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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 match them with personalized support to help you succeed. That includes access to one of the nation’s top Career Services offices (ranked #10), ensuring you’re prepared to translate your experience into meaningful opportunities after graduation.

Your time here 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 – and gain the skills and guidance to build and lead your brightest future.

#8 Student Experience in the nation – The Wall Street Journal

Smiles of HWS

BY THE NUMBERS

SOMETIMES THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

Princeton Review Ranks HWS # 10 for Best Career Preparation and Alumni Network, and #12 for Best Internships

New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Selingo cites HWS as a “Dream School”

Academics

You ask thoughtful questions and follow your curiosity wherever it leads. 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

Start with a First-Year Seminar on a topic that sparks your interest—our only required course. From there, the flexible Perspectives Curriculum puts you in control. Build a well-rounded foundation by exploring four key perspectives. Choose a major, then add a second major or minor. With guidance from faculty advisors, you’ll connect ideas across disciplines, sharpen essential skills and shape an academic path that’s entirely your own.

Academic Programs

Start with a First-Year Seminar on a topic that sparks your interest—our only required course. From there, the flexible Perspectives Curriculum puts you in control. Build a well-rounded foundation by exploring four key perspectives. Choose a major, then add a second major or minor. With guidance from faculty advisors, you’ll connect ideas across disciplines, sharpen essential skills and shape an academic path that’s entirely your own.

Academic Programs

Princeton Review names HWS faculty best in the nation

Global Education

Your Hobart and William Smith experience may begin in Geneva, but it can take you around the world. With programs in more than 50 countries – and over 60% of students studying abroad – you’ll have the opportunity to explore new cultures, perspectives and ideas. Through the Center for Global Education, you’ll be supported every step of the way, from preparation to reflection, whether you study abroad for a semester, summer or January term.

50+ languages spoken on campus, bringing a global perspective to every classroom and conversation.

Your Hobart and William Smith experience may begin in Geneva, but it can take you around the world. With programs in more than 50 countries – and over 60% of students studying abroad – you’ll have the opportunity to explore new cultures, perspectives and ideas. Through the Center for Global Education, you’ll be supported every step of the way, from preparation to reflection, whether you study abroad for a semester, summer or January term.

A Relationship-Rich Education

At Hobart and William Smith, relationships are at the center of the academic experience. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students work closely with professors who are accomplished scholars, mentors and collaborators, connecting teaching and research in meaningful ways. Learning extends beyond the classroom through field-based coursework and co-curricular opportunities with centers like the Melly Institute for Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Finger Lakes Institute, and the Fisher Center for Gender and Justice, and the Trias Residency for Writers. It’s a relationship-rich experience that will prepare you to think critically, lead thoughtfully and make an impact.

of students discuss classwork with a professor outside of class

classes taught by teaching assistants

At Hobart and William Smith, relationships are at the center of the academic experience. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students work closely with professors who are accomplished scholars, mentors and collaborators, connecting teaching and research in meaningful ways. Learning extends beyond the classroom through field-based coursework and co-curricular opportunities with centers like the Melly Institute for Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Finger Lakes Institute, and the Fisher Center for Gender and Justice, and the Trias Residency for Writers. It’s a relationship-rich experience that will prepare you to think critically, lead thoughtfully and make an impact.

of students discuss classwork with a professor outside of class

classes taught by teaching assistants

The HWS Guaranteed Internship

You read that right—we guarantee it. At Hobart and William Smith, real-world experience is built into your education. Through our nationally recognized Salisbury Center for Career Education, every student is guaranteed an internship or research opportunity – with funding for unpaid or underpaid roles — so you can graduate with the experience, skills and connections to launch your career with confidence.

#12 BEST INTERNSHIPS in the nation – Princeton Review

You read that right—we guarantee it. At Hobart and William Smith, real-world experience is built into your education. Through our nationally recognized Salisbury Center for Career Education, every student is guaranteed an internship or research opportunity – with funding for unpaid or underpaid roles — so you can graduate with the experience, skills and connections to launch your career with confidence.

#12 BEST INTERNSHIPS in the nation – Princeton Review

"Over the past three years, Hobart and William Smith has introduced me to some of the most incredible people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I can confidently say that some of my closest and lifelong friends are my professors, coaches, teammates, and fellow students. HWS has given me a second home that I didn’t know I needed."

– Ryan Pero

Mathematics | Spanish | Bilingual Education

"Last summer I had an internship related to my major in the finance field. Through Career Services I found not only an amazing opportunity abroad but also funding to support it."

– Nikolina Stanic

Economics | Mathematics

"My time at Hobart and William Smith has allowed me to balance great academics with high-level athletics. The small class sizes have allowed me to foster meaningful connections with professors, while playing on a varsity team has taught me leadership, teamwork and time management."

– Lauren Legler

Biology | Psychology

"After participating in a community service activity as a part of my first-year orientation, I learned how much of an emphasis HWS places on supporting the local community. I loved getting to see how this area operates and getting connected to Geneva, not just HWS. I’ve participated in many other community service events since."

– Aaron Tober

Psychology | Environmental Studies

"With an outstanding support system and strong relationships with faculty and my peers, I feel empowered to pursue my future career with confidence."

– Zoe Aracena

Sociology | Education | Child Advocacy | Writing Colleagues Program

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.

#4 for “Their Students Love These Colleges” The Princeton Review

Student Activities

There’s always something happening at Hobart and William Smith. With 80+ clubs and organizations, signature events like Folk Fest and goat yoga, and weekly programming from the Campus Activities Board, you’ll find countless ways to get involved, connect and make campus your own. Students can explore a diverse range of opportunities at the Involvement Expo, which happens every semester.

Watch this video on YouTube

#9 HAPPIEST STUDENTS in the nation – Princeton Review

Geneva & The Finger Lakes

Just a short 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.

drone shot — “The Geneva area is the best place to situate yourself.” – *Forbes*

Watch this video on YouTube

Recreation & Fitness

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.

Community Engagement

Through strong partnerships with the City of Geneva, students make a meaningful impact beyond campus. Recognized by Washington Monthly as a top-five institution for service for seven consecutive years, HWS connects learning with action—offering both a beautiful place to live on Seneca Lake and real opportunities to engage with the community.

Day of service — *Washington Monthly* ranks HWS #1 in nation for service

Watch this video on YouTube

Foodie Favorites

With everything college throws at you, you’ll want to stay fueled and ready for whatever each day brings. At HWS, tasty, nutritious meals are always within reach. Enjoy global cuisines, fresh-baked bread, restaurant-style salads, pizza and made-to-order burgers. Allergy-friendly and plant-based options are available, too. Grab some wings at The Cellar Pub, a fresh salad at SAGA Dining Hall, a stuffed burrito at The Café, a quick bite at the shop in our library or local coffee at Finger Lakes Coffee Express—there’s something delicious for everyone across campus.

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

100% of students with demonstrated need receive financial aid
$80M awarded in scholarships and grant funds each year
At $46,000 per year ($184,000 total), the most substantial and prestigious merit award offered by HWS is the Melly Scholarship
2026 Best Value College according to The Princeton Review
95% of students are employed or in graduate school within 4 months of graduation
100% of architecture students who apply to graduate school are admitted
80% of students who apply to medical, dental or veterinary school are accepted on their first attempt (national average: 40%)
85% of students who apply to law school are accepted (national average: 69.8%)
$141,800 median mid-career salary for HWS alumni, according to PayScale

Thinking about your future? So are we.

Get to Know Us

OUR TOP PRIORITY IS PREPARING YOU TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE FUTURE WORLD.

#8 Student Experience in the nation – The Wall Street Journal

BY THE NUMBERS

SOMETIMES THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

Princeton Review Ranks HWS # 10 for Best Career Preparation and Alumni Network, and #12 for Best Internships

New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Selingo cites HWS as a “Dream School”

COME TO SEE THE LAKE. STAY TO DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE.

Academics

You ask thoughtful questions and follow your curiosity wherever it leads. We like that about you.

PICTURE YOURSELF ON THE EDGE OF A LAKE,

AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING.

Athletics

We’re your screaming fan base

Campus Life

The Finest People You’ll Ever Meet

#9 HAPPIEST STUDENTS in the nation – Princeton Review

Affordability

ROI MATTERS. HWS HAS ONE OF THE BEST.

THE FUTURE WE’RE FOCUSED ON IS YOURS.