Smith College vs Mount Holyoke College

Nestled in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, Smith College and Mount Holyoke College stand as two beacons of higher education for women. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and empowering women, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Smith College boasts a slightly higher acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body from across the globe. Mount Holyoke College, on the other hand, has a long-standing tradition of graduating women in STEM fields, with a higher percentage of its students pursuing degrees in these disciplines. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting the key differences between these two prestigious institutions, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Dive into the details and discover which college aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	Mount Holyoke College	Smith College
Overview
Location	South Hadley, Massachusetts	Northampton, Massachusetts
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	52.3%	29.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $50	$60
SAT range	1300 - 1510	1370 - 1530
ACT range	31 - 35	31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	24.0%	34.0%
Students submitting ACT score	11.0%	20.0%
Total number of applicants	3,971	6,064
Total number of admissions given out	2,077	1,814
Admitted students who chose to enroll	608	676
Yield rate	29.3%	37.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$73,438	$68,128
Average net price	$29,218	$29,569
Tuition	$56,300	$55,830
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,320 Meal plan: $8,260	Room/dormitory: $9,700 Meal plan: $9,720
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $30,351	70.0% Average amount $44,108
Students receiving federal student loan	42.0% Average amount $4,906	35.0% Average amount $3,560
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $4,982	5.0% Average amount $8,280

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,220 Men 0.1% Women 99.9%	2,566 Men 0.1% Women 99.9%
Graduate students	122 Men 13.1% Women 86.9%	358 Men 16.2% Women 83.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	23.1%	13.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,171	2,519
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi New York California Connecticut Florida	Mississippi New York California Connecticut Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Education Foreign Languages and Literatures Biological and Biomedical Sciences Visual & Performing Arts	Public Administration and Social Service Engineering Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Mathematics and Statistics
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	85.0%	91.0%
Dropout rate	2.9%	3.6%
Transferred out	11.9%	5.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,377 Year 2: $45,696 Year 3: $46,206 Education, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,986 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $46,152 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,150 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $44,038 Anthropology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $37,403 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,356 Year 2: $36,852 Year 3: $35,497 Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $26,353 Year 3: $34,113 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,168 Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: $33,868 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $28,960 Year 3: $30,295 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $24,035 Year 3: $30,137 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,160 Year 2: $28,598 Year 3: $29,034	Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,496 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $70,990 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $47,650 Year 3: $56,651 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,011 Year 2: $45,554 Year 3: $53,962 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $46,620 Year 3: $53,886 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,098 Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $48,619 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,776 Year 2: $39,153 Year 3: $43,120 Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $31,839 Year 3: $41,147 Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,006 Year 2: $18,566 Year 3: $41,145 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,954 Year 2: $28,019 Year 3: $40,411 Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $34,603 Year 3: $38,497

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Smith College and Mount Holyoke College?

Smith College and Mount Holyoke College are both exceptional women's colleges within the Seven Sisters consortium, but they have distinct personalities. Smith is known for its larger size, open curriculum, and strong programs in engineering and the sciences. Mount Holyoke, while also strong in STEM, is often recognized for its emphasis on social justice, internationalism, and a more structured curriculum with distribution requirements. Smith's campus is integrated more directly into the city of Northampton, while Mount Holyoke's campus offers a more secluded, traditional college experience.
How do the academic programs at Smith and Mount Holyoke compare?

Both colleges offer a wide range of academic programs. Smith is particularly well-regarded for its Picker Engineering Program, one of the few engineering programs at a women's college. Mount Holyoke has a strong reputation in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a notable focus on interdisciplinary studies and global perspectives. Both institutions encourage students to explore diverse fields and offer opportunities for independent research and study abroad.
What is the campus environment like at each college?

Smith's campus is integrated into the vibrant city of Northampton, offering students easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The campus itself is a mix of historic and modern buildings. Mount Holyoke's campus is more self-contained and traditionally collegiate, featuring beautiful landscapes, a lake, and a more secluded atmosphere. Both campuses are known for their supportive and inclusive communities.
How do the student bodies differ between Smith and Mount Holyoke?

While both colleges attract academically talented and diverse students, Smith's larger size means a slightly larger and more varied student body. Mount Holyoke is known for its strong international student population and its commitment to social justice and activism. Both colleges are dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for women and gender non-conforming individuals.
What are the housing options like at Smith and Mount Holyoke?

Both Smith and Mount Holyoke offer a variety of housing options, including traditional dormitories, themed houses, and apartment-style living. Smith's house system is a defining feature of the college, fostering close-knit communities within each house. Mount Holyoke also emphasizes residential life, with a focus on creating supportive and inclusive living environments. Both colleges guarantee housing for all four years.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at each college?

Both Smith and Mount Holyoke offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and internship placement assistance. Smith's location in Northampton provides access to internships in a variety of fields, while Mount Holyoke's strong alumnae network and partnerships with organizations around the world offer diverse internship opportunities. Both colleges are committed to helping students prepare for successful careers after graduation.
How do Smith and Mount Holyoke compare in terms of cost and financial aid?

The cost of attendance at Smith and Mount Holyoke is comparable. Both colleges are committed to making education accessible and offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need. They both offer merit-based scholarships as well. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites to get the most up-to-date information and use their net price calculators to estimate your individual cost.
What are the athletic opportunities at Smith and Mount Holyoke?

Both Smith and Mount Holyoke offer a range of athletic opportunities, including varsity sports, club sports, and recreational activities. Smith competes in the NCAA Division III New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). Mount Holyoke also competes in NCAA Division III, primarily in the New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) and the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). Both colleges encourage students to participate in athletics and promote a healthy lifestyle.
How does the Five College Consortium impact the student experience at Smith and Mount Holyoke?

The Five College Consortium (Smith, Mount Holyoke, Amherst, Hampshire, and UMass Amherst) is a significant benefit for students at both Smith and Mount Holyoke. It allows students to cross-register for courses at the other four institutions, access their libraries and resources, and participate in social and cultural events. This expands academic and social opportunities, providing a richer and more diverse college experience.
What are some unique traditions or aspects of each college?

Smith College is known for its house communities, its annual Rally Day celebration, and its strong alumnae network. Mount Holyoke is known for its Mountain Day tradition, its commitment to social justice, and its strong international community. Both colleges have rich histories and traditions that contribute to their unique identities.

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