At Hobart and William Smith, you'll be on an adventure and your experience will be entirely your own — full of learning, discovery, surprises and accomplishment.
You'll make a plan, mentored by caring, expert guides and grounded in experiences that let you test your interests and pave the way to a lifetime of purpose.
You'll gain significant insights into the emerging challenges of the future world.
You'll find places to belong within the HWS family. Our community welcomes open-minded people from many and varied backgrounds and perspectives.
You'll be valued as an ethical person who approaches complex problems with empathy and discernment — and in partnership with others.
You'll be prepared to build and lead your brightest future.
Originally founded as two institutions — Hobart for men and William Smith for women — today's Colleges are united with the same campus, faculty, curriculum and administration. Both colleges maintain their own traditions, deans and athletic programs but together provide a unique and invaluable opportunity for exploring questions of gender and difference.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT AND SUCCESS
629 S. Main St.
Geneva, NY 14456
Experience College Life
The Katherine D. Elliott Studio Arts Center
Stern Hall
Caird Center for Sports and Recreation
Rosensweig Learning Commons and Au Bon Pain
Other popular spaces include Gearan Center for the Performing Arts; Trinity Hall, which houses the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education; the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning; and the Center for Global Education; Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship and Bozzuto Boathouse
Geneva's downtown restaurants and shops
Women's Rights National Historical Park and Women's Hall of Fame
Finger Lakes wineries and breweries
The Smith Center for the Arts
Waterloo Premium Outlets is a shopping center with retail outlets of leading national brands. It's 15 minutes from campus. Other popular local destinations include: Harriet Tubman Home, Watkins Glen State Park, Bristol Mountain Ski Resort, CMAC, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and Taughannock Falls State Park. All of which are within a 30 to 45 minute drive.
Campus Tours
9:30am-4:30pm; 9:30am-noon
(315) 781-3622
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Apply using the Coalition Application or the Common Application. There is no fee to apply and we do not require test scores (SAT/ACT). Application deadlines are as follows:
Early Action Nov. 15
Early Decision Nov. 15
Early Decision II Jan. 15
Regular Decision Feb. 1
Admissions interviews are highly encouraged and offered in-person and remotely throughout a student's senior year. Students who complete an admissions interview are accepted at a much higher rate than students who do not.
Merit scholarships are available for qualifying students as well as need-based financial aid. Students interested in need-based aid should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline above.
Demonstrated interest in HWS factors into our final decision. Students should express their interest in HWS by requesting more information, engaging with HWS faculty, staff and students, or visiting campus.
Common characteristics of students who thrive on our campus:
Inquisitive and open-minded
Academically, artistically and/or athletically ambitious
Entrepreneurial, innovative and outcomes-oriented
Environmentally and/or socially conscious
Overview
GPA Breakdown
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Early Decision II — January 15
Early Action — November 15
Regular — February 1
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Closely situated and interconnected, the HWS centers for research, action and thought allow students to complement their liberal arts and sciences studies with university-level opportunities and resources.
The centers create meaningful avenues for deep-dive exploration, interdisciplinary discovery, community-based learning and career development that help students grow intellectually, professionally and personally.
HWS CENTERS FOR RESEARCH, ACTION AND THOUGHT
Abbe Center for Jewish Life
Live among Jewish students, celebrate Shabbat and other Jewish holidays and learn about Jewish history and faith.
The Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship
Take a hands-on, active and collaborative approach to learning the ropes of startup and social ventures through meaningful partnerships with the businesses and nonprofits of Geneva.
The Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Explore principles of leadership and entrepreneurship by setting them in motion.
Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
Experience hands-on service learning at a college recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for excellence in Community Engagement.
Center for Global Education
Explore other parts of the world with HWS faculty through one of the nation's most highly ranked and respected study abroad programs.
The Center for Teaching and Learning
Enhance your writing, improve your study skills and showcase your independent research.
The Finger Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and Education
Explore environmental issues on board the Colleges' research vessel, mentor local students and promote environmental stewardship throughout the Finger Lakes Region.
The Fisher Center for Gender and Justice
Join fellow students, faculty and visiting scholars for dialogue, research and collaborations that foster equity and mutual respect.
InterculturalCenter
Contribute to initiatives and dialogues that build cross-cultural understanding, celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and expand social justice.
LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Find support, build community, mentor (or be mentored) and gain understanding of LGBTQ+ people, themes and needs. Our coordinate Colleges environment is the perfect backdrop for dialogue on gender and inclusion.
Office for Spiritual Engagement
Find support, community and guidance whatever your faith in a community with a long and proud tradition of inclusivity.
Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education
Explore careers, get one-on-one advising and land an internship with guaranteed funding. Plan your future while enjoying the view of our magnificent lake.
The Trias Residency for Writers
Work closely with established writers-in-residence in a workshop or tutorial setting. Recent residents include award-winning memoirist and fiction writer Lidia Yuknavitch, prolific poet Donald Revell, and celebrated nonfiction writer John D'Agata (a 1995 HWS graduate).
Majors and Degrees Offered
The Colleges offer five degrees—Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership and Master of Science in Management. The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed exclusively for HWS graduates enrolled in the Teacher Education Program. The Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership and the Master of Science in Management are open to graduates from accredited four year institutions.
All majors (except those marked with an asterisk) may also be pursued as minors.
Majors
Africana Studies
American Studies
Anthropology
Anthropology and Sociology*
Architectural Studies*
Art: Art History
Art: Studio Art
Asian Studies
Biochemistry*
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Comparative Literature
Computer Science
Critical Sexuality and Queer Studies
Critical Social Studies
Dance
Economics
Educationional Studies
English
Environmental Studies
European Studies
French and Francophone Studies
Geoscience
Greek
History
Individual Major*
International Relations
Latin
Latin American Studies
Mathematics
Media and Society
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychological Science
Religious Studies
Russian History and Society*
Russian Language and Culture*
Sociology
Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Theatre
Women's Studies
Writing and Rhetoric
Minors
Aesthetics
African Studies
African American Studies
Aquatic Sciences
Atmospheric Science
Child Advocacy
Civic Engagement and Social Justice
Classical Studies
Concentration in French
Critical Museum Studies
Data Analytics
Education
Entrepreneurial Studies
German Area Studies
Health Professions
Holocaust Studies
Italian Studies
Law and Society
Men's Studies
Music Administration and Entrepreneurship
Peace Studies
Public Policy Studies
Russian Area Studies
Russian Language
The Sacred in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Social Justice Studies
Urban Studies
Writing Colleagues
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Science in Management
Pre-professional Programs
Engineering — Through the physics department, students have the option to pursue a joint engineering degree from HWS and either Columbia University or Dartmouth College
Health Professions — Our placement rate for medical, dental and veterinary school applicants exceeds 80%, well above the national average
Pre-business — Training in topics such as accounting, finance, statistics and market research, and the option to complete an accelerated 3+1 Master's in Management
Pre-law — Extensive counseling and the option to pursue a 3+3 joint degree from HWS and Cornell University
Teacher Education Program — 40+ hours of teaching experience each semester leading to New York State Teacher Certification
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES.
Architecture and Related Services, Other.
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
European Studies/Civilization.
Gay/Lesbian Studies.
Latin American Studies.
Russian Studies.
Women's Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Mass Communication/Media Studies.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
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EDUCATION.
Education, General.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
Writing, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Comparative Literature.
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.
French Language and Literature.
Latin Language and Literature.
Russian Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
Physical Sciences, Other.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Public Policy Analysis, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, General.
Sociology.
Urban Studies/Affairs.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Dance, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Music, General.
Students Say
HWS students benefit from “small class sizes [that] make it easy to connect with professors.” They also find the faculty “extremely engaging” and emphasize that “they work to help each student understand the depth and breadth of the course material.” Indeed, “whether it be in-class debates or the opportunity to choose your own project—such as choosing between an essay, a podcast, or an animation—professors always try their best to accommodate each student’s learning styles through innovative approaches.” They truly go “far out of their way to make sure each student is reaching their full potential and not slipping between the cracks.”
As graduation nears, undergrads enter the job market with confidence. This can partially be attributed to the school’s career services programs, which offer “a multitude of resources to aid students in finding internships and jobs as well as offering résumé writing workshops and interview workshops.” And, of course, undergrads can rely on the alumni network which is “extremely welcoming and strong.”
Degrees
Master's
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Excerpt from Colleges That Create Futures
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Our 2022-23 charges are as follows:
Tuition: $60,350
Room: $8,955
Board: $7,955
Student Activities Fee: $500
Wellness Fee: $370
Technology Fee: $505
Books, supplies, travel and other personal expenses are not included in the above costs.
Financial Aid
We share the same goal: to build the best future for you, so can you can help build the better future for us all.
That's why we take a collaborative approach in helping you pay for an HWS education. Our financial aid team will work with you and your family to create an aid package that makes sense. We award substantial scholarships and grants — close to $60 million each year — so you can immerse yourself in the HWS experience, and afford it, too.
Regardless of financial need, activists, artists, community leaders, innovators, performers, scientists and academic all-stars are celebrated for the good work and dedication leading up to their application to HWS. Merit scholarships ranging from $5,000 to full tuition are awarded at the time of acceptance and accompanied by non-monetary benefits such as a dedicated alum mentor, invitations to special on-campus events and priority placement in first semester classes.
HWS requires all students who wish to apply for need-based financial aid to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Dates
Required Forms
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Imagine spending four years surrounded by Statesmen and Herons (that's what we call ourselves here) — the fun, smart, inspiring people who will be your adoptive family and constant companions.
The Colleges are a place where classmates have your back and cheer you on. Where competition is reserved for the court or playing field (or lake, if you are water-inclined). Where the teams are really good (have you heard of Ali Marpet?) and the fans are really loud (have you heard of earplugs?).
Where there's more opportunity in any given day than you'd ever be able to grab, but where you also can't go wrong. Because all of it is interesting. (And all of it is here for you.)
Whoever you are and whatever your path, you're always in sight of our beautiful lake — the perfect complement to the excitement on the shore and a constant reminder of your inspiring horizons and endless potential.
HWS OFFERS
100+ student-run clubs and organizations
On-campus centers for cultural support and exploration
29 varsity teams with plans for 35 and dozens of intramural sports
A thriving, residential community where students live on campus all four years
A lakefront campus with stupidly beautiful views
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Our location on the shores of Seneca Lake allows you to put your education into action. The lake becomes a laboratory, the city of Geneva is a partner in studying and creating change, and major historical landmarks that shaped our nation are within a short driving distance. Your experience will be amplified through community service, research, study abroad, athletics and leadership training. With more than 100 student clubs to join, you can continue the activities you already enjoy and discover new ones. In the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York, you'll not only have unique opportunities in and out of the classroom, you'll also have a stunning backdrop for your college years.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Campus facilities include more than 85 student residences, 48 classroom and administrative buildings, library, dining hall, three cafés, pub, two gymnasia, sport and recreation center, performing arts center, numerous athletics fields, several computer labs, studio arts center, intercultural center, chapel, career center, infirmary, student activities center, bookstore, radio station, and boathouse with docking facilities. A few facilities that enhance the academic experience at HWS in a unique way are highlighted below.
The Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship
Classrooms, discussion spaces, workspaces and meeting spaces in downtown Geneva allow students to develop entrepreneurial ideas in a setting where there can be increased community partnerships.
Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Regardless of a student's academic interests, the Centennial Center prepares leaders and entrepreneurs to drive innovation. Among other programs, the Centennial Center is host to annual Hackathons, pitch competitions and idea accelerators.
Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL)
CCESL provides opportunities for learning through service that results in civically engaged students and graduates who are active, global citizens.
Center for Global Education (CGE)
CGE provides students with academically challenging off-campus study experiences that foster an in-depth understanding of another culture(s) and encourages global citizenship.
Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
CTL helps students realize their academic potential through academic enrichment and support as well as disability services.
Finger Lakes Institute (FLI)
FLI is dedicated to the promotion of environmental research and education about the Finger Lakes and surrounding environments. Through summer research and intern positions, students gain valuable experience in the aquatic sciences.
Fisher Center for Gender and Justice
The Fisher Center brings together faculty, students and experts in gender-related fields in the arts, humanities and social and natural sciences to foster mutual understanding and social justice in contemporary society.
Intercultural Affairs Center (IC)
The IC is a welcoming space that fosters an environment of student support and encourages students' personal growth, academic success and leadership skills. Programs and collaborative initiatives broaden cross-cultural understanding; foster an appreciation for diversity, inclusion and social justice; and strengthen community bonds.
Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education
Through a detailed career preparation program, a robust alum and parent network and a guaranteed internship or research opportunity, students determine their personal path to a meaningful career.
Trias Residency for Writers
Distinguished poets and fiction writers join the HWS community, mentoring students, hosting readings and workshops and creating new work on the shores of Seneca Lake.
The William Scandling
Hobart and William Smith's steel hulled, 65-foot scientific research vessel provides student and faculty classroom and research activities. Used regularly by biology, geoscience and chemistry students, the vessel is fully equipped for sediment, water and biota studies.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Through the nationally ranked global education program, nearly 70% of Hobart and William Smith students study abroad before they graduate. Our Center for Global Education provides opportunities to participate in faculty-led programs, internships and community service on six continents through its more than 50 extraordinary programs. Wherever you go, you'll apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
Through the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education, students attend networking trips across the country. Trips are offered during winter and spring breaks and allow students to take a deep dive into a particular industry, learning more about career opportunities and how to prepare for them. Past programs include Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C., Week on Wall Street in New York City, Media and Entertainment in Los Angeles, and Advertising/PR Day in New York City.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
Documentation Required for LD
Documentation and guidelines are available online: https://www.hws.edu/centers/ctl/pdf/document_learn.pdfDocumentation Required for ADHD
Documentation and guidelines are available online: https://www.hws.edu/centers/ctl/pdf/document_learn.pdfSpecial Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Sailing
Skiing Downhill Alpine
Soccer
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Bowling
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Field Hockey
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Sailing
Skiing Downhill Alpine
Soccer
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
Student Services
Womens Center
Sustainability
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2023.
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/