About Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science
Paul Smith's College trains students for careers in outdoor recreation, forestry, and environmental studies deep in the Adirondack Mountains. This private career-focused institution enrolls just 582 students in a rural setting where hands-on learning meets wilderness education. The college's specialized programs prepare graduates for jobs in natural resource management, hospitality, and outdoor leadership. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with professors who often bring real-world experience from the forestry and recreation industries.
Students pay an average net price of $24,583 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $49,155. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,145 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,750 manageable with monthly payments around $241. The 98.2% employment rate suggests the college's career focus pays off for most students. However, only 53% of students graduate within six years, indicating the programs may be challenging or not the right fit for everyone.
The student body skews male at 64%, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated outdoor industries the school serves. With 289 athletes competing in 14 varsity sports and housing for 735 students, campus life revolves around outdoor activities year-round. Nearly 60% of students come from New York state, drawn to this unique mountain campus experience.
Students pay an average net price of $24,583 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $49,155. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,145 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,750 manageable with monthly payments around $241. The 98.2% employment rate suggests the college's career focus pays off for most students. However, only 53% of students graduate within six years, indicating the programs may be challenging or not the right fit for everyone.
The student body skews male at 64%, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated outdoor industries the school serves. With 289 athletes competing in 14 varsity sports and housing for 735 students, campus life revolves around outdoor activities year-round. Nearly 60% of students come from New York state, drawn to this unique mountain campus experience.
Academics & Faculty
Paul Smiths specializes in outdoor recreation, forestry, and environmental studies nestled deep in the Adirondack Mountains. The college operates as a career-focused institution where students train for jobs in natural resource management, hospitality, and adventure tourism. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors work closely with small cohorts of students on hands-on projects. The school's 53% four-year graduation rate reflects its demanding outdoor programs that combine classroom learning with field experiences. Students study forestry management, fisheries and wildlife sciences, and recreation therapy while using the surrounding wilderness as their laboratory. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills over theoretical study.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 89.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.3%
- Retention Rate
- 76.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,145
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Forestry. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy. | Bachelor | $31,996 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,381 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | Bachelor | $25,774 |
Campus Life
Paul Smith's sits deep in the Adirondack wilderness, over two hours from Albany and three hours from Montreal. You'll need serious winter gear here, snow typically covers campus from December through March. The college houses 735 students in dormitories, meaning most of the 582 enrolled students live on campus in this remote mountain setting.
With 64% male enrollment, the student body reflects the school's outdoor recreation and forestry focus. Campus life revolves around the surrounding wilderness rather than traditional college nightlife. Students spend weekends hiking, skiing, or working on hands-on projects related to their environmental studies programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors often join students for outdoor activities and field research.
The isolation creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. With 14 varsity sports programs and 289 total athletes, nearly half the student body competes in athletics. The Adirondack setting isn't just scenery, it's the classroom for forestry, outdoor recreation, and environmental science majors who chose this college specifically for its wilderness location.
With 64% male enrollment, the student body reflects the school's outdoor recreation and forestry focus. Campus life revolves around the surrounding wilderness rather than traditional college nightlife. Students spend weekends hiking, skiing, or working on hands-on projects related to their environmental studies programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors often join students for outdoor activities and field research.
The isolation creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. With 14 varsity sports programs and 289 total athletes, nearly half the student body competes in athletics. The Adirondack setting isn't just scenery, it's the classroom for forestry, outdoor recreation, and environmental science majors who chose this college specifically for its wilderness location.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 735 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 2°–24°F
- July Avg
- 50°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 104.1"
Student Demographics
Paul Smiths draws students who want hands-on careers in outdoor industries. About 59% come from New York State, showing the college's strong regional reputation in environmental fields. The student body is nearly two-thirds male, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated programs like forestry and natural resource management. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class students seeking practical skills rather than prestige. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio supports the school's emphasis on field experience and mentorship in specialized outdoor professions.
- Men
- 64.4%
- Women
- 35.6%
- White
- 84.5%
- Black
- 3.3%
- Hispanic
- 0.5%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 58.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.7%
Location
Paul Smiths sits in New York's remote Adirondack Mountains, roughly 150 miles north of Albany. The college occupies 582 students across 14,000 acres of pristine wilderness. This isn't a college town but rather an educational outpost surrounded by six million acres of protected parkland. The nearest traffic light is 30 miles away in Saranac Lake. Students live amid some of the East Coast's most untouched forests and lakes. The rural-distant setting means genuine isolation from urban distractions. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers offer endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Paul Smiths College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Paul Smiths, New York 12970-0265
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,145
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,583
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $241/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science?
Paul Smiths accepts 84.92% of applicants, making admission quite accessible for students interested in outdoor careers. The college's mission focuses on hands-on learning in forestry and environmental studies rather than highly selective academics.
How much does Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $24,583, lower than the full tuition of $32,049. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,089 on average, reflecting the school's commitment to making outdoor education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science?
The student-faculty ratio is 12:1 with only 582 total students, creating an intimate learning environment. This small size allows for extensive fieldwork and personalized instruction in the Adirondack wilderness.
What are the career outcomes for Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $46,145 ten years after graduation with a 98.2% employment rate. The college's focus on outdoor recreation and environmental careers leads to steady employment in growing fields.
Where is Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Paul Smiths, New York, deep in the Adirondack Mountains with housing for 735 students. With 64.43% male enrollment and 14 varsity sports teams, the community embraces outdoor adventure and environmental stewardship.
Does Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science offer good graduation rates?
The six-year graduation rate is 53.30% with a 76.16% retention rate, reflecting the specialized nature of outdoor career programs. Students often take gap years for internships or seasonal work, making traditional timelines less meaningful than at typical colleges.
