Financial Aid for International Students

Smith College welcomes and supports qualified students from all economic backgrounds. As part of the college’s commitment to access, affordability and equity, Smith has eliminated loans from its undergraduate financial aid packages for those students receiving institutional need-based aid, replacing those funds with institutional grants. The college will meet the full documented need, as determined by college policy, of all admitted students who apply for aid by the published deadlines.

Smith is also proud to partner with QuestBridge, a platform that connects students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education.

This section is for prospective students applying for admission. If you are a current student, please go to the Student Financial Services website for information.

Applying for Aid

When to Apply

Apply for financial aid by the deadlines to qualify; do not wait to be admitted to the college before applying for aid.

Ada Comstock Scholars

If you are an international student applying for the Ada Comstock Scholar program, please see the forms and deadlines in our Ada Comstock Scholar financial aid section.

Applying for Aid After Deadlines

International students who do not apply for aid prior to admission are not eligible to receive institutional aid at Smith at any time.

Forms & Deadlines

Document Due
CSS PROFILE 2025-26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1    
Smith College Code: 3762		 November 15, 2024
CSS PROFILE for Noncustodial Parents 2025-26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1    
Smith College Code: 3762		 November 15, 2024

2023 translated, signed parent tax return (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate)

If not required to file a 2023 tax return in your country of residence, complete the International Parent Non-Filer form (available at Smith's financial aid portal, Net Partner) and include a translated employer income statement (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate).

International Parent Non-Filer Form (2023)

 November 15, 2024

Where to Send Forms

  • After submitting the CSS Profile, forms should be sent to College Board's document imaging service Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically to IDOC or mailed directly to IDOC, where they will be scanned and sent electronically to Smith.  College Board will send IDOC instructions via email to applicants who have completed the CSS PROFILE. To ensure deadlines are met, please complete the CSS PROFILE prior to the deadline so that documents can be uploaded to IDOC by our deadline. For more information, please visit the IDOC website.
  • Net Partner (Smith' financial aid portal). Instructions will be emailed to applicant once admission application is received by the Smith Office of Admission.

Document Due
CSS PROFILE 2025-26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1   
Smith College Code: 3762		 January 2, 2025
CSS PROFILE for Noncustodial Parents 2025-26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1   
Smith College Code: 3762		 January 2, 2025

2023 translated, signed parent tax return (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate)

If not required to file a 2023 tax return in your country of residence, complete the International Parent Non-Filer form (available at Smith's financial aid portal, Net Partner) and include a translated employer income statement (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate).

International Parent Non-Filer Form (2023)

 January 2, 2025

Where to Send Forms

  • After submitting the CSS Profile, forms should be sent to College Board's document imaging service Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically to IDOC or mailed directly to IDOC, where they will be scanned and sent electronically to Smith. College Board will send IDOC instructions via email to applicants who have completed the CSS PROFILE. To ensure deadlines are met, please complete the CSS PROFILE prior to the deadline so that documents can be uploaded to IDOC by our deadline. For more information, please visit the IDOC website.
  • Net Partner (Smith' financial aid portal). Instructions will be emailed to applicant once admission application is received by the Smith Office of Admission.

Document Due
CSS PROFILE 2025-26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1  
Smith College Code: 3762		 January 25, 2025
CSS PROFILE for Noncustodial Parents 2025-26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1  
Smith College Code: 3762		 January 25, 2025

2023 translated, signed parent tax return (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate)

If not required to file a 2023 tax return in your country of residence, complete the International Parent Non-Filer form (available at Smith's financial aid portal, Net Partner) and include a translated employer income statement (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate).

International Parent Non-Filer Form (2023)

  

Where to Send Forms

  • After submitting the CSS Profile, forms should be sent to College Board's document imaging service Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically to IDOC or mailed directly to IDOC, where they will be scanned and sent electronically to Smith.  College Board will send IDOC instructions via email to applicants who have completed the CSS PROFILE. To ensure deadlines are met, please complete the CSS PROFILE prior to the deadline so that documents can be uploaded to IDOC by our deadline. For more information, please visit the IDOC website.
  • Net Partner (Smith's financial aid portal). Instructions will be emailed to applicant once admission application is received by the Smith Office of Admission.

Document Due
CSS PROFILE 2024-25 CSS Profile Opens on October 1
Smith College Code: 3762		 November 15, 2024
CSS PROFILE for Noncustodial Parents 2024-25 CSS Profile Opens on October 1
Smith College Code: 3762		 November 15, 2024

2022 translated, signed parent tax return (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate)

If not required to file a 2022 tax return in your country of residence, complete the International Parent Non-Filer form (available at Smith's financial aid portal, Net Partner) and include a translated employer income statement (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate). 

International Parent Non-Filer Form (2022)

 November 15, 2024

Where to Send Forms

  • Forms should be sent to College Board's document imaging service Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically to IDOC or mailed directly to IDOC, where they will be scanned and sent electronically to Smith.  College Board will send IDOC instructions via email to applicants who have completed the CSS PROFILE. To ensure deadlines are met, please complete the CSS PROFILE prior to the deadline so that documents can be uploaded to IDOC by our deadline. For more information, please visit the IDOC website.
  • Net Partner (Smith' financial aid portal). Instructions will be emailed to applicant once admission application is received by the Smith Office of Admission.

Document Due
CSS PROFILE 2025–26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1
Smith College Code: 3762		 March 11, 2025
CSS PROFILE for Noncustodial Parents 2025–26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1
Smith College Code: 3762		 March 11, 2025

2023 translated, signed parent tax return (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate)

If not required to file a 2023 tax return in your country of residence, complete the International Parent Non-Filer form (available at Smith's financial aid portal, Net Partner) and include a translated employer income statement (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate). 

International Parent Non-Filer Form (2023)

 March 11, 2025

Where to Send Forms

  • Forms should be sent to College Board's document imaging service Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically to IDOC or mailed directly to IDOC, where they will be scanned and sent electronically to Smith.  College Board will send IDOC instructions via email to applicants who have completed the CSS PROFILE. To ensure deadlines are met, please complete the CSS PROFILE prior to the deadline so that documents can be uploaded to IDOC by our deadline. For more information, please visit the IDOC website.
  • Net Partner (Smith' financial aid portal). Instructions will be emailed to applicant once admission application is received by the Smith Office of Admission.

Any documentation that is sent to the SFS Office through Net Partner should be sent in PDF format.  Other formats may be incompatible with our system.

U.S. Tax Returns

If your family lives in the United States and files a U.S. tax return, you must also submit that return.

CSS PROFILE

If submission of the CSS PROFILE would cause significant financial hardship for your family, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services indicating your full name, citizenship, country of residence, and the amount your family can contribute annually to the cost of your Smith education.

Types of Aid

Grants are need-based and do not need to be repaid. In order to be considered for Smith College grants, you must apply for financial aid by the published deadlines, prior to admission.

The grant amount is based on a family's financial need as determined by Smith College through the financial aid application process. Most Smith grants come from funds given for this purpose by alumnae and friends of the college and by foundations and corporations. If you are a recipient of one of these named scholarships, you will be contacted by the Office of Donor Relations. You will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about your Smith experience. Your timely response is important. If you have any questions, contact DonorRelations@electronic-fittings.com.

All international and undocumented students who receive need-based financial aid from the college will receive a health grant to cover the cost of health insurance through the college.  Non-aided international or undocumented students or international or undocumented students who successfully waive the health insurance are not eligible for this grant.

Smith College offers a limited number of awards based on merit rather than need. All applicants for admission are automatically considered; there are no special application forms. Students are selected by the Office of Admission and must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to have their scholarships renewed annually.

Merit scholarships are considered a resource when determining eligibility for need-based financial aid.  For example, if a student has $15,000 of calculated need and receives the Stride Scholarship for $22,500, this student would not receive need-based aid since the scholarship exceeds the need.  Students who have need-based aid eligibility above and beyond the amount of merit scholarships will receive need-based aid to cover the difference.

Merit aid is only offered at the time of admission.

The student employment component of a financial aid award represents the opportunity to have a job on campus; because of visa limitations, international students are not eligible to hold any job off campus. You are responsible for finding a position that aligns with your preferences and schedule, and are encouraged to apply early for the best selection of jobs.

You may work to earn money for books and supplies, to put towards your tuition accounts, or for personal spending money. There is no obligation to work all or any of the hours awarded, though income not earned is not replaced with other aid.

For information about work-study at Smith College, see Student Employment.

Outside aid will first reduce or replace the work study portion of your award. If the outside aid exceeds the total work component of your award, we will allow the aid to go toward a one-time computer purchase, or toward the cost of the Smith College Health Insurance (unless you receive a health grant). Any amount of outside aid in excess of the work component of your award plus these costs if applicable will replace Smith Grant dollar for dollar. State or federal grant assistance reduces Smith Grant dollar for dollar. Outside aid includes outside awards based on student merit, as well as tuition subsidies based on parent employment (Tuition Benefits).

If you receive any assistance from an organization outside of the college, this aid must be taken into consideration in calculating your financial aid award. You are required to report all outside aid to the Student Financial Services office.

Once you notify us of any aid which is expected to be sent directly to the college, we will add the anticipated amount to the student account as a pending credit, reducing the amount due. If the aid is expected to be late, please notify us so we can extend the pending credit. Any amounts expected but not received are the responsibility of the student.

Outside aid, based on either student merit or parent employment (e.g.: employee tuition benefits), will first reduce or replace the self-help portion of your award (federal work-study). If outside aid is in excess of self-help, we will allow it to go toward the cost of the Smith health insurance plan or a one-time computer purchase. Any amount of outside aid in excess of self-help and these costs will reduce Smith Grant dollar for dollar.

Learn about the various financing options available to international students.

How We Determine Aid

Each financial aid application file is personally reviewed by experienced staff in the Office of Student Financial Services. In addition to submitting the required documentation, you are welcome to include any information that you feel will help us understand your family's financial status. Remember to complete your admission application, since only accepted students can receive a financial aid decision.

Three steps are used in documenting your level of financial need:

1. Calculating the family contribution

The Office of Student Financial Services evaluates each student's application using federal and institutional methodologies to assess a family's financial resources. During the review, attention is given to individual family circumstances. Standard factors involved in the review include income, assets, family size, the number of family members in college, unreimbursed medical expenses, taxes paid and tuition for siblings in elementary or secondary school. Staff will determine what each family is expected to contribute toward the student's annual educational expenses following the appropriate federal and college policies.

2. Determining the cost of attendance

An educational expense budget is calculated for each student. Tuition, fees, room and board, and standard allowances for books, supplies, personal expenses and travel are included.

3. Financial need

The difference between the cost of attendance and the calculated family contribution is the student's documented financial need.

Smith College recognizes the diversity of the modern family and requires the submission of information regarding both parents, as well as spouses and domestic partners of each parent. Exceptions to this policy are made on a case-by-case basis.

Merit scholarships are considered a resource when determining eligibility for need-based financial aid.  For example, if a student has $22,000 of calculated need and receives the Zollman Scholarship for $25,000, this student would not receive need-based aid since the scholarship exceeds the need. Students who have need-based aid eligibility above and beyond the amount of merit scholarships will receive need-based aid to cover the difference. Merit aid is not awarded on top of need-based aid, but is also considered to meet a family's financial need.

Cost of Attendance 2024-25

Students are billed for one-half of the annual charges at the beginning of each semester. The Cost of Attendance includes allowances for out-of-pocket expenses that most students incur during the year.

Cost of Attendance for Other Housing Arrangements for Traditional Students

Students who are approved by the Office of Residence Life to have a non-traditional housing or food arrangement have a modified Cost of Attendance. Learn more on the Traditional Students page. 

Direct Billed Costs

Cost (U.S. dollars)

Tuition

$64,870

Food & Housing

$22,570

Student Activities Fee

$308

Health Insurance (domestic students may waive)

$3,356
*Actual costs incurred will vary and are the student's responsibility.

Indirect Costs Not Billed

Cost (U.S. dollars)

Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment

$800

Transportation

(domestic average) $640
(international average) $1,000

Personal expenses

$1,800

Contact Student Financial Services

College Hall 106

10 Elm Street

Smith College

Northampton, MA 01063

Phone: 413-585-2530 Email: sfs@electronic-fittings.com

Call Center Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m.–noon and 1:30–3:30 p.m. (EST)