Founded in 1871, Smith College opened in 1875 with 14 students. Today, it is one of the largest women’s liberal arts colleges in the United States, educating women of promise for lives of distinction and purpose. Located in Northampton, Massachusetts, Smith enrolls 2,600 students from nearly every state and more than 50 other countries, providing opportunities for students to develop their intellects and talents so they graduate ready to address the complex, urgent problems of today.

A leading liberal arts college, Smith offers an open curriculum, with only one course requirement beyond one’s major, giving students the freedom to explore their passions and customize their experiences. As the first women’s college to offer an ABET accredited engineering program, Smith boasts innovative, unparalleled academic opportunities. Smith students have access to more than 1000 courses covering 50 areas of study in social sciences and history, the arts, languages, literature, engineering, mathematics, and the natural sciences. Academic concentrations and co-curricular offerings give students a way to dive further into an area of interest by combining academic and practical experiences in areas like Journalism, Community Engagement and Social Change, and the Environment. At Smith, students from diverse experiences and backgrounds form an extraordinary intellectual community. Nearly all students live on campus in one of 41 houses ranging in style from modern to Gothic and in size from 10 to 100 students, representing all class years. More than 48,000 Smith alums are ready to help students step into internships and careers as graduates join a powerful professional network.

Throughout its long history, Smith has been dedicated to offering both the educational offerings and practical experiences that enable students to make a difference in the world. Students leave Smith to work as policy-makers, researchers, artists, engineers, writers, business leaders, and scientists to push the world forward.

Fun fact: Smith College annually celebrates Julia Child Day, in honor of chef and alumna Julia Child ‘34, where dining halls serve her classic dishes like chocolate croissants and beef bourguignon.