The Next 150 Pledge

Dear Friends,

For 150 years, Smith College has been guided by a bold vision: to make a world-class education available to students of promise from around the world and from every background. Sophia Smith’s steadfast belief in access, opportunity, and academic excellence remains at the heart of our work. Today, I am proud to announce The Next 150 Pledge—a historic new initiative that advances Smith’s mission and expands opportunity for generations of students to come.

Beginning in fall 2026, Smith will offer free tuition for all incoming and returning undergraduate students from families with annual incomes of up to $150,000 (with typical assets). The Next 150 Pledge builds on our strong commitment to access and affordability. Smith already meets 100% of every undergraduate student’s demonstrated need, and in 2021 we became the first women’s college to eliminate loans from undergraduate financial aid packages. Last year, Smith awarded more than $100 million in institutional aid, including startup grants to ease the transition to college for those with the greatest need.

By removing the cost of tuition for many families—we estimate that over a third of current undergraduates will be eligible—we lower barriers to education and open the door wider for future generations of Smithies to learn, lead, and change the world.

The Next 150 Pledge reflects our conviction that access and excellence go hand in hand, and it ensures that high-achieving students can pursue futures that might otherwise feel beyond their reach.

I am deeply honored to lead a college that has both the courage and the capacity to act on its values in this transformative way. Together, we are creating opportunities for the next generation of visionaries, thinkers, and doers who will—in the words of Sophia Smith—use their education to “do the most good [for] the greatest number.”

Sincerely,
Sarah Willie-LeBreton
President, Smith College