Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Hobart William Smith Colleges
Set on the edge of Seneca Lake, Hobart and William Smith Colleges is known for a liberal-arts core that blends the sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities with lots of real-world practice. The coordinate college model shapes campus life while sharing classrooms, labs, studios, a lakefront boathouse, and a well-used library. Students point to thoughtful advising, tutoring, wellness support, and a career office that keeps doors open long after graduation.
Life here leans outdoorsy and creative. Sailing or paddling at sunrise, hiking Finger Lakes trails, catching a gallery show, or jumping into student-run media are all in easy reach. The culture has a reputation for close-knit, discussion-driven classes and a steady commitment to service and sustainability. Career preparation shows up through faculty-mentored research, internships, and alumni connections. And the town of Geneva adds cafes, music, farms, and lake-based projects that make learning feel local and lived.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS) offers 43 degree programs across 18 major academic fields, graduating approximately 476 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Social Sciences (6 programs, 98 graduates), Communication (1 programs, 38 graduates), Education (4 programs, 36 graduates), Natural Resources (1 programs, 33 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 32 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Social Sciences (6 programs, 98 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0603 |
| Political Science and Government | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| International Relations | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0901 |
| Sociology | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Anthropology | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
| Social Sciences | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0101 |
Communication (1 programs, 38 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
Education (4 programs, 36 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.0101 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 6 |
|
Master's
|
13.0401 |
| Elementary Special Education Teaching | 6 |
|
Master's
|
13.1017 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.1205 |
Natural Resources (1 programs, 33 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
|
03.0103 |
Psychology (1 programs, 32 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
English (2 programs, 31 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
| Writing | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.1301 |
Business (2 programs, 28 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 25 |
|
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0701 |
Architecture (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Related Services | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
|
04.9999 |
Arts (5 programs, 24 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dance | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0301 |
| Studio Arts, General | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Music | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Theatre Arts | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Art History and Conservation | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
History (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
54.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS)
How much does it cost to attend Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS)?
The annual tuition at Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS) is $63,268 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $82,602 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,334 (on) / $14,875 (off) and books and supplies $1,300.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Hobart William Smith Colleges offer?
Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS) offers 43 academic programs across 18 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (6 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (4 programs)
- Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management (1 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS) has an 57.3% acceptance rate and a 14.5% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 5,560
- Students admitted: 3,185
- Students enrolled: 462
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Hobart William Smith Colleges?
Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS) provides financial aid to 28% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $47,463 and average loans of $5,511.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,541
- State/Local grants: $5,567
- Institutional grants: $45,145
- Federal loans: $3,694
The university supports 434 students with grants and 340 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Hobart William Smith Colleges graduates?
Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS) graduates earn a median salary of $62,416 after 6 years and $68,831 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $46,622 (25th percentile) to $96,812 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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