
815 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA


Skidmore College holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which validates the institution's overall academic quality and institutional effectiveness. This regional accreditation is important for prospective students as it ensures that the college meets recognized standards for higher education, which can impact credit transferability and eligibility for federal financial aid. Additionally, specific programs within the college may have specialized accreditations that align with professional standards in their respective fields, enhancing the value of the education provided.
Skidmore College requires prospective students to have completed a secondary school record as part of their application. Additionally, applicants must present a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if they do not have a traditional high school diploma. A college program completion is also mandatory for admission consideration. Recommendations are required to support the application, while demonstrating certain competencies is recommended but not compulsory.
Applicants must submit TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency, though other standardized tests are only recommended. Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted, but Skidmore College does not allow dual credit or grant credit based on prior college coursework upon admission. The institution does not have an open admission policy, indicating selective enrollment standards.
The acceptance rate at Skidmore College is notably low, at 23%, placing it in the bottom 5% for selectivity. The college attracts a substantial number of applicants-over 12,000 annually-with an almost 60th percentile competitiveness level. Of those admitted, about 735 students enroll each year, representing a moderate level of enrollment compared to peer institutions.
Standardized test scores among enrolled students are very high. The mean SAT score is 1355, with a strong performance across both Math and Writing sections, each averaging close to 680 and 675 respectively. These scores rank in the top 10% nationwide. Similarly, the average ACT score is 31, also within the top 10% of test takers. These results reflect the college's rigorous admissions standards and the high academic caliber of its students.
Skidmore College requires an application fee for prospective students submitting their admission paperwork. This fee is a standard part of the application process and helps cover administrative costs associated with evaluating candidates.
However, the college provides fee waivers to eligible applicants who demonstrate financial need. These waivers ensure that the cost of submitting an application does not pose a barrier to students from various economic backgrounds. Prospective students can request these waivers typically through the application platforms or by providing documentation that supports their eligibility for financial assistance.
By offering fee waivers, Skidmore College aims to increase access and streamline the application process for students who might otherwise be discouraged by the application fee.
Skidmore College does not host its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Instead, prospective students interested in pursuing ROTC programs typically participate through cooperating host institutions where the relevant military training units are established. This arrangement means students enrolled at Skidmore College would attend ROTC instruction and activities at nearby partner universities that maintain official ROTC units. Such a setup allows students to benefit from ROTC training without a dedicated unit physically located at Skidmore College itself.
Skidmore College welcomes transfer students for the fall and spring semesters, offering flexibility for those seeking to join at these entry points. The institution accepts transfer credits, recognizing courses completed elsewhere, which can facilitate a smoother transition for new students. Furthermore, Skidmore College allows students to transfer credits earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) for subject tests, as well as credits from the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
Recommendation letters are also accepted as part of the transfer application process, supporting the evaluation of prospective students beyond transcripts. These combined policies demonstrate Skidmore College's openness to a variety of academic experiences, easing the pathway for transfer applicants to continue their education within its programs.
Skidmore College offers prospective students a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich their academic experience and cultural understanding. The college supports programs that span multiple disciplines, allowing students to study in diverse international settings while earning credits that count toward their degree.
Among the options, students can participate in faculty-led short-term programs, which provide structured academic experiences overseas during breaks or summer sessions. These programs often focus on specific subjects, combining classroom learning with on-site exploration.
Additionally, Skidmore facilitates semester- and year-long exchange programs with partner institutions around the world. These longer-term programs immerse students in a different academic environment, helping them develop language skills and global perspectives critical to their personal and professional growth.
The college also supports independent study abroad plans, where students tailor their overseas education by enrolling at accredited foreign universities, subject to prior approval. This flexibility enables students to seek unique academic opportunities aligned with their individual interests.
Median composite SAT score
1355Median composite ACT score
31Percent of students submitting ACT scores
10%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
23%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring