Paul Smith's College

Paul Smith's College provides an experiential education that emphasizes "hands-on" experiences in labs, businesses, kitchens, hotels, and in the outdoor lab that surrounds. The curriculum is grounded in a wide range of courses to stimulate critical thinking, writing and discovery. It's located in Paul Smith's, New York in the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, approximately 25 minutes from Lake Placid, NY. The Park is an internationally-designated biosphere reserve that encompasses everything from rivers and wetlands to alpine forests and majestic mountains.

The college's tranquil, but exhilarating, location allows students to fully embrace its "spirit of creative self-reliance." They can pursue bachelor's degrees in 20 fields and associate degrees in seven. Bachelor's programs include fish and wildlife, natural resource conservation, biology (with a zoology, animal, ecological focus), culinary arts and Baking options, t, entrepreneurial business studies, environmental studies, sustainable communities and working landscapes and Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management.

Bachelor of Science in Biology

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology allows students to study how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. In fact, they only have to walk a short distance from their residence halls to learn about these natural habitats. They also work closely with faculty members to conduct scientific research. This biology program is unique in that the curriculum has a focus in the areas of zoology, plant biology, ecological and environmental science.

Students complete a curriculum that contains a minimum of 120 credits of coursework including 40 credits of 300/400 level courses and 60 credits of liberal arts and sciences courses. Upon graduation, they're prepared to excel in a variety of careers including the following:

- Biodiversity researcher

- Conservation educator

- Environmental analyst

- Geneticist

- Plant ecologist

- Research biologist

- Science educator

- Wetlands ecologist

Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts and Service Management

The Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Culinary Arts and Service Management prepares students for positions as executive chefs, hotel and resort managers, managers of large-scale food service operations, private chefs, and restaurant entrepreneurs.

The program, which has accreditation from the American Culinary Federation, consists of 123 credits of courses including at least 31credits of liberal arts and sciences courses and 45 credits of 300/400 level courses. It also includes 800 hours of industry work experience.

Hands-on learning takes place in the college's two on-campus restaurants, six commercial-quality food laboratories, and student-run retail bakery. Additionally, a semester long series of culinary, food service, and hotel work experiences allow students to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real world settings. For those who want to specialize in baking they offer a BPS in Baking and Service Management.

BS in Entrepreneurial Business Studies

The BS in Entrepreneurial Business Studies prepares students for careers as small business owners, independent consultants, and company presidents/chief executive officers. This program is ideal for the individual who wants to carry on the family business or start their own business.

The program, which focuses on business startups and small businesses, helps students explore their visions and increase their chances of creating successful businesses. They learn about entrepreneurship management and the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. They also take courses that cover all aspects of running a business including finance, management, marketing, and operations.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

The Bachelor or Arts (BA) in Environmental Studies integrates the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities to understand and address complex environmental issues. It allows students to examine climate change, energy, globalization, invasive species, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and population pressure. They complete a minimum of 120 credits of courses including 45 credits of 300/400 level courses and 90 credits of liberal arts and sciences courses.

Upon graduation, students are equipped to pursue careers in environmental advocacy and education, environmental policy and law, teaching, writing, and public relations or earn graduate degrees.

BS in Sustainable Communities and Working Landscapes

The BS in Sustainable Communities and Working Landscapes trains students to connect people with the environment. Its curriculum has a minimum of 120 credits of courses including 45 credits of 300/400 level courses and 60 credits of liberal arts and sciences courses. It teaches students how to perform the following tasks:

- Develop entrepreneurial business strategies that integrate social and environmental consciousness into economic practice

- Help communities establish and maintain cultural and natural resource sustainability in accordance with a range of social-economic conditions

- Help communities preserve traditional arts and culture

- Make proper land-use decisions based on diverse factors

Students graduate with the skills and experience to obtain a variety of positions including community sustainability planner, green design consultant, organic farm manager, natural resource analyst, and corporate sustainability officer.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Approximately, 98% of Paul Smith's College's students receive some type of financial aid from the following sources:

- Federal grants, loans, and work study

- New York State Tuition Assistance Program - NY state residents

- Vermont Student Assistance Program (VSAC) -- VT state residents

- Paul Smith's Merit and Need based Scholarships

Student Life

Paul Smith's College's location in Adirondack Park provides a wondrous setting to live and learn. From snowshoeing and skiing to hiking and canoeing in the lake on campus, students can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The "VIC" or Visitor Interpretive Center offers 50 miles of trails and great XC skiing.They also have many opportunities to socialize, get involved, and have lots of fun. Events include bands, comedians, contests, DJs, field trips, games, guest speakers, movies, open mic nights, and pool tournaments.

Paul Smith's offers some traditional sports teams like basketball, soccer, volleyball and XC, but also has one of the best woodsmen team in country, a snowshoe racing team, bowling and rugby. Some students love to fish and hunt, so the college provides an armory for the safe storage of hunting weapons on campus.

Students can also participate in clubs that provide access to conferences, networking opportunities, career-related activities, job contacts, and hands-on experience. They also have access to a full range of resources including accommodative, health, and counseling services; a fitness center, salt water pool and recreational programs; academic and career services; technology and library services; and housing and residence life services.

Faculty Members

Paul Smith's College's faculty members are a major part of its unique educational experience. They are excellent teachers, researchers, and mentors who have expertise in a diverse range of disciplines.

Eric Holmlund, PhD is one of the college's talented and accomplished faculty members. He's currently an associate professor of environmental studies and director of the Watershed Stewardship program. His professional experience includes positions as an expedition leader for a number of colleges and leadership trainer for banks, business schools, and corporations. He also co-authored the book, "The Camper's Guide to Outdoor Pursuits" (1997).

• Biological/life sciences
• Ecology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Business/marketing
• Business Administration and Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Hospitality Administration
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Hotel/Motel Administration
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Engineering technologies
• Surveying Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major.
• Liberal arts/general studies
• Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Natural resources/environmental science
• Environmental Studies
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Forest Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major.
• Forestry
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Natural Resources Management and Policy
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Parks and recreation
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Personal and culinary services
• Culinary Arts
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied1,103
• Accepted809
• Acceptance Rate73%
• Enrolled875
• Female Applicants
• Females Accepted
• Female Acceptance Rate
• Male Applicants
• Males Accepted
• Male Acceptance Rate
• Applying
• Application Fee $30
• Required for All Transcript of high school record
  
• Required for Some Interview
  
• Average high school GPA for first-year freshman2.80
• Application Deadlines
• Type Application Closing Notification Date Rolling Admissions
• Fall freshmen Yes
• Out-of-state Fall freshmen Not Reported
• Early decision plan Not Reported
• Other early decision plan Not Reported
• Transfer Yes
• Test Scores Accepted
• Test Average School Accepted 25th Percentile* 75th Percentile*
• * 25th and 75th percentile is the score that 25/75 percent of students score at or below.

• Tuition
• In-state tuition *$27,590
• Out-of-state tuition *$27,590
• In-district tuitionN/A
• * Tuition costs are based on a full academic year typically extending from September to June.
• Fees
• Full-time student fees$31
• Room and board *$13,430
• Room only *$8,000
• * Room and board charges vary according to board plan selected (i.e., 12-meal plan, 19-meal plan, etc.) and student level (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
• Other Payment Considerations
• Guaranteed tuition plan offeredNo
• Tuition pre-payment planNo
• Tuition payment plans offeredInstallments
• Student groups that qualify for full or partial waiver of tuitionEmployees or children of employees

• Percentage of Students with Need who Receive Financial Aid:100%

• Gender
• Total Undergraduate Students875
• Male Student PercentageNot Reported
• Female Student PercentageNot Reported
• Race/Ethnicity
• Other Student Statistics

• Housing
• College-owned housing available Yes
• Housing Requirements None
• Housing options Coed housing , Female-only housing, Male-only housing
• Percentage of undergraduate students who live in college-owned housing 85%
• Student Activities
• Student-run campus newspaper Yes
• Drama / theater group No
• Student-run radio station Yes
• Student-run television station No
• Marching band No
• Choral groups No
• Student Services
• Legal services No
• Health clinic Yes
• Personal / psychological counseling Yes
• Women's center No
• Student Organizations
• Greek fraternities No
• Greek sororities No
• Local fraternities No
• Local sororities No
• Other organizations Not Reported
• Most popular organizations Forestry Club, Junior American Culinary, Wildlife Society, Fish and Game Club, Koinonia
• Campus Security and Safety
• 24-hour emergency telephone / alarm services Yes
• 24-hour patrols by trained officers Yes
• Students patrols Not Reported
• Late-night transport / escort services Not Reported
• Electronically-operated dormitory entrances Yes
• Other Not Reported

• Men's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Basketball Yes Yes No
• Cross-country running Yes Yes No
• Ice hockey Yes No No
• Rock climbing Yes No No
• Rugby Yes No No
• Skiing (cross-country) No Yes No
• Soccer Yes Yes No
• Softball Yes No No
• Ultimate Frisbee Yes No No
• Volleyball Yes No No
• Women's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Basketball Yes Yes No
• Cross-country running Yes Yes No
• Ice hockey Yes No No
• Rock climbing Yes No No
• Rugby Yes No No
• Skiing (cross-country) No Yes No
• Soccer Yes Yes No
• Softball Yes No No
• Ultimate Frisbee Yes No No
• Volleyball Yes Yes No

• Faculty Breakdown
• Total Faculty83
• Full-time Percentage69%
• Part-time Percentage31%
• Female Percentage39%
• Male Percentage61%
• Student:Faculty Ratio14:1 or 910 students to 66 faculty