| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Location: Saratoga Springs, New York
Type: Private Liberal Arts College
Founded: 1903
Campus: Suburban, 850-acre campus
Enrollment: ~2,600 undergraduate students
Motto: "Creative Thought Matters"
Degrees Offered: Primarily Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
Popular Majors:
Business
Psychology
English
Political Science
Studio Art
Environmental Studies
Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and creativity across all fields, not just the arts.
Skidmore is particularly known for its creative and artsy culture.
It has excellent programs in:
Studio Art
Music
Theater
Dance
Creative Writing
But even science and business courses encourage creative thinking—hence their slogan.
Active campus life with 100+ student clubs and organizations
NCAA Division III athletics
Notable programs in community engagement, sustainability, and social justice
Strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion
A charming and historic small city:
Famous for its horse racing, mineral springs, and vibrant arts scene
Just 3 hours from both New York City and Boston
Great mix of nature and culture—lots of live music, food, and outdoor activities
Skidmore is internationally minded—around 10% of the student body is international
60%+ of students study abroad through one of 100+ programs in over 45 countries
Tuition (2024–25): ~$66,000
Total cost with room & board: ~$84,000
But: Skidmore is generous with financial aid—over half of students receive aid
Need-based and merit scholarships available
Alumni include Emmy-winning actors, Pulitzer Prize winners, and prominent entrepreneurs
The “Tang Teaching Museum” is a nationally acclaimed interdisciplinary museum right on campus
Skidmore has its own student-run record label (Skidmore Sound)
Skidmore offers over 40 majors and minors, along with the flexibility to design your own major through its Self-Determined Major (SDM) program.
Biology
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Geosciences
Neuroscience
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Exercise Science
Business (one of the most popular majors)
Economics
Political Science
Sociology
Anthropology
Psychology
English
History
Philosophy
Religious Studies
American Studies
Gender Studies
Art History
Music
Theater
Dance
Studio Art
Environmental Studies & Sciences
International Affairs
Media & Film Studies
Intergroup Relations
Latin American & Latinx Studies
Asian Studies
Africana Studies
Self-Determined Major (design your own path)
You can minor in most of the majors listed above, plus:
Arts Administration
Management and Business
Digital Media
Media & Film Studies
Data Science (new and growing!)
Computer Science
Jewish Studies
Statistics
and more...
First-Year Experience (FYE): Includes small seminar-style courses and mentorship for freshmen
Honors Forum: Academic enrichment program for high-achieving students
Off-Campus Study: Over 100 study abroad programs in 45+ countries
Collaborative Research: Students can work closely with professors on research across disciplines
Pre-Health & Pre-Law Advising available
Education Studies Program: Prepares students for teaching careers (in partnership with other institutions)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Biochemistry |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Chemistry |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Computer Science |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Environmental Science |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Neuroscience |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Mathematics |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Physics |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Exercise Science |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Business |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Economics |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Political Science |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Anthropology |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
English |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
History |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Philosophy |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Art History |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Studio Art |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Music |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Theater |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Dance |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
International Affairs |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Environmental Studies |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Media & Film Studies |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
American Studies |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Gender Studies |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Religious Studies |
4 years |
$66,420 |
|
Self-Determined Major (custom) |
4 years |
$66,420 |
Location |
Saratoga Springs, New York, USA |
|---|---|
|
Type |
Private, Liberal Arts College |
|
Total Students |
~2,600 undergraduates |
|
International Students |
~10–12% of total enrollment |
|
Motto |
"Creative Thought Matters" |
Strong Liberal Arts Focus with interdisciplinary learning
Emphasis on creativity across all disciplines (not just arts)
A supportive, inclusive campus community
Access to research, internships, and study abroad
Located in a safe, artsy town with easy access to New York City and Boston
Skidmore offers 40+ majors in:
Arts & Humanities
Sciences & Math
Business & Economics
Social Sciences
Environmental Studies
Interdisciplinary Fields
Notable programs: Business, Psychology, Studio Art, Environmental Science, International Affairs
Note: No Master’s or PhD programs – Skidmore is fully undergraduate-focused.
Merit-based scholarships: Available to international applicants
Need-based financial aid: Skidmore is one of the few U.S. liberal arts colleges that offers need-based aid to international students
Students must submit CSS Profile to apply for aid
Competitive aid—early applications recommended
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Application |
Common App (with Skidmore supplement) |
|
High School Transcripts |
Official & translated |
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL (min 95), IELTS (min 7.0), or Duolingo (min 125) |
|
Standardized Tests |
SAT/ACT optional (test-optional policy) |
|
Recommendation Letters |
Typically 2 (teacher + counselor) |
|
Personal Essay |
Required |
|
Financial Documentation |
Required if applying for aid |
International Student Orientation before classes begin
International Student Union (ISU) – student club for cultural exchange and support
Support Services:
International Student Advisor
Visa & immigration help
Academic & wellness resources
Events like International Week, cultural nights, and food fests
Opportunities to get involved in clubs, music, sports, and art
International students eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training)
Skidmore’s Career Development Center helps with:
Job placement
Grad school planning
Internships (many are NYC-based)
Strong alumni network across the U.S. and globally
A small, vibrant city with:
Famous horse racing track
Music & arts festivals
Natural mineral springs
Very student-friendly and safe
3 hours from NYC and Boston
Application Type |
First-Year, Undergraduate Only |
|---|---|
|
Application Platform |
Common Application (only) |
|
Deadlines |
admission round |
Admission Plan |
Deadline |
Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Decision I |
November 15 |
Mid-December |
|
Early Decision II |
January 15 |
Mid-February |
|
Regular Decision |
January 15 |
Late March |
Early Decision is binding; Regular Decision is non-binding.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Common Application |
Required |
|
Skidmore Writing Supplement |
Optional (but recommended) |
|
High School Transcript |
Official & translated (if not in English) |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
2 required (1 from a teacher, 1 from a counselor) |
|
Personal Essay |
Required (Common App essay) |
|
Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT) |
Optional (Test-Optional Policy) |
|
English Proficiency Test |
TOEFL (≥ 95), IELTS (≥ 7.0), Duolingo (≥ 125) |
|
Financial Documents |
Required for financial aid applicants |
Need-based Aid: Available — apply via CSS Profile
Merit Scholarships: Automatically considered — no separate application
You must submit financial documents at the time of application if seeking aid
Skidmore is need-aware for international applicants (they consider financial need during admission)
Additional support:
Visa application assistance (I-20 for F-1 visa)
International Student Orientation
Dedicated International Student Advisor
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and career support post-graduation
Create a Common App account
Select Skidmore College and complete all required sections
Upload documents (transcripts, test scores if applicable, recommendations, etc.)
Submit CSS Profile if applying for aid
Pay the $65 application fee (or request a waiver)
Submit the application before the deadline
Skidmore College admits new students once per year, in the Fall semester (August/September).
Intake Term |
Start Month |
Availability |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Semester |
August/September |
Open for all (Domestic & International) |
|
Spring Semester |
Not offered |
Not available for first-year students |
Skidmore does not have a Spring intake for freshmen.
Skidmore accepts students from all academic backgrounds, but you should show strong academic performance and a well-rounded profile.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Completed Secondary School |
High school diploma or equivalent (12 years of schooling) |
|
Strong Academic Record |
Competitive GPA (typically 3.7+ unweighted on 4.0 scale) |
|
Challenging Coursework |
Honors/AP/IB classes recommended (if available) |
|
English Proficiency |
Required for non-native speakers (see below) |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Two required (teacher + counselor) |
|
Personal Essay |
Required through Common Application |
|
Extracurriculars |
Leadership, arts, sports, volunteer work — all valued |
Test-Optional: SAT or ACT scores are not required
You can submit them if you believe they strengthen your application
SAT Middle 50% (for those who submit): 1300–1450
ACT Middle 50%: 29–33
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to submit one of the following:
Test |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
95+ |
|
IELTS |
7.0+ |
|
Duolingo English Test (DET) |
125+ |
Waivers may be granted if your education was in English.
Ranking Source |
Category |
Rank/Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best National Liberal Arts Colleges |
Top 40–45 |
|
U.S. News |
Best Undergraduate Teaching (LACs) |
Top 20 |
|
U.S. News |
Most Innovative Schools (LACs) |
Top 25 |
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not ranked (liberal arts colleges not typically included) |
Not applicable |
|
Niche.com |
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America |
A Grade / Top 50 |
|
Forbes |
Top Colleges (All categories) |
Top 150 nationally |
|
Princeton Review |
Best Value Colleges / Green Colleges |
Frequently featured |
Scholarship Name |
Type |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD) |
Available to International Students? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Porter Presidential Scholarship |
Merit-based |
Exceptional achievement in arts or sciences |
Up to $25,000/year |
Yes |
|
Filene Music Scholarship |
Merit-based (audition) |
Outstanding talent in music |
Up to $16,000/year |
Yes |
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Need-based |
Demonstrated financial need (CSS Profile required) |
(can cover full need) |
Yes |
|
Skidmore Grant |
Institutional aid |
Based on financial need and academic profile |
N/A |
Yes |
|
Tang Scholarship |
Merit-based + Need |
High-achieving students with need |
N/A |
Yes |
|
UWW (United World Colleges) Scholarship |
Merit/Need hybrid |
UWC graduates applying to Skidmore |
(generous packages) |
Yes (UWC students only) |
|
Athletic Scholarships |
Not offered |
Skidmore competes in NCAA Division III |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
Facility/Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Campus Size |
850 acres, suburban setting in Saratoga Springs, NY |
|
Campus Type |
Residential (students typically live on campus all 4 years) |
|
Total Residence Halls |
8 traditional residence halls + 12 apartment-style buildings (Scribner Village) |
|
Student Housing Requirement |
On-campus housing required for first-year and sophomore students |
|
Meal Plans |
Required for students living on campus (multiple options available) |
Housing Type |
Description |
Cost/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Traditional Residence Halls |
Double/shared rooms with common bathrooms |
~$10,440–$11,860 |
|
Single Rooms |
Private room in a traditional hall |
~$12,100 |
|
Scribner Village Apartments |
Apartment-style housing for upperclassmen |
~$13,250 |
|
Meal Plan (Standard) |
Unlimited or 19 meals/week + flex dollars |
~$6,920 |
|
Total Room & Board (Average) |
Combined housing and meals (standard) |
~$17,000/year |
Costs may vary slightly depending on room type and meal plan selection.
Life at Skidmore revolves around more than just textbooks. Students are encouraged to explore connections between disciplines — you’ll often find a psychology major taking studio art, or a business student involved in music. Classes are small, interactive, and led by passionate professors who love mentoring students. Undergraduate research, creative projects, and study abroad opportunities are all big parts of the academic life.
Skidmore’s campus has a creative and inclusive energy. It’s a tight-knit community where students support one another. Whether you're into poetry slams, sustainability projects, coding, or ceramics — there’s space for you. The student body is diverse, with people from all over the U.S. and around the world, making for vibrant cultural exchange.
Most students live on campus all four years, which fosters a strong sense of belonging. Residence halls are more than just places to sleep — they’re hubs of social activity and collaboration. RAs (Resident Assistants) plan fun events, from movie nights to bake-offs, and you’re never far from a friend or study buddy.
Creativity runs deep at Skidmore. There’s always something happening — art exhibits, student theater productions, jazz concerts, dance shows, and open mic nights. Skidmore even has its own record label (Skidmore Sound). Even if you're not majoring in the arts, you're encouraged to participate and express yourself.
Skidmore competes in NCAA Division III athletics with teams in basketball, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, and more. If you're not on a varsity team, there are plenty of club and intramural sports — plus fitness classes, hiking trips, and yoga sessions. The Williamson Sports Center is a popular hangout for staying active.
With over 100 clubs and student organizations, there’s something for everyone. From Model UN to the Asian Cultural Awareness club, from improv comedy to the Outing Club, you can explore old passions or dive into new ones. Student leadership is a big deal, and many students take initiative to create and lead their own groups and events.
Skidmore values diversity in every form — cultural, intellectual, socioeconomic, and more. The Office of Student Diversity Programs organizes workshops, celebrations, and discussions to foster understanding and inclusion. Events like International Week, Pride Month, and cultural food nights make campus life rich and welcoming.
The dining hall is known for its quality and variety — with options ranging from comfort food to international dishes, vegetarian/vegan-friendly meals, and a focus on sustainability. There’s also a student-run coffeehouse (the Spa) and late-night food options for those midnight cravings.
The town of Saratoga Springs is charming, artsy, and student-friendly. It's famous for its natural springs, horse racing, and vibrant downtown filled with cafes, boutiques, bookstores, and live music venues. Students love going downtown on weekends for brunch, open mic nights, or to catch a concert.
Student life also means taking care of yourself, and Skidmore provides lots of resources — mental health counseling, academic advising, peer mentoring, health services, and workshops on time management, mindfulness, and career planning.
Skidmore doesn’t use the term “placements” in the traditional sense (like job guarantees), but it has a strong Career Development Center (CDC) that helps students with internships, jobs, and graduate school prep.
94% of graduates are employed, in grad school, or engaged in service (like fellowships) within 6–12 months of graduation.
Students enter fields like:
Business & Finance
Arts & Media
Education
Government & Nonprofits
Healthcare & Sciences
Technology & Data Science
80%+ of students complete at least one internship before graduating.
Many internships are paid or funded through Skidmore’s Summer Experience Fund (up to $4,000).
Internship locations include:
New York City
Boston
Washington D.C.
International placements (through study abroad)
Top organizations where students intern:
NBCUniversal
JPMorgan Chase
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
National Institutes of Health
NGOs and startups
A large number of Skidmore grads pursue advanced degrees at top institutions, including:
Harvard
Columbia
NYU
University of Chicago
Stanford
London School of Economics
Fields: Law, Medicine, Psychology, Art, Public Policy, Business, Education, etc.
Skidmore’s Career Development Center provides:
Resume & cover letter workshops
Career counseling
Graduate school advising
Interview preparation
Alumni networking events
Internship & job databases
Employer meetups and career fairs
Skidmore has a powerful and accessible alumni network. Many graduates mentor current students or help them get internships and job referrals — especially in competitive fields like media, publishing, arts, and business.
Goldman Sachs
Amazon
CNN
Teach for America
Deloitte
UNICEF
U.S. Department of State
MoMA
Spotify
Overall Acceptance Rate: Approximately 26% to 30%
Admission Type: Selective
Early Decision Acceptance Rate: Typically higher than regular decision (often around 45–50%)
International Student Acceptance Rate: Similar or slightly more competitive, depending on financial aid need
Skidmore is considered a selective liberal arts college. Admission is competitive, especially for students applying for financial aid. However, applicants with strong academics, creative accomplishments, and well-rounded profiles have a good chance — particularly through Early Decision.
Unweighted GPA: 3.7 – 4.0
SAT Score (optional): 1300 – 1450 (Middle 50%)
ACT Score (optional): 29 – 33
Note: Skidmore is test-optional, so you’re not required to submit SAT/ACT scores.
City: Saratoga Springs
State: New York
Country: United States
Address:
Skidmore College
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
United States
A historic, vibrant town known for:
Natural mineral springs
Horse racing (home to the famous Saratoga Race Course)
Live music, art, and a strong local food scene
It’s a small city with a lot of charm, often ranked among the best college towns in the U.S.
3 hours from New York City (by car or Amtrak train)
3 hours from Boston
45 minutes from Albany International Airport (ALB)
Albany Airport is the nearest airport and offers shuttle/taxi access to campus.
Suburban/wooded campus on 850 acres
Blends modern facilities with nature — lots of green space, walking trails, and outdoor art
Safe, walkable, and integrated into the local Saratoga community
