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Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Rural · 579 students
4
Year
Private Non-profit
Rural
Small (<3k)
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
Cost of attendance
$51,506
Avg net price
$26,683
Room & board
$14,236
Tuition
$33,009
Books & supplies
$1,000/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$16,732
$30–48k
$17,877
$48–75k
$23,253
$75–110k
$29,288
$110k+
$32,048
Admissions
Admit rate
77%
Test policy
Not required

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Essay Requirements

Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
4-yr on-time completion
39%
1st-yr retention
75%
Transfer-out rate
0%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
56%
Transferred
13%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
31%
Median earnings (6yr)
$38,325
Median earnings (10yr)
$46,145
Median debt
$22,750
Monthly loan payment
$241
Debt range (25th–75th)
$8,250$26,000
Debt (90th percentile)
$29,750
Student Body
Men 63%Women 37%
12
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
36%
First-generation
30%
Median family income
$61,335
Independent students
11%
Avg age at entry
20.0
Part-time students
1%
Race & ethnicity
White
84%
Black
4%
Asian
1%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
1%
AI/AN
2%
Unknown
4%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$38,325
10 years after entry
$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
Endowment
$36M
Classification
Baccalaureate (Diverse)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions
Full-time faculty
85%
Avg faculty salary
$6,551/mo
Instructional spend/student
$10,287
Federal loan rate
72%

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

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