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Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Rural · 579 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$26,683
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
52%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
43% typical
$46,145
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$45,606 typical
77%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
75% typical · not scored
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
About

Paul Smith’s College, affectionately known as the "College of the Adirondacks," is renowned for its hands-on, field-based programs in forestry, environmental science, culinary arts, and sustainable hospitality. Set directly within the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park on a sprawling 14,000-acre campus, the college utilizes its surrounding forests, lakes, and wetlands as living laboratories for undergraduate research and training. Student life is deeply outdoor-centric and close-knit, featuring active wilderness recreation, ecological stewardship, and unique traditions like a championship woodsmen's team. This distinctive setting, paired with specialized facilities like the on-campus Adirondack Watershed Institute, offers students unmatched real-world experience in natural resource management and outdoor leadership.

Location
Paul Smiths, NY, 12970-0265 · Rural campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
BTV · Burlington VT
54 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$33,009
Housing & food (on campus)$14,236
Books & supplies$1,000
Cost of attendance$51,506
Average net price$26,683
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$33,009
Housing & food (on campus)$14,236
Books & supplies$1,000
Cost of attendance$51,506
Average net price$26,683
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$16,732
$30–48k
$17,877
$48–75k
$23,253
$75–110k
$29,288
$110k+
$32,048
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
52%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
39%
Back for yr 2
75%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
56% graduated · 13% transferred · 31% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$38,325
10 yrs after entry$46,145
Debt
Median at graduation$22,750
Monthly payment$241
Middle 50% owe$8.3k–$26k
90th percentile$29,750
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — diverse fields: 43% graduate within 6 yrs, $45,606 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
77%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard

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Essay prompts

If Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 63%Women 37%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
12 : 1
Pell grant
36%
First-gen
30%
Family income
$61,335
Independent
11%
Age at entry
20.0
Part-time
1%
Race & ethnicity
White
84%
Black
4%
Asian
1%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
1%
AI/AN
2%
Unknown
4%
Varsity sports
USCAA · EADA 2024-25
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Golf
    Men's
  • Ice Hockey
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Men's · Women's · Co-ed
  • Skiing
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$38,325
After 10 yrs
$46,145
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy22
Forestry19
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management19
Culinary Arts and Related Services12
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies11
Natural Resources Conservation and Research8
Biology, General8
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General6
Sustainability Studies5
Homeland Security5
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology4
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management3
Psychology, General3
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services2
Hospitality Administration/Management2
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other2
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$36M
Full-time faculty
85%
Faculty salary
$6,551/mo
Teaching spend
$10,287
per student
Federal loans
72%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — diverse fields
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science is the right fit for you?

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