Discover Smith
Knowledge. Community. Generosity. These three concepts capture Smith’s identity as an institution. Since its founding in 1871, Smith has remained at the forefront of higher education. A leader in service, sustainability, and scholarship, the college fosters the creativity and determination of its students with first-class facilities, dedicated faculty, and endless scholarly resources.
Smith educates women of promise for lives of distinction and purpose. A college of and for the world, Smith develops global citizens and leaders to address society's challenges.
We began in 1871. And we're still here, because we're still not there. Today, more than 150 years later, the world still needs more. More equity, in access, power, and voice. More diversity, more belonging. More sustainability and more community. The world still needs more. And whenever it does, we will be the ones to push for it. We will be the loud voices that inspire change. We will be the quiet forces that instill it. The world needs a place where knowledge is not the end, but merely the beginning of creating incalculable good. And we will always be that place. At Smith, the weight of our influence is greater than our enrollment. The reach of our mission, larger and more global than our campus. Today, more than ever, the world needs Smith. The world needs you. Smith College—we push the world forward.
Pushing the World Forward
From an expansive geothermal energy project to omitting loans from financial aid packages, Smith has a long and varied history of putting its values into practice in tangible, impactful ways.
Smith is an institution of doers and change-makers—our students, faculty, and staff members all work together to enact positive changes, both on campus and in broader communities.
1,000+
courses
41
house communities
140+
student clubs and organizations
$2.5B
total endowment (as of 2023)
87%
of undergraduate students who apply for aid receive need-based grants from any source (2022-23)
18.2%
percentage of students receiving Pell grants
