Understanding the Cost of Attendance at Smith College

Smith College recognizes that a graduate education is a significant investment. Like all sound investments, it requires careful planning and preparation. Smith College is committed to providing students with the information they need to plan and finance their education. This article breaks down the components of the Cost of Attendance (COA) at Smith College, offering insights into tuition, fees, and other expenses for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Standard Cost of Attendance (COA) for Graduate Students (2026-2027)

The Department of Education requires a standard budget, or Cost of Attendance (COA), to be set by the School. The Total COA is set by Smith College. The COA includes both fixed costs billed by the college and non-billed costs.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are standard billed fees for all SSW students. For the 2026-2027 academic year, graduate tuition is projected at $38,340. A student activity fee of $45 is also standard. Therefore, the subtotal for tuition and fees is $38,385. For Final Summer Students, the 2026-2027 Tuition is $8,150, with a Student Activity Fee of $45, resulting in a Subtotal Tuition and Fees of $8,195.

It's important to note that tuition and fees are subject to change. The Smith College Board of Trustees sets these figures each January for the upcoming academic year.

Additional Budget Components

In addition to tuition and fees, the COA includes estimates for living expenses, transportation, personal expenses, books, and loan fees. These figures are estimates, and actual expenses will vary based on individual circumstances, living and travel arrangements, internship location, and personal choices.

Expense	Year 1 Students	Year 2 Students	Final Summer Students	Months/Academic Year
Living Expenses	$17,659	$17,659	$4,012	11
Transportation	$3,736	$3,736	$849	11
Personal Expenses	$12,565	$12,565	$2,854	11
Books and Supplies	$900	$900	$700
Unsubsidized Loan Origination Fee	$207	$207	$132
Subtotal Additional Budget Components	$35,067	$35,067	$8,547

Living expenses include housing, food, and utilities. Transportation costs depend on travel arrangements and internship location. Personal expenses cover a range of individual needs. The unsubsidized loan origination fee applies if a student chooses to borrow an unsubsidized loan.

Total Cost of Attendance (COA)

The total COA is the sum of tuition, activity fee, and additional budget components. For the 2026-2027 academic year:

	Year 1 Students	Year 2 Students	Final Summer Students
Total COA	$73,452	$73,452	$16,742

If you plan to utilize Student Loans to assist in financing your education, the Total Cost of Attendance (less any other aid received in an academic year) represents your maximum borrowing eligibility.

Special Circumstances

Special circumstances sometimes warrant an increase in the standard cost of attendance budget based on a student’s actual expenses in order to create additional loan eligibility. Examples include high unreimbursed medical expenses, dependent care and/or dependent maintenance expenses.

Non-Billed Expenses

The Smith College Cost of Attendance budget includes both fixed costs that are billed by the college and non-billed costs. These non-billed expenses are estimated to cost approximately $4,000. This budget accounts for the costs of books and personal expenses, as well as your SEVIS I-901 fee.

Expenses Not Included

There are a number of expenses not included in the cost of attendance budget that students regularly incur. Major purchases such as buying a computer or a winter wardrobe, for example, are not planned for as standard costs. Travel to and from campus are also not included in this standard budget and will be an added cost. When the college closes during break periods, including summer recess, expenses during that time are not included either. Actual non-billed costs incurred will vary per student and are the responsibility of each student.

Undergraduate Costs and Financial Aid

The cost of attending Smith College is significantly above average compared to typical study expenses in the United States. Full-time undergraduate tuition stands at $61,260, placing it in the top 5% of highest tuition levels nationally. This figure is consistent for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students alike.

Tuition, Fees, and Room & Board

Fees at Smith College are relatively low, at $308 annually, ranking in the bottom 25% among colleges. Room and board charges contribute substantially to the overall cost, with annual expenses estimated at $23,360. This is also in the top 5% percentile for housing costs, making the total estimated yearly cost for tuition, fees, and room and board approximately $90,808. Additional costs such as books and supplies are comparatively modest, estimated at $800 per year, positioning Smith College in the lower 25% percentile for these expenses.

Financial Aid and Average Net Price

The average annual cost for students at Smith College is $27,823 after financial aid. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. The average aid package awarded is $53,458. This figure represents the average net price, which is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies.

Work-Study Opportunities

Smith College offers various work-study opportunities designed to help students finance their education while gaining valuable experience. Eligible students, including those who qualify for federal work-study, can find on-campus jobs in numerous departments, ranging from administrative offices to academic support centers. Besides traditional campus jobs, Smith College facilitates internships that allow students to acquire practical skills while working in environments related to their fields of study. It is important to note that international students have access to some work-study options, primarily through on-campus employment, but federal work-study programs are generally unavailable to them due to visa restrictions.

Smith's Commitment to Affordability

Smith welcomes and supports qualified students from all economic backgrounds. As part of the college’s commitment to access, affordability and equity, Smith has eliminated loans from its undergraduate financial aid packages for those students receiving institutional need-based aid, replacing those funds with institutional grants. Smith provides more than $95 million annually in institutional financial aid, and we have been leaders in enrolling Pell Grant-eligible students.

Startup Grants

Smith College has announced an ambitious initiative to financially support students by providing low-income entering students with one-time startup grants. Startup grants are intended to help low-income students with expenses associated with the beginning of their college experience. The startup grants are designed to help ease the pressures of everyday expenses, such as furnishing a dorm room, participating in social activities and local excursions, and meeting the personal needs of daily life.

Additional Financial Considerations

Debt at Graduation

The median debt for students who have completed a degree at Smith College is $19,000.0.

Future Earnings Potential

The future earnings potential is going to be much higher if you go to Smith College compared to not attending college at all.

tags: #Smith #College #cost #of #attendance