Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

The curriculum is relentlessly practical, with 20+ degree programs spanning arboriculture, baking arts, ecological science, and recreation management. Students split time between classrooms and the surrounding Adirondack wilderness—forestry majors inventory timber stands, culinary students run an on-campus restaurant, and sustainability majors conduct lake water testing. The college offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, with standout departments in:

• Hospitality & Culinary Arts (including a Baking Associate degree with pastry kitchen labs)
• Natural Resources (forestry, fisheries, and wildlife concentrations)
• Business Management (with outdoor entrepreneurship leanings)

Small class sizes (15:1 student-faculty ratio) mean frequent field trips and one-on-one mentorship.

Life here revolves around the outdoors and tight-knit community. The 948 students (48% minority enrollment) bond over Friday night bonfires, maple syrup harvesting, and Adirondack hiking trips. Described as "resourceful and adventurous" by the college’s LinkedIn page, the student body skews toward those who’d rather repair a snowmobile than attend a frat party. The Facebook page showcases students building timber frames, competing in collegiate fishing tournaments, and interning at national parks. Dorms have a rustic feel—expect to see kayaks and cross-country skis in the hallways.

The 6-year graduation rate is 66%, with 75% of students returning after their first year. Median earnings 10 years post-graduation are $46,145—respectable for a rural college with many graduates entering lower-paying conservation and hospitality fields. The hands-on approach pays off: alumni work as state forest rangers, ski resort managers, and sustainable agriculture consultants. Compared to peer institutions like CUNY Medgar Evers, Paul Smith’s has slightly lower graduation rates but stronger regional industry connections.

Tuition runs $32,972 annually, but the average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid drops to $23,608. The college offers renewable scholarships ranging from $6,000 to $19,000 per year, heavily discounting costs for middle-income families. The net price calculator suggests families earning under $30K may pay as little as $12,000 annually, while those over $110K face closer to $32,697. Federal loan recipients typically see a net price of $24,495—still steep for a rural public, but competitive among private colleges with similar outdoor programs.

This is the only college in the Adirondacks where you can major in Forestry while apprenticing at a maple syrup farm, then minor in Craft Brewing. The vibe is more vocational than intellectual—think Carhartt-clad students debating soil pH levels over venison chili in the dining hall. Unlike larger environmental schools, Paul Smith’s doesn’t just study ecosystems; it’s embedded in one, with 14,000 acres of lakes and forests as its campus. Ideal for those who want a degree that smells like pine sap and tastes like freshly baked sourdough.