057 after financial aid, well below the $63,268 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $68,831 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $44,331 to students who receive them. This pricing structure makes the liberal arts education accessible to middle-class families while delivering strong earning potential.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that contributes to an 89% retention rate. Nearly half the student body competes in 30 varsity sports as Division III athletes. The 73% four-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment, though some students take longer to complete their degrees.
Families pay an average net price of $31,057 after financial aid, well below the $63,268 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $68,831 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $44,331 to students who receive them. This pricing structure makes the liberal arts education accessible to middle-class families while delivering strong earning potential.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that contributes to an 89% retention rate. Nearly half the student body competes in 30 varsity sports as Division III athletes. The 73% four-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment, though some students take longer to complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Hobart and William Smith operates as coordinate colleges, maintaining separate academic traditions for men and women while sharing faculty and resources on one campus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions typical of top liberal arts education. Students graduate at a 73% four-year rate, reflecting solid academic support despite the rigorous curriculum. The colleges are particularly known for their strong programs in government, environmental studies, and the sciences. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the US, graduated from what became Geneva Medical College here. The coordinate system means students experience single-sex residential life while accessing coeducational academics, creating a unique blend of tradition and modern liberal arts learning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.7%
- Retention Rate
- 89.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,831
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $44,942 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| History. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $34,348 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
Campus Life
Geneva sits on the northern shore of Seneca Lake, about 50 miles southeast of Rochester. With 1,606 students and housing for 1,704, nearly everyone lives on campus in the coordinate college system where Hobart (men's) and William Smith (women's) share facilities but maintain separate traditions. Winter coats are essential as snow blankets the campus from December through March, while spring and fall offer stunning lake views.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic interests. Students balance rigorous academics with Division III athletics, where 722 athletes compete across 30 varsity sports. Weekends revolve around the lake with sailing in warmer months and hockey games during winter. The coordinate system creates unique actives as students attend joint classes but separate convocations and maintain distinct alumni networks. Geneva's small-town setting means campus life centers around college activities, though the Finger Lakes region offers hiking, wineries, and outdoor recreation. The 89% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the close-knit community despite the remote location.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic interests. Students balance rigorous academics with Division III athletics, where 722 athletes compete across 30 varsity sports. Weekends revolve around the lake with sailing in warmer months and hockey games during winter. The coordinate system creates unique actives as students attend joint classes but separate convocations and maintain distinct alumni networks. Geneva's small-town setting means campus life centers around college activities, though the Finger Lakes region offers hiking, wineries, and outdoor recreation. The 89% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the close-knit community despite the remote location.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,704 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
76 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–30°F
- July Avg
- 61°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -724.3"
Student Demographics
The Finger Lakes region draws a surprisingly diverse mix to this coordinate college system. With 59% of students coming from outside New York, Hobart and William Smith attract families nationwide who value the unique single-gender academic experience within a coed campus. Nearly one in four students receives Pell Grants, reflecting the colleges' commitment to economic accessibility despite the $63,268 sticker price. The 51-49% gender split mirrors the coordinate structure perfectly. Students here tend to appreciate tradition and intimate learning environments, drawn by the 10:1 student-faculty ratio and the prestige of attending where Elizabeth Blackwell blazed trails in medicine.
- Men
- 49.0%
- Women
- 51.0%
- White
- 64.9%
- Black
- 7.5%
- Hispanic
- 10.4%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 41.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.1%
Location
Geneva sits in New York's Finger Lakes region, about 50 miles southeast of Rochester and 45 miles from Syracuse. The town of 13,000 residents centers around Seneca Lake, one of the region's deepest glacial lakes. Rolling hills covered in vineyards surround the campus, making this prime wine country territory. The historic downtown features 19th-century architecture and local shops within walking distance of campus. Geneva's location offers access to outdoor recreation like hiking, boating, and skiing while maintaining a small college town atmosphere. The setting attracts students seeking a close-knit academic community away from urban distractions. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Hobart William Smith Colleges with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Geneva, New York 14456
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,831
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,994
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Hobart William Smith accepts 68.38% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1305. The coordinate college system attracts students who want the benefits of single-sex education within a coed campus environment.
How much does Hobart William Smith Colleges cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $31,057, lower than the full tuition of $63,268. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $10,969, making this liberal arts education accessible across income levels.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Classes are small with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio among the 1,606 enrolled students. This intimate setting reflects the colleges' commitment to personalized liberal arts education in their historic Geneva campus.
What do graduates of Hobart William Smith Colleges earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $68,831 ten years after graduation with a 96.1% employment rate. The 72.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor expected at this respected liberal arts institution.
Where is Hobart William Smith Colleges located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Geneva, New York, with housing capacity for 1,704 students and an 89.24% retention rate. The coordinate system means students enjoy both the close-knit community of their respective college and shared resources across the campus.
Does Hobart William Smith Colleges have strong athletic programs?
The colleges field 30 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams with 722 total athletes. This represents nearly half the student body, reflecting the schools' tradition of balancing academic excellence with competitive athletics.
