Smith College
10 Elm Street Northampton, Massachusetts 01063
About
University Type
Private
Massachusetts,
United States
Year Established:
1871
The college was chartered in 1871 by a bequest of Sophia Smith and opened its doors in 1875 with 14 students and 6 faculty. When Smith inherited a fortune from her father aged 65, she decided that leaving her inheritance to found a women's college was the best way for her to fulfill the moral obligation she expressed in her will:
I hereby make the following provisions for the establishment and maintenance of an Institution for the higher education of young women, with the design to furnish for my own sex means and facilities for education equal to those which are afforded now in our colleges to young men.
The campus was planned and planted in the 1890s as a botanical garden and arboretum, designed by noted American landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted.By 1915, the student enrollment was 1,724, and the faculty numbered 163.
During the 1920s, two students at the college went missing: junior Alice Corbett disappeared on November 13, 1925,and was never found; freshman Frances Smith disappeared on January 13, 192 her body was recovered from the Connecticut River months later.
By 2010, the school had 2,600 undergraduates on campus and 250 students studying elsewhere.[18] The campus landscape now encompasses 147 acres (59 ha) and includes more than 1,200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Smith is the largest privately endowed college for women in the United States.
Rankings
#625
QS
Smith College Program Rankings
- Liberal Arts Colleges - Rank #15 (US News)
Smith College Highlights
FAQs
What are the most popular graduate programs offered at Smith College?
Smith College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant intellectual community. Among its most popular and prestigious majors are Psychology, Biology, Economics, English Language and Literature, and Political Science. These programs are celebrated for their comprehensive curriculum and the college’s commitment to fostering leadership and innovation in these fields.
What is the Annual Cost of attendance at Smith College?
For the academic year, the total cost of attendance at Smith College, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is approximately $78,000 USD. Converting this to Indian Rupees at the current exchange rate of approximately 1 USD to 82 INR, the total cost rounds up to about ₹6,396,000 INR.
What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at Smith College?
Smith College offers a variety of financial aid options including need-based scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Prospective students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile to apply for financial aid. The college is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for admitted students, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
What is the reputation and ranking of Smith College?
Smith College is highly regarded for its academic excellence and innovation. It is often ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Particularly, its social work and women's studies programs are nationally recognized. The college’s commitment to women’s education and leadership is evident in its consistent ranking as one of the best colleges for women in the country.
What is the campus culture like at Smith College?
The campus culture at Smith College is dynamic and inclusive, offering a wide array of activities and organizations. Students can engage in over 100 clubs and organizations, including cultural groups, arts societies, and athletic teams. Annual events like the Julia Child Day, Rally Day, and Otelia Cromwell Day contribute to a vibrant campus life, fostering a strong sense of community and tradition among students.
What are the housing options at Smith College?
Smith College provides a variety of housing options through 35 houses ranging from small to large residences, fostering a "house community" atmosphere. For students looking for off-campus housing, popular areas include downtown Northampton, which is known for its arts scene and lively community atmosphere, and nearby Amherst, offering a range of rental options convenient for students.
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