Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts 01063
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Highly selective — known for biology
Smith College is a private institution in Northampton with particular strength in biology and psychology. With an average SAT of 1480, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.5K undergraduates with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
90% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,027 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $26,181.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Pioneers
History & Fun Facts
- •1900 The college was chartered in 1871 by a bequest of Sophia Smith and opened its doors in 1875 with 14 students and 6 faculty.
- •By 1915, the student enrollment was 1,724, and the faculty numbered 163.
- •LTJG Harriet Ida Pickens and ENS Frances Wills, first African-American WAVES to be commissioned.
- •By 2010, the school had 2,600 undergraduates on campus and 250 students studying elsewhere.
- •On August 28, 1942, a total of 120 women reported to the school for training.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Sylvia Plath '55
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author of The Bell Jar
Julia Child '34
Pioneering television chef and author
Gloria Steinem '56
Feminist activist, journalist, and co-founder of Ms. Magazine
Nancy Reagan '43
First Lady of the United States 1981-1989
Barbara Bush '47
First Lady of the United States 1989-1993
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1480
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by December 15
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 1
Decision by February 1
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by Late March
Supplemental essays required.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Financial aid packages include no loans, only grants
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
87.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,500
Academics
Smith has no distribution requirements, allowing students to design their own liberal arts education
Research: STRIDE program provides paid research assistantships for first-year students
Thesis: Honors thesis required for honors degree; many majors offer thesis options
Five College Consortium
Students can take courses at any of the five colleges and participate in joint programs
Programs (61)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
93%
Campus Life
Smith competes in 14 varsity sports as the Pioneers
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
20
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Northampton station within 2 miles
Walkability
Highly walkable campus and town
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Northamptonwalkable
Vibrant college town with restaurants, shops, galleries, and live music venues
Smith College Museum of Artwalkable
Renowned art museum with collection of over 25,000 works
Paradise Pond and Botanic Gardenwalkable
Beautiful walking paths around campus pond and extensive botanical gardens
Days out near Northampton
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Northampton, from real bookable tour times.
See all days out →