Skidmore College: 25.5% Acceptance Rate

25.5%Acceptance

$65,030Tuition

2,760Students

82%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$69,363Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Skidmore College

Skidmore College builds its reputation on the motto "Creative Thought Matters," blending rigorous liberal arts education with standout creative and performing arts programs. The college enrolls 2,760 students in the charming suburb of Saratoga Springs, drawing talent that has produced notable alumni like Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and actresses Hope Davis and Kathryn Joosten. Students benefit from an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship across disciplines. The college accepts just 25.54% of applicants, attracting high achievers with an average SAT score of 1380.

The financial picture tells a nuanced story about value and accessibility. While sticker price reaches $83,670 annually, the average student pays a net price of $34,581 after aid. Low-income families pay less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $20,906 net. Graduates earn a median of $69,363 ten years out, carrying typical debt loads of $19,500. Monthly loan payments average $207, making the investment manageable for most graduates.

The student body skews female at 58.66% and brings geographic diversity, with 65.32% coming from out of state. As a Division III school, Skidmore fields 19 varsity teams with 416 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships, emphasizing academics over athletics.

Academics & Faculty

Skidmore blends liberal arts education with particularly strong creative and performing arts programs. The college's 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship across disciplines, from studio art and theater to business and psychology. Students graduate at an impressive 83% four-year rate, reflecting the personalized attention faculty provide. The school has built a national reputation for visual arts, dance, and music programs that rival conservatory training while maintaining academic rigor. Creative writing and theater draw aspiring artists, while the business program attracts students seeking practical skills within a liberal arts framework. The college's "Creative Thought Matters" motto captures how artistic thinking infuses even traditional academic subjects.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 79.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 83.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 81.7%
Retention Rate: 88.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $69,363
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$50,270
Economics.	Bachelor	$46,087
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$43,575
International Relations and National Security Studies.	Bachelor	$41,193
Chemistry.	Bachelor	$36,848
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$36,668
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$34,704
Sociology.	Bachelor	$32,653
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$32,563
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.	Bachelor	$29,685

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Skidmore's 890-acre campus sits in the heart of Saratoga Springs, a charming town known for its horse racing track and natural springs. About 80% of students live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and themed houses. The campus sits three hours north of New York City, putting students in prime position for Albany internships while staying rooted in small-town charm.

Winter coats are essential here. Saratoga Springs sees real snow from December through March, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Students embrace the cold with outdoor activities and cozy study sessions in the library. The town comes alive during racing season each summer, when students can walk to the historic Saratoga Race Course. Weekends revolve around student performances in the college's well-known arts facilities, pickup games on the quad, and trips into town for coffee shops and local restaurants. The creative energy is palpable. With 58.66% of students being women, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive feel that matches the college's "Creative Thought Matters" philosophy.

Setting: Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity: 2,213 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1903

Campus Safety (2023)

23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	5	5
Stalking	3	2
Arson	3	1
Fondling	1	1
Rape	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–32°F
July Avg: 60°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.4"
Annual Snowfall: 63.5"

Student Demographics

Students come from across the country to study at this creative-focused liberal arts college, with two-thirds arriving from out-of-state. The student body skews female, reflecting strong programs in arts, theater, and dance that traditionally attract more women. Only 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a primarily affluent student population drawn to expensive creative programs. The 2,760 enrolled students tend to be academically strong with a median SAT score of 1380. Most students embrace the college's "Creative Thought Matters" motto, blending artistic pursuits with traditional liberal arts study.

Men: 41.3%
Women: 58.7%
White: 64.1%
Black: 4.3%
Hispanic: 9.8%
Asian: 5.7%
In-State Students: 34.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.7%

Location

Skidmore sits in Saratoga Springs, New York, about 180 miles north of New York City and 30 miles north of Albany. The college draws 65.32% of students from out of state to this historic resort town famous for its horse racing track and natural mineral springs. Saratoga Springs balances small-town charm with cultural sophistication, hosting the Saratoga Performing Arts Center where the New York City Ballet summers. The town's Victorian architecture and walkable downtown create a quintessential college atmosphere. With 2,760 students in a community of 28,000 residents, Skidmore maintains a strong campus presence without overwhelming the area. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Skidmore with similar schools in the region.

Address: Saratoga Springs, New York 12866

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $69,363
Median Earnings (5 years): $59,651
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 85.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Skidmore College?

Skidmore accepts 25.54% of applicants, making it a competitive liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1300 and 1460 on the SAT, reflecting the school's selective admissions process.

How much does Skidmore College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Skidmore is $34,581, lower than the full cost of attendance of $83,670. Only 13.71% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that most families have higher incomes, though institutional grants average $45,861 for those who qualify.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Skidmore College?

Skidmore maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,760 students on campus. This small size allows for close mentoring relationships and reflects the college's commitment to personalized liberal arts education.

What do graduates of Skidmore College earn after graduation?

Skidmore graduates earn a median of $69,363 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 94.6%. The college's combination of creative arts programs and traditional academics prepares students for diverse career paths beyond typical liberal arts outcomes.

Where is Skidmore College located and what is campus life like?

Skidmore sits in the small suburb of Saratoga Springs, New York, with housing capacity for 2,213 students. The 88.85% retention rate suggests students appreciate both the intimate campus environment and the town's cultural attractions including the famous racetrack and arts scene.

Does Skidmore College offer athletic scholarships?

Skidmore offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution competing in the Liberty League. The Thoroughbreds field 19 varsity sports with 416 total athletes, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over athletic recruiting incentives.