About Smith College
The sticker price hits $83,678, but most families pay far less through generous financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,033 after aid, while the average net price across all income levels is $26,181. Graduates typically leave with $17,550 in debt and earn a median of $64,027 ten years after graduation. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging only $186.
The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close relationships with professors. Smith's 89.70% six-year graduation rate reflects both the academic support students receive and their commitment to finishing what they start.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 81.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 89.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 89.7%
- Retention Rate
- 92.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,027
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Doctoral | $83,177 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,957 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,650 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $46,620 |
| Social Work. | Master | $45,554 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,798 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $39,153 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $34,603 |
Campus Life
The house system defines social life here. Each residence hall operates like a mini-sorority without the exclusivity, complete with house traditions, formal dinners, and fierce intramural competition. With 99.88% of students being women, the campus radiates an unapologetically feminist energy that Gloria Steinem and other notable alumnae helped establish. Students flock to Northampton's eclectic downtown on weekends, exploring vintage shops, coffee houses, and live music venues that cater to the Five College community. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and dining conversations often continue academic debates. Mountain Day, when classes are canceled for hiking, exemplifies Smith's blend of rigorous academics with genuine community care.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,478 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1871
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 0.1%
- Women
- 99.9%
- White
- 52.4%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 12.2%
- Asian
- 9.8%
- In-State Students
- 15.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.2%
Location
- Address
- Northampton, Massachusetts 01063
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,027
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,422
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $186/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,550
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Smith College?
Smith College accepts 22.86% of applicants, making it highly selective among liberal arts colleges. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1370 and 1520 on the SAT, reflecting the academic caliber expected at this strong women's college.
How much does Smith College cost after financial aid?
While Smith College's total cost reaches $83,678 annually, the average net price drops to $26,181 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,033 on average, demonstrating the college's commitment to making top education accessible.
What makes Smith College's academic program unique?
Smith College offers an open curriculum with no distribution requirements, allowing students complete freedom to design their course of study. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive intensive mentorship in this intellectually rigorous environment that has produced leaders like Gloria Steinem and Julia Child.
What are the career outcomes for Smith College graduates?
Smith graduates earn a median salary of $64,027 ten years after graduation, with 90% finding employment. The college maintains one of the strongest alumnae networks in higher education, providing career connections that span generations of accomplished women leaders.
Where is Smith College located and what is campus life like?
Smith sits in the active college town of Northampton, Massachusetts, housing 2,478 students in its residential campus. The 92.57% retention rate reflects strong student satisfaction with both the supportive house system and the culturally rich Pioneer Valley setting.
Is Smith College still a women's college?
Smith College remains 99.88% women, maintaining its founding mission as one of America's top women's colleges. This single-gender environment, established in 1871, continues to foster the confident leadership development that distinguishes Smith from coeducational institutions.
