Paul Smith's College
New York City, United States
- Cost of Living$ 35,904
- Tuition Fee From$ 13,356
- Country Rank#1568
- Batch Strength1,000
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
Paul Smith’s College is one of the largest campuses in the world and is spread across an expanse of over 14,000 acres. Founded on the legacy of Phelps Smith, the college originated from an establishment of resorts. The first classes, held in 1946, were typically based on their hotel’s business model. Over time, it has evolved into a hands-on educational centre specialising in Science and Discovery, Hospitality and Forestry. Their mission is to empower graduates, ready to step into the real world, who can research and advocate issues to improve our planet and human lives. The institute is especially renowned for its experiential and adventurous teaching methods.
Located in the picturesque Adirondacks, the college has a magnificent view comprising millions of acres of wilderness. Students can explore forests, mountain peaks, lakes, paddling, hiking, biking and fishing, among many other outdoor activities. It also has cultural connections to tourist destinations like Lake Placid and Lower St. Regis Lake. Additionally, the region becomes a means of career advancement for hospitality students due to its high tourism. Because of its unique location, the college fosters the aim to help the Adirondack region become ecologically and economically sustainable in the coming years.
Paul Smith’s college acceptance rate is currently around 74.7 per cent, with more than 1,000 enrollments annually. The college has more than 50 faculties dedicated to ensuring the standard of education and maintaining one-on-one student-teacher relationships. Students can enrol in various disciplines under 24 bachelor’s degrees, 2 master’s degrees, 5 associate degrees, and 13 minors. The college is divided into four departments concerning their major areas of study as determined by the several Paul Smith’s College courses.
- Department of Business & Hospitality
- Department of Environment & Society
- Department of Forestry
- Department of Natural Science
Paul Smith's College Acceptance Rate
As aforementioned, Paul Smith's College acceptance rate is found to be around 74.7%, making it lightly selective. Approximately 1,287 students apply here annually, of which around 960 are enrolled in different undergraduate, graduate and associate degrees. The college fosters a diverse community with students and faculties of all races, ethnicities and minorities. It encourages an all-inclusive approach and unanimity among the students.
Ranking
This college has been consistently ranked as one of the best-value educational institutes among private colleges in the United States. Located in a serene, magnificent place, the college has plenty to offer to those who enjoy being in close proximity to nature. The following rankings have been determined by assessing their teaching methods, commitment to education, overall academic standards, cost of attendance, student satisfaction, and facilities for extracurriculars and recreation. Additionally, the college was awarded 72 badges in the 2023 rankings. Currently, the highest and most popular major at the college is Urban Forestry. Consider the following Paul Smith's College rankings when exploring admission options at this college -
- US News and World Report 2023 - #5 Best Value College
- US News and World Report 2023 - #12 Best for Veterans
- US News and World Report 2023 - #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- US News and World Report 2023 - #19 in Regional Colleges
- College Factual 2023 - #108 in Schools in New York
- College Factual 2023 - Most Focused Colleges for Natural Resources & Conservation
Course-Wise Rankings
This college specialises in several incredible courses in forestry, hospitality, culinary arts and natural sciences. Their courses are ranked high for excellent teaching methods, one-to-one faculty-student interactions, and practical approaches. Some of the course-wise rankings are given below -
Culinary Arts
Niche Rankings 2023 - #11 in 142 Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in the US
College Factual 2023 - #2 in Best Culinary Arts Bachelor’s Degree School
College Factual 2023 - #19 in Best Culinary Arts/Chef Training School
Sports Management & Physical Courses
Niche Rankings 2023 - #187 in 458 Best Colleges for Sports Management in the US
Environmental Sciences
Niche Rankings 2023 - #196 of 634 in Best Colleges for Environmental Science in the US
Associate Degrees
College Factual 2023 - #230 of 1,330 in Best Associate Degree Colleges
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
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-
Facilities
The College has an all-inclusive diverse student community that facilitates students to engage and participate actively in communal events. Students' physical health, mental well-being, recreation and entertainment are made a top priority by the administration through the Paul Smith’s College facilities. According to their mission statement, the purpose of extracurriculars and additional facilities is to encourage students to be all-rounders in life and use these practical skills to advance their careers. Some of the best facilities at the college are -
- Fitness Centre
- Dance & Movement studio
- Multiple Gymnasiums
- Rock Wall & Bouldering Cave
- Projectors & computers in each classroom
- Events & meeting spaces
- Green spaces for outdoor events
- Swimming Pool
- Adventure Guides
- Alumni Central
- On-campus housing facilities
- Academic counselling
- Career Guidance
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Entry Requirements
When considering admission to any college or university, their prerequisites become a major aspect to research since it defines the criteria for admission. As implied by the admission percentage of Paul Smith’s, the college is lightly selective, meaning that students have a high chance of enrolment as long as they fulfil the eligibility criteria. Other than scores obtained on entrance exams, an impressive portfolio and interview can help students be one step ahead. Furthermore, students must submit an effective personal essay and letters of recommendation by previous professors or counsellors. Once you have analysed the standard of education and made your decision to enrol at a particular university, the next step is to gather documents and compile them together. A list of Paul Smith's College entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate students is given below -
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 2.8 on a scale of 4.0
- Scores of entrance exams (recommended but not required)
- SAT score of 1040 on a scale of 1600
- ACT score of 20
- Scores of English language proficiency tests
- Official transcripts of high school
- CV/Resume
- Portfolio
- Statement of Purpose/personal essay
- Letters of Recommendation
Graduate Admission Requirements
- Recommended GPA of 3.15 on a scale of 4.0
- Scores of entrance exams like GRE/GMAT (may not be mandatory)
- Scores of English language proficiency tests
- Official transcripts of high school
- Official transcripts of the previous degree
- CV/Resume
- Portfolio
- Work experience (may not be mandatory)
- Statement of Purpose/personal essay
- Letters of Recommendation
Scores Of English Language Proficiency Tests
Students must take one of the following English language proficiency tests and submit the scores to ensure successful admission. In case applicants of some courses are exempt from the tests, these scores are mandatory for a visa application.
|
Exams |
Minimum Required Score |
|
TOEFL iBT |
79 |
|
IELTS |
6.5 |
|
Duolingo English Test |
100 |
|
IB Higher Level |
A score of 5,6,7 or grade A or B |
|
GCE or GCSE |
Grade of A or B |
|
iTEP |
3.8 |
Students who meet one of the following criteria are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement -
- Primary residence in a country where English is the official language.
- Holds a diploma from a US high school.
- Holds a diploma from a high school where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Holds a degree from an accredited university in the United States.
- Has completed one year of study or two full semesters at an accredited US institute or in a country where English is the official language.
- Holds an official waiver from the Office of Admissions of the college.
Tuition Fees
Finances can pose a hurdle while pursuing higher education due to the high tuition fees and cost of living. Hence, planning early and utilising the financial facilities to their best is crucial. The average Paul Smith's College fees for undergraduate courses are around $32,048 (12-18 credits/semester), whereas that for graduate courses is $13,356 (9 credits/semester). The total cost of attendance for some of the most popular courses here is mentioned below -
- Master of Science in Natural Resources Conservation - $26,688
- Graduate Certificate Programme - $9,264
- Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Tourism Management - $27,344
Placements
Paul Smith’s College placements are highly advanced and specifically designed for students to attain success. Nine out of ten Paul Smith’s graduates find employment in their field or pursue higher education within six months of graduation. Their Centre for Academic and Career Success offers their students guidance in a vast range of areas, like drafting resumes, career assessment, educational planning, atomic learning, researching environmental jobs and finding internships. They hold Spring Career Fairs annually to help students find full-time or part-time jobs and internships. In a unique attempt to introduce students to the correct way to function as adults, the authorities have introduced several guidebooks called “Adulting 101”. Altogether, it is a top-notch college which prioritises its students’ career growth and future opportunities in the practical world.
Scholarship
The college has a range of scholarships, grants and awards for students who wish to access financial aid. These are based on talent, merit, academic performance, community service and financial need. Numerous academic awards have been established by the college, ranging from $6,000 to $14,000 annually for up to four years. Financial aid typically has certain eligibility criteria and restrictions. Hence, students are advised to verify these requirements and the accurate application process before applying. A list of some of the most helpful merit scholarships for international students is given below. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be eligible for these.
- PSC Merit Scholarship (President) - $14,000 per year
- PSC Merit Scholarship (Provost) - $12,000 per year
- PSC Merit Scholarship (Dean) - $11,000 per year
- PSC Merit Scholarship (Faculty) - $9,000 per year
Scholarships for transfer students are as follows -
- Transfer Excellence - $11,000 per year
- Transfer Achievement - $8,000 per year
- Transfer Recognition - $6,000 per year
Students must note that these are merely a select few of all the available financial aid. For more information, students must contact the Student Support Office or Office of Admissions at Paul Smith’s College. However, finding the most suitable scholarships might be challenging despite proper coordination. To make the process easier, students can take help from the services available at UniScholars. You can choose from over 1500+ scholarships, grants, and bursaries by comparing them all in one place. Not only does it makes the task easier, but also ensures that applicants get the best opportunities for their higher education through UniScholars.
Finances
If not scholarships, most students prefer to opt for an education loan to cover the cost of tuition and living. By submitting a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), students can acquire a Federal Direct Unsubsidised Student Loan of up to $20,500 per year. Other than this, students can access other loans like the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan for students pursuing master’s degrees. Students can also outsource their education loans through private organisations and banks. However, private loans usually have high-interest rates, so students are advised to explore their financial options carefully before proceeding.
UniCreds is an all-inclusive finance platform for Indian students looking to migrate abroad. It is the one-stop solution for finding attractive interest rates and free consultation services. Students can even calculate an appropriate EMI, verify their eligibility and check repayment schedules under one roof. Transparency, flexible collateral, tax benefits and 24-hour expert support lie at the core of UniCreds.
Accommodation
The management and authorities at Paul Smith’s have ensured that students thrive in a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that imbibes active engagement and leadership qualities. The college has several on-campus accommodation facilities for first years, like the Lydia Martin Smith Hall and the Currier Hall. On the other hand, transfer students can choose housing at Franklin Hall. Separate options for housing facilities for upperclassmen are available. While opting for on-campus accommodation saves the time and cost of commute, it often fails to provide the essential leniency and comfort for active student life. At such times, considering off-campus accommodation might be wise.
UniAcco offers students the choice to select their housing from a wide range of options, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments. Students can even select whether they want a furnished living space or not. With UniAcco, the process of finding student housing is simplified to fit the student’s finances and preferences.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is crucial to consider before moving to another location. While sometimes, a nominal stipend is provided through grants or loans for monthly expenses, students often have to cleverly manage their expenditures to come on top of the balance sheet. The best way to turn it to your advantage is to explore the student discounts and concessions, made available through the college. Currently, the average cost of living in Paul Smith, New York, is around $35,284. For a detailed breakdown of the average monthly expenditure, refer to the table below -
|
Particulars |
Cost (Monthly) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$2,040 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$1,148 |
|
Transportation |
$77 |
|
Food Cost |
$483 |
|
Utility Cost |
$119 |
|
Entertainment |
$44 |
|
Groceries |
$40 |
|
Clothes |
$57 |
|
Health Insurance |
$80 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation |
$2,940 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation |
$2,048 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$35,284 |