Hobart and William Smith Colleges

• ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES.

---

• AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.

• African Studies.

• American/United States Studies/Civilization.

• Asian Studies/Civilization.

• European Studies/Civilization.

• Gay/Lesbian Studies.

• Latin American Studies.

• Russian Studies.

• Women's Studies.

---

• BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.

• Biochemistry.

---

• COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.

• Mass Communication/Media Studies.

---

• COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

---

• EDUCATION.

---

• ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.

• English Language and Literature, General.

• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other.

---

• FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.

• Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature.

• Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.

• Comparative Literature.

• French Language and Literature.

• Latin Language and Literature.

• Russian Language and Literature.

• Spanish Language and Literature.

---

• HISTORY.

---

• LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

• Theatre/Theater.

---

• LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.

---

• MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.

• Mathematics.

---

• MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.

• Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.

---

• NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.

• Environmental Studies.

---

• PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.

• Philosophy.

• Religion/Religious Studies.

---

• PHYSICAL SCIENCES.

• Chemistry.

• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.

• Physics.

---

• PSYCHOLOGY.

---

• PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.

---

• SOCIAL SCIENCES.

• Anthropology.

• Economics.

• International Relations and Affairs.

• Political Science and Government.

• Sociology and Anthropology.

• Sociology.

• Urban Studies/Affairs.

---

• VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.

• Art History, Criticism and Conservation.

• Dance.

• Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.

• Fine/Studio Arts, General.

---

Hobart and William Smith Colleges form a small two-school liberal arts institution located on Seneca Lake in scenic Geneva, New York. Originally founded as independent women’s and men’s schools, today HWS has a coordinate system “which allows for there to be two separate colleges but [still] have students attend classes and be involved in clubs and activities together.” Students rave about HWS’ hands on and interdisciplinary academics that are bolstered by discussion-based classes. Some examples students cite are community-based research projects like “going out on the lake to study chemistry of the water [and] going out to a local stream to study micro ecosystems.” Projects like these are led by HWS’ “extremely dedicated and approachable” professors, who also offer opportunities for summer research. Students are greatly encouraged “to follow what [they are] truly passionate about,” and by mentoring students through “extraordinary independent [research] projects,” professors prove student claims that they are “very willing to go the extra mile to provide resources and support.” As one student says, “I feel that my professors push me to do my best work and are devoted to helping their students succeed.”

Study abroad is very popular, and about two-thirds of students take advantage of HWS’ “amazing study abroad opportunities.” Students say these programs are “super helpful and accommodating to those who . . . are unable to participate in regular programs” due to financial or other reasons. HWS has many such “opportunities to become successful as an undergrad,” but students also appreciate the school’s forward thinking support. As one student puts it, HWS’ “greatest strength is preparing students for life after college,” which is helped by a career service center lauded for “connecting students with alums who are willing to chat with students and help place them into jobs and internships.”

Bachelor's
Master's

Students say HWS has “an extensive alumni network” that helps students find work after college. They also report excellent “access to great internships.” In fact, in 2014 HWS started a “guaranteed internship program” where every student of “good academic and social standing” who completes their Pathways Program is assured an internship or research experience. HWS provides a stipend if the internship is unpaid. Students also say Career Services is very good at “helping students access...jobs during and after graduation.” PayScale.com reports a median starting salary of $52,400 for HWS graduates and a mid-career average of $116,400.

FAFSA
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
State Aid

The student body at HWS “is incredibly active,” both on campus and in the wider Geneva community. “Classwork is a priority, but everyone also likes to have a good time,” says a student. According to another, everyone is “connected in their own way through Greek life, athletics, clubs, and activities.” Students say their peers “all go to different competitions, shows, and games to support each other,” creating “a true sense of comradery.” However, while it is “easy to find your own niche and friend group,” some describe the social scene as “quite cliquey” and would like to see a more racially diverse student body and a “less fraternity and sports-centered culture.” Others note that the “hard working, passionate, caring” student body already ranges from “student-athletes [to] artists in the visual and performing arts [to] incredible scholars in all fields who are already doing research.”

Students say that at HWS, “there are always things going on—be it sporting events or art performances” on the “glorious campus, which is beautiful every season of the year.” While weekdays are “very study orientated,” students are also “involved in a ton of … athletics, community service, music groups, or various culture clubs.” In warm weather “everyone is outside on the quad and hanging at the lake.” Students value the school’s strong sense of community, but if they want a change of pace, Downtown Geneva attracts students searching for the perfect “off-campus study spot in one of [its] numerous cafes and coffee shops” or on the weekend when students go “to hang out with friends and to go to bars and restaurants.” As far as parties go, students state that a lot of nightlife has been squashed by the “strict nature of campus safety and Geneva Police.” But overall, they’re in agreement that this “is a stunning place to spend four years of your life.”

Hobart and William Smith Colleges feature a campus situated “on the edge of a small city, a few blocks from vast agricultural lands and on the shores of one of the deepest lakes in the United States,”—and this diversity in topography has spread to the colleges’ wide-ranging efforts towards environmental sustainability. At HWS, vast natural resources are used to the fullest through a “living laboratory” approach. For instance, a class project led to the Finger Lakes Institute’s renovation, where the use of wind, solar, and geothermal energy, combined with the implementation of measures to improve energy and water conservation, qualified the FLI for the Energy Star Small Business Award. The colleges compost nearly 100 percent of pre-consumer and post-consumer food waste from their dining facilities. The Energy and Climate Committee have implemented energy efficiency technologies, including LED lighting and high-efficiency boilers. HWS recently announced that 100 percent of electricity on campus now comes from wind energy, making it the first small liberal arts college in the state to be powered entirely by wind. The president of the HWS Campus Greens sits in on the Sustainability Executive committee— The President’s Climate Task Force. Students have environmental course options in myriad departments, and research opportunities abound. HWS students will undoubtedly be among the top of the pack in the green job market; the Department of Career Services maintains a fulltime counselor with a focus on career development, internship and job opportunities in the environmental sector.