Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS)

Preparing students to lead lives of consequence.

A liberal arts and sciences institution, HWS is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures.

Our award-winning faculty are accessible teacher/scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. In the classroom, professors will encourage you to explore new topics and learn how to seek solutions to the world's emerging challenges. During office hours, they'll get to know you as you are and challenge you to build a course of study that will lead to success after graduation.

You will complement your studies with transformative hands-on learning experiences made possible by HWS' broad array of on-campus centers for research, action and thought. Through a guaranteed internship (with funding!), a semester abroad, thought-provoking guest lectures, service projects, entrepreneurial incubators and continuous networking opportunities, you will learn to face the future with confidence.

Located in the heart of New York State's Finger Lakes Region, you will find friendship and build belonging in our relationship-rich residential community while enjoying a stunning backdrop to your college years.

Imagine spending four years surrounded by fun, smart, inspiring people who will be your adoptive family and constant companions.

Hobart and William Smith is a place where classmates have your back and cheer you on. Where competition is reserved for the court or playing field (or lake, if you are water-inclined). Where the teams are really good (26 national championships and counting) and the fans are really loud (unapologetically!).

Where are more opportunities in any given day than you'll ever be able to grab, but where you also can't go wrong. Because all of it is interesting. (And all of it is here for you.)

Quick Facts on the HWS Community:
1,794 undergraduate students hailing from 42 states and 39 countries
11:1 student-faculty ratio and 0% of classes taught by teaching assistants
More than 60% of students study abroad in 50+ locations around the world
80,000+ total hours of community service by HWS students each year
Alum network of 22,800+
50+ languages spoken on campus

The student body at HWS “is a vibrant tapestry of diversity and dynamism...that makes our campus life so distinctive.” As one student notes, “I would describe my peers as motivated, engaged...as well as generally kind and inclusive.” This makeup offers “the opportunity to have real conversations and debates rather than being in a political echo chamber.” While celebrating a plurality of opinions, students say they are “liberal-arts-educated critical thinkers who understand their impact on the world and strive to leave it in a better place.” Because most attendees remain on-campus throughout their enrollment, student interactions thrive in and out of class. As one student notes, “My housemates vary from individuals on the sailing team, to dancers, to student government members...yet everyone...still gets together to do house dinners and movie nights.... Our student body is engaged in campus life, but we are also committed to being involved with one another in rich relationships.” One student explains that “from studying abroad in Rome, Italy to being a part of the William Smith Lacrosse team, my time at the colleges has provided me with opportunities to have peers from all different groups...I love that I can sit in the dining hall with all of my teammates after practice and have the opportunity to reconnect with the friends I made abroad.”

Much of life at HWS centers around the campus's idyllic setting. "My favorite thing to do for fun on campus is to go down to the docks and enjoy the beauty and waters of Seneca Lake with my friends," says one student. During warm weather, "you will see many students hanging out at our boat house and swimming whether it is the weekend or after class" or anywhere on campus "with a good view and a nice chair." The scenic environment inspires days of service at HWS, featuring "local cleanup initiatives [and] assisting in community centers, [where] each student contributes their time and energy to support the well-being of those around us." Clubs and sports provide other means for students to get involved on campus. Campus favorites include the Kinetic Dance Collective, the HWS T utor Corps, and the String Ensemble. And athletes enjoy getting involved at all levels of competition: "We have so many opportunities to play sports, and many teams welcome walk-ons. We also have a strong recreational and club sport program, which allows students who may not want the full commitment of a varsity sport to have the option of being a part of an active team." Thanks to the school's size, "you are able to be a leader in the classroom and on the athletic field."

Undergrads at Hobart and William Smith boast that the school has “an extremely high job placement rate.” They attribute this success to the fact that the college “works so hard [helping] students … find jobs in the fields [in which] they want to work” and continually fosters a “really good alumni network” to boot. Of course, a good deal of credit belongs to the “outstanding” Career Services Office,” which is “extremely supportive and provide[s] everything a student could need to be successful in a job interview.” The office runs the Pathways Program to help undergrads stay on track with their career development—everything from counseling and experiential learning to alumni panels and networking opportunities. The office also guarantees that all students in good academic standing will complete at least one internship or research opportunity (funding is also available for unpaid and underpaid internships). For students unsure or undecided on a career path, there are several exploration programs in place, including job shadowing, an alumni/parents speakers series called “Professionals in Residence,” and Career Treks to fully explore industries during winter and spring breaks. Payscale.com reports that the median starting salary for Hobart and William Smith grads is $65,800.