Opening the College Doors Wider

As part of marking its 150th anniversary, the college announced today a bold new initiative, The Next 150 Pledge, that will make Smith tuition free for undergraduate students from families with annual incomes of up to $150,000, beginning in fall 2026.

Recognized for its academic excellence, Smith already offers one of the most generous aid programs in higher education by meeting 100% of demonstrated need with a loan-free financial aid package and providing $1,000 startup grants for high-need incoming students. The Next 150 Pledge builds on this legacy, reaffirming the college’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity for the next generation of leaders.

“When the cost of college is beyond so many students and their families, Smith is committed to keeping higher education within reach,” said Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton. “I am thrilled that in the same year Smith celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are also able to announce The Next 150 Pledge, an initiative both reflective of our founding mission and invested in access to an extraordinary education for every one of our admitted students.”

With this change, Smith joins a small group of peer institutions that offer free tuition for students from families earning up to $150,000 annually. Yet Smith stands apart in expanding free tuition to every qualified enrolled undergraduate—domestic and international—while meeting full demonstrated need with financial aid packages that include grants instead of loans. By combining free tuition with loan-free aid, Smith becomes the first women’s college in the nation to offer such a comprehensive program. This policy will apply to both incoming and returning students, starting in fall of 2026.

“We estimate that more than 75% of families in the United States will now qualify for free tuition under The Next 150 Pledge,” said Joanna May, vice president for enrollment. “This policy is not only about reducing financial barriers, but also making our financial aid policy more transparent and easily understandable for low and middle-income families. We hope this will open Smith’s doors wider than ever before to exceptional students who are ready to change the world.”

Families making over $150,000 can also qualify for generous no-loan financial aid packages. Smith offers opportunities to estimate financial aid packages.

The Next 150 Pledge is made possible through the college’s endowment and the generous philanthropy of Smith alums and donors, whose gifts carry forward founder Sophia Smith’s vision of education as a public good.

For more details about Smith’s financial aid program and The Next 150 Pledge, visit smith.edu/TheNext150.