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Preparing Students to Lead Lives of Consequence
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OUR TOP PRIORITY IS PREPARING YOU TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE FUTURE WORLD.

At HWS, we have high expectations for you as a student and community member, and we will give you the personalized support to excel. Your experience will be full of learning, discovery, surprises and accomplishment. You’ll test your interests and pave a way to a life of consequence. You’ll dig deep, have fun and find a place here. You’ll learn to build and lead your brightest future.

#4 Student Experience in the nation- Wall Street Journal 

Video Still for Smiles of HWS
Smiles of HWS

BY THE NUMBERS

SOMETIMES THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

Princeton Review Ranks HWS in the Top 25 for Best Career Preparation, Internships, Alumni Network and Happiest Students

Start your Application.

HWS accepts the Coalition Application and the Common Application. We do not charge an application fee and every applicant is automatically considered for a merit-based scholarship of up to $40,500 per year.

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Academics

You have burning questions and geeky fascinations? We like that about you.

At HWS, you’ll dive into explorations of topics, hone expertise and make meaningful connections that will propel your learning and prepare you for the future.

Explore

Your academic journey starts with the First-Year Seminar, where you choose a topic of interest regardless of what you want to major in. Over the course of the next 4 years, you’ll explore your academic passions across an interdisciplinary curriculum, accomplishing 8 goals in the process. With the help of your faculty adviser, you’ll define your academic path by choosing a major and a minor or a double major.

Washington Monthly ranks HWS #1 in nation for service

Your academic journey starts with the First-Year Seminar, where you choose a topic of interest regardless of what you want to major in. Over the course of the next 4 years, you’ll explore your academic passions across an interdisciplinary curriculum, accomplishing 8 goals in the process. With the help of your faculty adviser, you’ll define your academic path by choosing a major and a minor or a double major.

Washington Monthly ranks HWS #1 in nation for service

Princeton Review names HWS faculty best in the nation

Global Education

Your Hobart and William Smith experience can take you across the globe. Our nationally ranked Center for Global Education offers 50+ extraordinary programs—many led by faculty—with more than 60% of students participating. We’ll help you make the most of your study abroad adventures by providing training as you prepare to leave, support while you are there and opportunities to share and reflect when you return. On campus, faculty, staff and students speak 50 languages, and that international perspective infuses the classroom and community.

Your Hobart and William Smith experience can take you across the globe. Our nationally ranked Center for Global Education offers 50+ extraordinary programs with nearly 70% of students studying abroad We’ll help you make the most of your international adventures by providing training as you prepare to leave, support while you are abroad and opportunities to share, reflect and build upon your experiences upon return.

A Relationship-Rich Education

With a 11:1 student-to-professor ratio and no classes taught by teaching assistants, you’ll get to work closely with your professors. But your learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. You’ll experience field-based coursework as well as co-curricular experiences through the Finger Lakes Institute, the Center for Teaching and Learning, The Fisher Center for Gender and Justice, The Trias Residency for Writers, and more.

Students who discuss classwork with a professor outside of class

Classes taught by teaching assistants

With a 11:1 student-to-professor ratio and no classes taught by teaching assistants, you’ll get to work closely with your professors. But your learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. You’ll experience field-based coursework as well as co-curricular experiences through the Finger Lakes Institute, the Center for Teaching and Learning, The Fisher Center for Gender and Justice, The Trias Residency for Writers, and more.

Students who discuss classwork with a professor outside of class

Classes taught by teaching assistants

The HWS Guaranteed Internship

We know how important it is to gain real world experience. That’s why we guarantee you’ll have an internship or research experience during your time here and receive funding for unpaid opportunities. You read that right. We guarantee it.

#14 BEST INTERNSHIPS in the nation – Princeton Review

We know how important it is to gain real world experience. That’s why we guarantee you’ll have an internship or research experience during your time here and receive funding for unpaid opportunities. You read that right. We guarantee it.

#14 BEST INTERNSHIPS in the nation – Princeton Review

PICTURE YOURSELF ON THE EDGE OF A LAKE,

AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING.

Visit

Athletics

We’re your screaming fan base

Whether you play a varsity sport, compete in the intramural league or on a club team, or enjoy cheering from the sidelines, you’ll find that athletics are a big part of the Hobart and William Smith experience. So pull on your bathing suit, tie up your cleats, grab your skis or racquet, and get out there.

Video Still for Hobart Hockey

Campus Life

The Finest People You’ll Ever Meet

Come live by the lake. Within our 320 acres, you’ll find lifelong friendships, constant opportunities for engagement and lots of fun.

Campus Activities

You’ll find lots of different things to do on campus. Our Campus Activities Board offers an array of great programming from uber popular Open Mic Nights in the Cellar Pub to hot air balloon rides on the Quad. With over 70 registered clubs and organizations, students can explore a diverse range of opportunities at the Involvement Expo.

#18 HAPPIEST STUDENTS in the nation – Princeton Review

Workout Facilities

With an 83,000 square-foot field house, fitness center and weight room with more than 50 cardiovascular machines, indoor cycling room, pool, climbing wall, squash, pickleball and tennis courts, and more, you’ll have plenty of ways to keep active at HWS. 

Geneva & The Finger Lakes

Just a 10-minute walk from HWS, Geneva features an active food scene, over 100 wineries, parks, shopping, festivals and lakefront concerts, making it an extension of campus life. With a population of 13,300, Geneva, N.Y. sees a significant influx of tourists during the summer and fall as visitors from around the world come to enjoy the lakes, restaurants and wineries. 

Food

Whether you’re a carnivore, omnivore or plant-based foodie, you’ll find something delicious at HWS. We’re talking world cuisine, fresh-baked bread, restaurant-style salads and, of course, pizza and made-to-order burgers. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, we have you covered with allergy-free stations and meals. We even hold a culinary series that celebrates the best from recognized and up-and-coming celebrity chefs. Eat at our SAGA dining hall, The Café, The Cellar Pub or Au Bon Pain.

Affordability

ROI MATTERS. HWS HAS ONE OF THE BEST.

Helping students afford an education and realize their future is what we’re about. After all, your future is the future.

  • 99% of students receive merit scholarships or need-based aid
  • $80+ million awarded in financial aid in 2024-25
  • Named one of the colleges with the best Return on Investment by Forbes
  • 2024 Best Value Colleges according to the Princeton Review 
  • 95% of students are employed or enrolled in graduate school within 4 months of graduation

THE FUTURE WE’RE FOCUSED ON IS YOURS.

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