Financial Aid for Current Students

The Lyman Plant House.

As part of the Smith community, you will have access to the financial resources you need to continue your education and experience everything the college has to offer. We also offer financial advice to help all families manage the cost of college, whether or not they qualify for aid.

This section is for current students applying for aid. If you are a prospective student, please go to the Tuition & Financial Aid section for application deadlines and policies.

Finances for You

Traditional Students International Students Ada Comstock Scholars Undocumented Students Graduate Students

Important Information

Although Smith College eliminated loans from need-based financial aid awards, most students are still able to borrow a student loan. Please visit the Financing Options menu on this website for details.

Student Loans:
loanhelp@smith.edu

Student Employment:
studemp@smith.edu

Office Open Hours: 
M/W/F, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; T/Th, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Call Center Hours:
M–F, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (EST); 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. (EST). For general questions, call the office or schedule a phone or Zoom appointment with an SFS director.

No Loans (Yes, Really!)

Smith College does not include student loans in its undergraduate financial aid packages for students receiving need-based institutional grants—instead, we replace the loan amount with grants from the college, meaning students don’t graduate under a mountain of debt.

Smith provides more than $80 million annually in institutional financial aid, and we have been leaders in enrolling Pell Grant-eligible students. The generosity of alums and donors, as well as prudent management of our finances—especially our endowment—allows us to make this investment at this time. Eliminating loans from financial aid packages represents a next step in equalizing the experience for students, regardless of family resources.

Who is eligible for no-loan financial aid packages?
All undergraduate students receiving institutional grant aid—including international students and undocumented students—who meet established deadlines.

Does this program apply to international students?
Yes—all undergraduate students, including those attending Smith with a student visa and those with permanent resident status, are eligible.

Are undocumented students eligible for the program?
Yes—all undergraduate students, including undocumented students and students with DACA status, are eligible.

Does this apply to students who entered Smith as transfer students or Ada Comstock Scholars?
Yes—all undergraduate students will be eligible for this benefit.

Does this apply to graduate students at Smith?
No. This policy change applies only to Smith undergraduates.

Meet the Team

Joanna May

Vice President for Enrollment

Responsible for the Offices of Student Financial Services and Admission including planning, policy, budget and oversight.

David Belanger

Director of Student Financial Services

Responsible for all daily operations in the Office of Student Financial Services. Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents.

Michael Ireland

Senior Associate Director

Leads the Office of Student Financial Services outreach work for both on and off campus constituents.  Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents.

Cathy Klaes

Associate Director

Leads the School for Social Work aid program. Oversees student accounts. Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents.

Mairin Brady

Associate Director

Leads the Office of Student Financial Services Compliance Unit. Responsible for the audit and compliance functions in all federal and state grants and loans. Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents.

Shelly Cotnoir

Assistant Director

Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents, processes MEFA and private student loans, and supports Federal Compliance Unit.

Jessica Eggleston

Assistant Director

Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents. Manages undergraduate and graduate student payments.

Polly Gelfman

Assistant Director

Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents. Liaison to Office of Admission.

Audrey Voskoboinik

Assistant Director

Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents. Focus on the Ada Comstock Scholar and graduate student aid programs. Responsible for veterans' educational benefits.

Tina Young

Assistant Director

Reviews eligibility for federal and institutional aid, counsels students and parents. Manages undergraduate and graduate student billing.

Maureen Cain

Systems Analyst

Responsible for systems support, surveys, reporting.

Rauterica Ford

Assistant Director of Student Financial Services

Acts as Office Manager; works with Director in overseeing the operational
component of the Student Financial Services office. Supervises the
Customer Service Unit.

Jamie Harmon

Student Financial Services Coordinator

Informs and advises students and parents regarding student accounts, aid
and application processes.

Charity Parker

Student Financial Services Coordinator

Informs and advises students and parents regarding student accounts, aid and application processes.

Adam Buckley

Student Financial Services Coordinator

Informs and advises students and parents regarding student accounts, aid and application processes.

Valerie Schumacher

Fund Coordinator

Responsible for state grants, and the awarding of the college's endowed funds.

Pamela Wright

Senior Student Financial Services Coordinator

Federal and institutional loan processing. Reconciliation. Federal compliance unit support. Loan inquiries.

Tuition & Fees

Cost of Attendance 2025–26

Students are billed for one-half of the annual charges at the beginning of each semester. The Cost of Attendance includes allowances for out-of-pocket expenses that most students incur during the year.

Cost of Attendance for Other Housing Arrangements for Traditional Students

Students who are approved by the Office of Residence Life to have a non-traditional housing or food arrangement have a modified Cost of Attendance. Learn more on the Traditional Students page. 

Direct Billed Costs

Cost (U.S. dollars)

Tuition

$67,140

Food & Housing

$23,360

Student Activities Fee

$308

Health Insurance (domestic students may waive)

$3,588
*Actual costs incurred will vary and are the student's responsibility.

Indirect Costs Not Billed

Cost (U.S. dollars)

Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment

$800

Transportation

(domestic average) $640
(international average) $1,000

Personal expenses

$1,850

Tuition Refund Insurance Program

Smith College has partnered with GradGuard Tuition Protection Plan by Allianz Global Assistance to provide an optional tuition insurance plan. Tuition insurance acts as an extension of the college's refund policy—securing reimbursement for your tuition payment, room and board fees, and other nonrefundable expenses if you withdraw for a covered reason during the semester. Learn more at GradGuard.com/tuition/smith or by calling 1-866-724-4384.

Continuation Fee

Students on leave of absence or attending other institutions on exchange or junior year abroad programs will be assessed a continuation fee of $60 per semester to maintain enrollment status at the college.

Overdue Balance Fee

Any balance outstanding for fall after August 10 or for spring after January 10 is considered overdue. Overdue balances will be assessed a late fee of $1.25 per $100 each month they remain outstanding.

Insufficient Funds Fee

If a payment is rejected due to insufficient funds, a charge of $25 will be added to the student account.

Incorrect Account Number Fee

If an incorrect or invalid account number is entered into our CASHNet payment system when a payer is attempting to make a payment, a $25 charge will be added to the student account.

Wire Fee

Tuition payments not sent via Flywire or Cashnet will have a $25 charge added to the student account.

Late Registration Fee

Students who make registration changes after the registration period will be assessed a $35 fee for each change.

Health/Fire/Safety Violation

A minimum fee of $5 per item will be charged for items left in public areas such as corridors, stairways or entrances. These items create a hazard and violate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as city and state building, fire and safety codes.

Fee Contact
Course fees Academic department (varies)
Library fines Neilson Library: 413-585-4162
Parking fines Department of Campus Safety: 413-585-2490
Telephone bills Information Technology Services: 413-585-2082
Faculty evaluation fines Dean of the College: 413-585-4900
Infirmary charges Student Health Services: 413-585-2800
Key charge Student Affairs: 413-585-4940

Ada Comstock Scholars Cost of Attendance, 2024-25

Fees and aid for Ada Comstock Scholars will be based on the number of credits in which the student is enrolled on the 15th day of each semester. After that deadline, fees and aid will be changed only if the Administrative Board gives special permission, and only if the change adds to your total number of credits.

Amount of Credits per Semester Cost
16 and more credits (full time) $32,435
12 to 15 credits (full time) $24,360
8 to 11 credits (part time) $16,240

*Ada Comstock Scholars enrolled in fewer than 8 credits pay on a per credit basis at the rate of $2,030 per credit and are not eligible to receive institutional financial aid.

** Full-time Ada Comstock Scholars are charged a Student Activities Fee of $154 per semester

Dining

All Ada Comstock Scholars are able to utilize Smith Dining Board options during the academic year via their OneCard access, regardless of housing status or financial aid eligibility. This benefit is not extended to students' dependents.

Health Insurance

$3,356 annually ($1,678 per semester). This fee may be waived if you have comparable health insurance that will cover you while in Massachusetts. Ada Comstock Scholars who receive need-based grant aid from Smith will receive a grant to cover this cost if they accept the Smith health insurance.

Tuition Refund Insurance Program

Smith College has partnered with GradGuard Tuition Protection Plan by Allianz Global Assistance to provide an optional tuition insurance plan. Tuition insurance acts as an extension of the college's refund policy—securing reimbursement for your tuition payment, food and housing fees, and other nonrefundable expenses if you withdraw for a covered reason during the semester. Learn more at GradGuard.com/tuition/smith or by calling 1-877-794-6603.

Housing Options Per Semester, 2024–25

Ada Comstock housing has a direct impact on the total cost of attendance. Housing and food for the academic year are included in the cost of attendance, either as a direct billed cost or as an allowance for out-of-pocket expenses, depending upon the housing option chosen.

Housing Option Cost per Semester
Housing only, including shared Conway Apartments $5,650
Conway Apartments* $11,245

*Conway Apartments are available by 9-month lease only, and include utilities.

Contacts for Fees

Fee Contact
Course fees Academic department (varies)
Library fines Neilson Library: 413-585-4162
Parking fines Department of Campus Safety: 413-585-2490
Telephone bills Information Technology Services: 413-585-2082
Faculty evaluation fines Dean of the College: 413-585-4900
Infirmary charges Student Health Services: 413-585-2800
Key charge Student Affairs: 413-585-4940

Continuation Fee

Students on leave of absence or attending other institutions on exchange or junior year abroad programs will be assessed a continuation fee of $60 per semester to maintain enrollment status at the college.

Overdue Balance Fee

Any balance outstanding for fall after August 10 or for spring after January 10 is considered overdue. Overdue balances will be assessed a late fee of $1.25 per $100 each month they remain outstanding.

Insufficient Funds Fee

If a payment is rejected due to insufficient funds, a charge of $25 will be added to the student account.

Incorrect Account Number Fee

If an incorrect or invalid account number is entered into our CASHNet payment system when a payer is attempting to make a payment, a $25 charge will be added to the student account.

Wire Fee

Tuition payments not sent via Flywire or Cashnet will have a $25 charge added to the student account.

Late Registration Fee

Students who make registration changes after the registration period will be assessed a $35 fee for each change.

Health/Fire/Safety Violation

A minimum fee of $5 per item will be charged for items left in public areas such as corridors, stairways or entrances. These items create a hazard and violate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as city and state building, fire and safety codes.

Direct Billed Costs Cost (U.S. dollars)
Tuition (variable, based on credit load) $48,720
Student Activities Fee (waived if less than full-time) $308
Health Insurance (domestic students may waive) $3,356
Indirect Costs Not Billed Cost (U.S. dollars)
Food and Housing Allowance $18,104
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment $800
Transportation $1,000
Personal expenses $3,466

*Actual costs incurred will vary and are the student’s responsibility.

Direct Billed Costs Cost (U.S. dollars)
Tuition (variable, based on credit load) $48,720
On-Campus Housing $11,300
Student Activities Fee (waived if less than full-time) $308
Health Insurance (domestic students may waive) $3,356
Indirect Costs Not Billed Cost (U.S. dollars)
Food Allowance $6,804
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment $800
Transportation $1,000
Personal expenses $3,466

*Actual costs incurred will vary and are the student’s responsibility.

The cost of attendance for Ada Comstock Scholars living in Conway House apartments includes an indirect cost allowance for food and housing for the academic year. The Conway charge is included on the student’s bill and students are billed for a 9-month lease, including utilities.

Direct Billed Costs Cost (U.S. dollars)
Tuition (variable, based on credit load) $48,720
Student Activities Fee (waived if less than full-time) $308
Health Insurance (domestic students may waive) $3,356
Indirect Costs Not Billed Cost (U.S. dollars)
Food and Housing Allowance $19,684
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment $800
Transportation $1,000
Personal expenses $3,466

*Actual costs incurred will vary and are the student’s responsibility.

Smith College School for Social Work

For students interested in pursuing either a master's or doctorate in social work, the School for Social Work has separate tuition and handles its billing process independently. For more information, please visit the School for Social Work website.

Fees for All Programs

Application and Tuition Fees

Fee Cost
Application fee $60
Tuition fee per credit (for fewer than 8 credits/semester) $1,910

Health Insurance (Estimates)*

Coverage start date Cost
Coverage beginning August 15  $3,200
Coverage beginning June 15 (M.A.T. students only) $3,600

*This fee may be waived if you are a U.S. citizen with comparable health insurance that will cover you while in Massachusetts.

Deposit

A one-time general deposit of $100 is required from each student upon admittance. The deposit will be refunded the October following graduation, or approximately six months following the student's last date of attendance, after deducting any unpaid charges or fees.

The deposit is not refunded for new students in the case of withdrawal before entrance, or if you are separated from the college for work or conduct deemed unsatisfactory.

Withdrawals

Current students who plan to withdraw must notify the graduate director in writing before July 1 (for first semester) or December 1 (for second semester).

Graduate Housing

Students in the Diploma program are provided rooms in Smith houses and generally participate in the meal plan. We also have a limited number of rooms available in our graduate house for students in other graduate programs; food is not included.

Housing Cost per Semester Cost per Year
Room & Board* $10,655 $21,310
Room only $5,350 $10,700

*Diploma students only


 

Course & Instruction Fees

Riding Classes

Close to the Smith campus is Muddy Brook Farms, where riding lessons are available to all students at the college. The farm is on the PVTA bus route in Hadley, MA. The Smith riding team uses their facilities for practice and for some shows. Fees are set prior to the fall semester, and inquiries may be directed to the athletics department: 585-2706.

Studio Art Courses

Certain materials and supplies are required for studio art courses and will be provided to each student. Students may require additional supplies and will be responsible for purchasing them directly. The expenses will vary from course to course and from student to student. 

Other Fees & Charges

Continuation Fee

Students on leave of absence or attending other institutions will be assessed a continuation fee of $60 per semester to maintain enrollment status at the college.

Overdue Balance Fee

Any balance outstanding for fall after August 10 or for spring after January 10 is considered overdue. Overdue balances will be assessed a late fee of $1.25 per $100 each month they remain outstanding.

Insufficient Funds Fee

If a payment is rejected due to insufficient funds, a charge of $20 will be added to the student account.

Incorrect Account Number Fee

If an incorrect or invalid account number is entered into our TouchNet payment system when a payer is attempting to make a payment, a $5 charge will be added to the student account.

Late Registration Fee

Students who make registration changes after the registration period will be assessed a $35 fee for each change.

Bed Removal Fee

Students who remove their beds from their campus rooms will be charged a $100 bed removal fee.

Health/Fire/Safety Violation

A minimum fine of $5 per item will be charged for items left in public areas such as corridors, stairways or entrances. These items create a hazard and violate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as city and state building, fire and safety codes.

M.A.T. Program Tuition

Fee Cost
Full academic-year program fee (after Smith award)
(12 or more credits per semester)		 $16,000
Part-time academic-year program fee (after Smith award)
(8 to 11 credit per semester)		 $8,000
Summer session tuition
(4 to 8 credits)		 $2,500

M.F.A. Programs Tuition

Fee Cost
Full academic-year tuition (awards may vary)
(16 or more credits per semester)		 $61,260

M.S./Biological Sciences Tuition

Fee Cost
Full academic-year tuition (awards may vary)
(8 to 11 credits per semester)		  

M.S./Exercise & Sport Studies Tuition

Fee Cost
Full academic-year tuition (awards may vary)
(12 to 15 credits per semester)		  

Post-Bac/Mathematics Tuition

Fee Cost
Full academic-year tuition (awards may vary)
(16 credits per semester)		  

Fee Contact
Course fees Academic department (varies)
Library fines Neilson Library: 413-585-4162
Parking fines Department of Campus Safety: 413-585-2490
Telephone bills Information Technology Services: 413-585-2082
Infirmary charges Student Health Services: 413-585-2800
Key fines Graduate Programs: 413-585-3050
Bed removal fee Facilities Management: 413-585-2400

Satisfactory Academic Progress

A student is in good academic standing as long as they are matriculated at Smith and is considered by the Administrative Board to be making satisfactory progress toward the degree. The academic standing of all students is reviewed at the end of each semester.

The concept of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) mandates the monitoring of both grade point average (GPA)—qualitative progress—and the number of credits completed—quantitative progress.

If your academic GPA is below 2.0 either cumulatively or in a given semester, you are considered to be making inadequate progress toward your degree and will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent semester.

You must satisfactorily complete 128 credits within eight semesters in order to graduate. Students are granted institutional financial aid for only a total of eight semesters. If you fail to meet the degree requirement of a 2.0 GPA in your senior year you may be granted a ninth semester by the Administrative Board. However, you will receive no institutional aid. Any federal financial aid for which you are eligible will be granted in the ninth semester providing you have not reached the cumulative maximum amounts in the federal programs.

The first semester that a student is placed on academic probation, they are also placed on financial aid "warning." Students on financial aid warning are still able to receive both federal and institutional financial aid. If you continue to be on academic probation for a second consecutive semester following the warning, you must appeal in writing to the Office of Student Financial Services in order to continue to receive federal and institutional financial aid. If you remain on academic probation for more than two consecutive semesters you are not making satisfactory progress toward a degree. The warning and probationary periods are meant to alert you to potential academic problems and give you time for corrective action. Exceptions to the two semester probationary limit can be made only by the Administrative Board and are only granted in cases of extenuating circumstances, with evidence that you are or are likely to improve your academic standing. In these exceptional cases, you would be required to follow an academic plan developed in conjunction with the Administrative Board. If, after the probationary period ends, you are still not making satisfactory progress, you will be withdrawn from the college by vote of the Administrative Board and therefore will no longer be eligible to receive either institutional or federal financial aid.

If you were withdrawn and wish to return to Smith with financial aid, you must submit an application for Return to Smith. The application must provide documentation of successful completion of any requirements for Return to Smith voted by the Administrative Board at the time of withdrawal, such as earning the credits appropriate for your class standing. The Administrative Board will notify you in writing of the results of your Return to Smith application and of the GPA you must attain to regain good academic standing. Typically, students are given one semester in which to bring a GPA up to 2.0, unless that would be mathematically impossible, in which case two semesters are granted in which to regain satisfactory academic progress. During this period, you are eligible for both institutional and federal financial aid. SFS is notified by the registrar of your Return to Smith and you become eligible at that time for both federal and institutional financial aid.

Contact Student Financial Services

College Hall 108
10 Elm Street
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063