Financial Aid as an Undocumented Student

Undocumented students, with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), are encouraged to apply for financial aid at Smith College. Smith welcomes all students to apply for financial aid, regardless of citizenship status.

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

You must not wait until you have been accepted to Smith to apply for aid. Any student who may need institutional financial assistance during their tenure at Smith should apply for aid by the financial aid deadlines. For applicants who meet the published deadlines, award notifications are sent with admission decisions.

Applying for Aid After Deadlines

First-Year Applicants

Undocumented students who do not apply for financial aid by the published financial aid deadlines will be required to complete 64 credits earned at Smith before they are eligible to apply for institutional financial aid.

Transfer & Ada Comstock Scholar Applicants

Undocumented transfer and Ada Comstock Scholar applicants who do not apply for financial aid by the published financial aid deadlines will be required to complete 32 credits at Smith before they are eligible to apply for institutional financial aid.
 

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 November 15, 2024

2023 signed parent federal tax returns, including all schedules and W-2s (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate) and 2023 business tax returns, if applicable (custodial and noncustodial) 

If parents are not required to, and did not file taxes, please complete the Parent Non-Filer Form

Parent Non-Filer Form (2023) 

 November 15, 2024

Where to Send Documents

  • After the CSS Profile and FAFSA are submitted, documents should be sent to College Board's document imaging service, Institutional Documentation Services (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically 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 the applicant after admission application is received by 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.

Document Due
CSS PROFILE 2025-26 CSS Profile Opens on October 1 
Smith College Code: 3762		 January 6, 2025
CSS PROFILE for Noncustodial Parents 2024-25 CSS Profile Opens on October 1 January 6, 2025

2023 signed parent federal tax returns*, including all schedules and W-2s (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate) and 2023 business tax returns, if applicable (custodial and noncustodial) 

If parents are not required to, and did not file taxes, please complete the Parent Non-Filer Form

Parent Non-Filer Form 2023

 January 6, 2025

Where to Send Documents

  • After submitting the CSS Profile and FAFSA, documents should be sent to College Board's document imaging service, Institutional Documentation Services (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically 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 the applicant after admission application is received by 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.

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 January 25, 2025

2023 signed parent federal tax returns, including all schedules and W-2s (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate) and 2023 business tax returns, if applicable (custodial and noncustodial) 

If parents are not required to, and did not file taxes, please complete the Parent Non-Filer Form

Parent Non-Filer Form (2023) 

 January 25, 2025

Where to Send Documents

  • After submitting the CSS Profile and FAFSA, documents should be sent to College Board's document imaging service, Institutional Documentation Services (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically 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 the applicant after admission application is received by 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.

Document Due
Smith Aid Application for Traditional Students 2024-25 - Form available on IDOC or Net Partner November 15, 2024
CSS PROFILE 
Smith College Code: 3762		 November 15, 2024
Noncustodial Parent Profile November 15, 2024

2022 signed parent federal tax returns, including all schedules and W-2s (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate) and 2022 business tax returns, if applicable (custodial and noncustodial) 

If parents are not required to, and did not file taxes, please complete the Parent Non-Filer Form

Parent Non-Filer Form (2022) - Form available on IDOC or Net Partner

 November 15, 2024

Where to Send Forms

  • Forms should be sent to College Board's document imaging service, Institutional Documentation Services (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically 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 the applicant after admission application is received by 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.

Document Due
CSS PROFILE 
Smith College Code: 3762		 March 10, 2025
CSS PROFILE for Noncustodial Parents 
Smith College Code: 3762		 March 10, 2025

2023 signed parent federal tax returns, including all schedules and W-2s (custodial and noncustodial, if appropriate) and 2023 business tax returns, if applicable (custodial and noncustodial) 

If parents are not required to, and did not file taxes, please complete the Parent Non-Filer Form

Parent Non-Filer Form (2023) - Form available on IDOC or Net Partner

 March 10, 2025

Where to Send Documents

  • Documents should be sent to College Board's document imaging service, Institutional Documentation Services (IDOC). Financial aid documents are to be uploaded electronically 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 the applicant after admission application is received by 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.

Document Due

Smith Aid Application for Ada Comstock Scholars 2023-24 - Form available on Net Partner

 

 November 15, 2023

2021 signed student (and spouse or partner, if applicable) federal tax returns, including all schedules and W-2s and 2021 business tax returns, if applicable. 

If you (or your spouse/partner, if applicable) are not required to, and did not file taxes, please complete the Student Non-Filer Form.

Student Non-Filer Form (2021) - Form available on Net Partner

 November 15, 2023

Where to Send Forms

You can send your documents to us through the mail, via fax, or Net Partner, Smith's financial aid portal. Instructions will be emailed to the applicant once an admission application has been received by the Smith Office of Admission. Please make copies of all documents submitted. 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.

Smith College 
Office of Student Financial Services 
College Hall 106 
10 Elm Street 
Northampton, MA 01063

Fax: 413-585-2566

Document Due
Smith Aid Application for Ada Comstock Scholars 2024-25 - Form available on Net Partner February 24, 2024

2022 signed student (and spouse or partner, if applicable) federal tax returns*, including all schedules and W-2s and 2022 business tax returns, if applicable. 

If you (or your spouse/partner, if applicable) are not required to, and did not file taxes, please complete the Student Non-Filer Form.

Student Non-Filer Form (2022) - Form available on Net Partner

 February 24, 2024

Where to Send Documents

You can send your documents to us through the mail, via secure fax, or through Net Partner, Smith's financial aid portal. Instructions will be emailed to the applicant once an admission application has been received by the Smith Office of Admission. Please make copies of all documents submitted. 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.

Smith College 
Office of Student Financial Services 
College Hall 106 
10 Elm Street 
Northampton, MA 01063

Fax: 413-585-2566

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@smith.edu.

Undergraduate students with extremely high need who do not have outside health insurance coverage may be eligible for a health grant to cover the cost of health insurance through Smith College. If you need assistance with the health insurance charge and feel you may qualify, please contact us at sfs@smith.edu. 

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 aid is only offered at the time of admission.

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.

The STRIDE Program offers students with outstanding academic and personal qualifications a close working relationship with a faculty or non-faculty member at Smith College. This scholarship of $22,500 per year (limited to $11,250 per semester of enrollment) for four years is awarded to approximately 50 students each year. In addition to the scholarship, students are also given an opportunity to be a research assistant with an annual stipend of $3,000 each year (effective Fall 2023) for two years at Smith College.

Each year a select number of applicants are identified as outstanding candidates and are awarded the Smith Presidential Scholarship. Entering first-year Presidential Scholars receive a merit-based award of $12,000 annually ($6,000/semester) for four years. Continuation of the Presidential Scholarship each year is contingent upon maintaining good academic standing.

Smith College is pleased to award four full-tuition scholarships per year to Ada Comstock Scholars and/or transfer students from Greenfield Community College and Holyoke Community College (maximum of two each year from each community college) who display a strong academic record and clear leadership potential.

The student employment component of a financial aid award represents the opportunity to have a job on campus or through one of our off-campus employment partners. 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.

Students can work all over campus and off campus in a wide variety of jobs, including but not limited to jobs in academic offices, groundskeeping, and the library systems. If you do not have a work study component to your award, you can still apply for jobs on campus after October 1 in the fall, and as of two weeks after classes begin in the spring.

Ada Comstock Scholars

Ada Comstock Scholars with dependent children under the age of 18 will have the work component of their award replaced with the Balbach Grant. If you do not have a work study component to your award, you can still apply for jobs on campus after October 1 in the fall, and as of two weeks after classes begin in the spring.

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.

Educational Benefits

Smith College will consider any veteran's educational benefit as a resource for financial aid. This means that financial assistance offered through Smith may be reduced when the amount of Veteran's Administration (VA) benefits are factored into the award. This will apply to any institutional financial aid awarded. Our normal treatment for outside aid is to reduce or eliminate your self-help aid (loans or work-study). If your outside aid goes beyond these adjustments, Smith grant assistance will be reduced dollar for dollar. However, most VA educational benefits are exempt from being considered as a resource for determining federal financial aid funding levels. This means you may be allowed to keep a subsidized federal loan and federal work study, but could have a reduction in any grant assistance offered by Smith. Smith College merit awards are excluded from this treatment. Students requesting certification must fill out a Veterans Certification Request form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar along with their VA Certificate of Eligibility.

Veterans Certification Request Form (PDF)

Yellow Ribbon Benefits

Smith College is proud to be a sponsor of the Yellow Ribbon Program for our nation's veterans. This program was created as part of the post 9/11 Veterans Educational Act of 2008. Smith has made a commitment to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students seeking either a bachelor's or master's degree can apply for assistance through this program. Students must complete a Yellow Ribbon Benefits Request form to be considered. Funding is limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Awarding will be determined by the date and time this form is returned to the appropriate office. Any student applying for this benefit is encouraged to fax or email the completed form. This program is only open to those veterans who have met the necessary qualifications for enrollment in this program. Eligibility criteria can be viewed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Yellow Ribbon Benefits Request Form (PDF)

Any student awarded funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program will continue to receive this benefit as long as they remain in good academic standing and Smith continues to participate in the program. Students must also have a remaining entitlement through the VA. Yearly funding levels will depend on the amount Smith commits to this program.

Program Enrollment Maximum Contribution
Undergraduates Four students maximum each year $10,000

Funding levels above will be matched by a direct contribution from the VA. Eligible students meeting the application criteria will be awarded the benefit regardless of whether they qualify for need-based assistance. This benefit will replace need-based grant assistance on a dollar-for-dollar basis, per our outside aid policy. Students accepted into Smith's Yellow Ribbon Program will be required to present their VA Certificate of Eligibility to a school certifying official.

Learn about the various financing options available to undocumented students.

How We Determine Need

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.

Allowance for Others in College

The fees of undergraduate institutions attended by siblings of traditional students or children of Ada Comstock Scholars are considered in our aid calculations. The enrollment status of each person is verified in the fall. A change in institution or enrollment status may affect your grant aid. For future planning, contact us for the allowance amount used this year.

Living with Relatives

There is a grant reduction if you live with relatives. Please contact us for the amount of the reduction if you are considering living at home or with relatives in the area.

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@smith.edu

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