Skidmore College

Skidmore’s academic identity orbits around its liberal arts core, offering 40+ majors and 50+ minors with a distinctive emphasis on interdisciplinary creativity. Business/Commerce is the most popular major (awarding ~94 degrees annually), but the curriculum leans decidedly eclectic—think psychology majors taking sculpture classes or biologists collaborating with dancers. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures seminar-style classes, and the college prides itself on "high-impact opportunities" like undergraduate research. US News notes strong programs in social sciences, visual/performing arts, and natural sciences, with a vibe that’s "academically rigorous" but far from cutthroat.

Life at Skidmore unfolds on a "small but tidy" campus where athletes, artists, and intellectuals cross-pollinate—though Reddit threads note that subcultures often "stick with their own." The social scene balances cozy coffee-shop hangs with a robust party culture ("booze, pot... but chill and non-judgmental," per College Confidential). Saratoga Springs provides an idyllic backdrop with its historic downtown, while student testimonials highlight passionate professors and a library that’s a quiet-study haven. YouTube campus tours showcase a tight-knit community where creative energy fuels everything from dorm murals to late-night debates.

Skidmore’s 82% six-year graduation rate lands it in the top 10% nationally, with 84% finishing within 4.5 years. Alumni median earnings one year post-graduation hover around $36,427—modest for a private liberal arts college, though the Career Development Center touts strong placements in grad schools and eclectic sectors. Notably, male students graduate at higher rates (85%) than the national average for comparable institutions. The college emphasizes lifelong networks, with alumni often crediting Skidmore’s blend of critical thinking and creative problem-solving for career adaptability.

With a sticker price north of $80K, Skidmore leans heavily on financial aid to make attendance feasible—61% of first-years receive need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements., averaging $54,750. The 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 grants drops to ~$32,368 for many students, and the college offers merit scholarships like the $60,000 Porter/Wachenheim Award. Skidmore’s average grant ($33,632) dwarfs the typical private college’s $13,799, signaling a commitment to accessibility. The financial aid office uses a New York-state-aware formula, capping awards at tuition costs for in-state families.

Skidmore defies easy categorization—it’s where future CEOs minor in studio art and chemists write slam poetry. The college’s test-optional?Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. policy (since 2016) and holistic admissions?Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. attract unconventional thinkers, while Saratoga Springs’ blend of Gilded Age charm and indie music venues fuels off-campus creativity. Unlike stuffier liberal arts peers, Skidmore embraces a "work hard, play hard" ethos where rigorous seminars segue seamlessly into dorm-room jam sessions. Its 8:1 faculty ratio and 82% graduation rate prove that nurturing individuality pays dividends—both in the classroom and beyond.