Thinking about your future? So are we.
A liberal arts and sciences institution, HWS is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures.
Our award-winning faculty are accessible teacher/scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. In the classroom, professors will encourage you to explore new topics and learn how to seek solutions to the world's emerging challenges. During office hours, they'll get to know you as you are and challenge you to build a course of study that will lead to success after graduation.
You will complement your studies with transformative hands-on learning experiences made possible by HWS' broad array of on-campus centers for research, action and thought. Through a guaranteed internship (with funding!), a semester abroad, thought-provoking guest lectures, service projects, entrepreneurial incubators and continuous networking opportunities, you will learn to face the future with confidence.
Located in the heart of New York State's Finger Lakes Region, you will find friendship and build belonging in our relationship-rich residential community while enjoying a stunning backdrop to your college years.
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; Adams Intercultural Center, 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
Hobart and William Smith Colleges are committed to helping all students navigate the college admissions process. Accordingly, we do not charge an application fee, nor do we require standardized test scores.
We welcome your application if you:
Have challenged yourself with a rigorous high school curriculum
Have applied your talents to the betterment of your school and community
Are curious, resourceful, persistent and conscientious
Apply using the Common Application or Coalition Application by Nov. 15 for Early Action and Early Decision, Jan. 15 for Early Decision II and Feb. 1 for Regular Decision.
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).
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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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
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Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Whether you know exactly where you're headed or arrive at HWS undecided, your future will unfold through an exciting string of explorations.
As you sample a wide range of topics, you'll join forces with inspiring minds, build powerful skills and amass a collection of meaningful experiences — all while chasing your interests, honing your talents and discovering your untapped superpowers.
You'll explore and grapple with the world's most pressing challenges — previewing emerging issues, technologies and ways of thinking. These are the spaces in which the better world will be discovered.
Your professors will help you solve problems, find opportunities and make connections as you combine experiences and insights to discover your true interests and build a life that connects to your highest potential.
They'll be there with you at every step — but the path you carve will be your own.
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.
70+ Academic Programs:
Aesthetics
African American Studies
African Studies
Africana Studies
American Studies
Anthropology
Anthropology & Sociology
Aquatic Sciences
Architectural Studies
Art History
Asian Studies
Atmospheric Science
Bilingual Education
Biochemistry
Biology
Bodies, Disability and Justice
Chemistry
Child Advocacy
Civic Engagement and Social Justice
Classical Studies
Classics
Comparative Literature
Computer Science
Concentration in French
Critical Museum Studies
Critical Social Studies
Dance
Data Analytics
Economics
Educational Studies
English
Entrepreneurial Studies
Environmental Studies
European Studies
French, Francophone and Italian Studies
Gender and Feminist Studies
Geoscience
German Area Studies
Greek
Health Professions
History
Holocaust Studies
Individual Major
International Relations
Italian Studies
Latin
Latin American Studies
Law and Society
LGBTQ+ Studies
Management and Entrepreneurship
Mathematics
Media & Society
Music
Music Administration and Entrepreneurship
Peace Studies
Philosophy
Physics
Politics
Psychological Science
Public Health
Public Policy Studies
Religious Studies
Russian Area Studies
Russian History and Society
Russian Language
Russian Language and Culture
Social Justice Studies
Sociology
Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Studio Art
Theatre
Urban Studies
Writing Colleagues
Writing and Rhetoric
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-law — Extensive counseling and the option to pursue a 3+3 joint degree with 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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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.
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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, 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.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
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.
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
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
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
The 2023-2024 cost of attendance, before factoring in scholarships and aid is as follows:
Tuition: $61,858
Room: $9,178
Board: $8,156
Technology Fee: $518
Student Activities Fee: $512
Wellness Fee: $380
96% of students receive some form of scholarship or financial aid and the average cost after factoring scholarships and aid is $30,476.
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 are awarded to qualifying students at time of acceptance.
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 fun, smart, inspiring people who will be your adoptive family and constant companions.
Hobart and William Smith 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 (24 national championships and counting) and the fans are really loud (unapologetically!).
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.
Quick Facts on the HWS Community:
1,607 students hailing from 39 states and 48 countries
9:1 student-faculty ratio and 0% of classes taught by teaching assistants
More than 60% of students study abroad in 50+ locations around the world
80,000+ total hours of community service by HWS students each year
96% of students receive some form of financial or merit aid
Alum network of 22,800+
50+ languages spoken on campus
Current student-run clubs and organizations include:
Alpha Phi Alpha
Arts & Design Collective
Asian Student Union
Beautiful Minds
Best Buddies
BIPOC in STEM
Budget Allocations Committee (BAC)
Campus Access Association
Campus Activities Board
Campus Greens
Caribbean Student Association
Chi Phi
Coding Club
College Democrats
Days of Service
Debate Team
Delta Chi
German Club
Habitat for Humanity
Hillel
Hip-Notiqs Step Team
Hobart Club Lacrosse
Hobart Club Soccer
Hobart Rugby Football Club
Hobart Student Government
Hobart Volleyball Club
Hobartones A Capella
Birding Club
Chess Club
Dance Marathon
Engineering Club
Equestrian Team
Figure Skating Club
Fishing Club
Mindfulness Club
Ontario County Justice Coalition (OCJC)
Outdoor Recreation Adventure Program
Running Club
Skateboarding Club
Spikeball Club
Squash Club
Ultimate Frisbee/Seneca Flyers
HWS Votes!
In One Groove Club
International Students Association
Investment Club
Kappa Alpha
Kappa Sigma
Kinetic Dance Collective
Kings of Power
Latin American Student Organization
Martini student newspaper
Math Club
Model African Union
Muslim Student Association
One Love Club
One to One Friendship Club
Perfect Third
Phi Sigma Kappa
Pre-Law Club
Pride Alliance
Psychology Club
Quiz Bowl
Random Acts of Kindness
Robotics Club
Russian Club
Sankofa: Black Student Union
Sigma Chi
South Asian Student Association
The Herald
Thel: Literary Magazine
Theta Delta Chi
Theta Phi Alpha
Three Miles Lost a Capella
UNICEF
William Smith Club Ice Hockey
William Smith Club Lacrosse
William Smith Club Soccer
William Smith Congress
William Smith Rugby Football Club
William Smith Volleyball
Women in Geoscience
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
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.
Adams Intercultural Center
Contribute to initiatives and dialogues that build cross-cultural understanding, celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and expand social justice.
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.
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. The 2023-24 resident is author of Nightbitch Rachel Yoder. 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).
Off-Campus Opportunities
Through our nationally ranked global education program, more than 60% 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, L.A. Media and Entertainment, Boston Finance Experience and NYC Advertising/PR Day.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
Documentation Required for LD
We recommend that students upload any updated documentation such as a neuro/ed psychological testing, 504 Plan, IEP, Summary of Performance or a note from a practicing healthcare provider.Documentation Required for ADHD
We recommend that students upload any updated documentation such as a neuro/ed psychological testing, 504 Plan, IEP, Summary of Performance or a note from a practicing healthcare provider.Special 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
Volleyball
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, 2024.
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/#/