Continue your education by the lake 

Petry

Contact

Grace Petry
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
Phone: (315) 781-4782
Text: (315) 828-0841
petry@hws.edu

Hobart and William Smith is an ideal location to continue your education. Our small classes and close-knit community will make you feel at home as you connect with our supportive faculty and staff. An experiential approach to learning will take you out of the classroom and into the field through trips, internships and research. Opportunities to study abroad will provide you with chances to develop your global citizenry while Seneca Lake will serve as your backdrop.

With the closing of Hampshire College following the 2026 fall semester, Hobart and William Smith is here to partner with you to make it easy for Hampshire students to complete their education at HWS. At HWS, you will be supported academically and financially to ensure a smooth transition. This includes providing institutional financial aid to each eligible transfer student in an amount that matches the same percentage of need met by Hampshire College’s institutional aid, up to the cost of tuition and fees. This cost will remain constant for the remainder of your attendance at HWS, as long as you remain a student in good standing and graduate on time. Hobart and William Smith is committed to providing an exceptional experience for Hampshire transfer students.

Come Meet Us By The Lake

Visiting campus is one of the best ways to decide if HWS is the right fit for the remainder of your college years. Enjoy the view of Seneca Lake while getting to know the vibrant community that lives on its shore.

The Office of Admissions offers tours and information sessions Monday – Saturday as well as special events throughout the year.

Can't make it to campus? Our virtual tour is available 24/7, as are our photo galleries.

Frequently Asked Questions

will i be considered a transfer student?

Yes. All Hampshire students partaking in the program will be considered transfer students and have the same opportunities as all HWS students.

What services and support Will Be Provided?

Hampshire transfer students will have full access to our relationship-rich academic, administrative and student support services including academic advising and enrichment, mentorship from the Deans, student housing, health and wellness services, financial aid and disability services.

Do I need to Apply to HWS?

Yes. All transfer students are required to submit the Common Application and provide official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework. Official documents received directly from Hampshire College will be acceptable. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and priority will be given to students who apply by July 1, 2026. There is no cost to apply.

DOES HWS HAVE MY COURSE OF STUDY?

Most academic areas of study at Hampshire are directly relevant to the majors offered at HWS. In addition, HWS offers students the ability to design their own individual major. Students interested in exploring HWS will receive individualized attention with one of our academic deans in conversation with faculty to determine the best educational pathway.

Will i be able to graduate on time?

Depending on your course of study, you should be able to graduate on time without a problem. Our faculty and staff will work with you to account for the credits you have earned at Hampshire and chart an efficient path to graduation at HWS.

WILL THE COURSES I’VE TAKEN AT HAMPSHIRE TRANSFER INTO HWS AND WHICH ONES WILL COUNT TOWARD MY MAJOR OR MINOR?

HWS will make every effort to accommodate as many transfer credits as possible, including internships, practica, and other evaluated learning activities, while maintaining academic standards. You will work with your transfer Academic Dean in conversation with faculty to determine which course will apply to your selected major and minor.

Will i be required to take a first-year seminar?

No. Transfer students are not required to take a First-Year Seminar.

Can I keep my Hampshire roommate?

Yes. We will accommodate roommate requests from all Hampshire transfer students. Transfer students who do not request a roommate will be paired with another student in upperclass housing.

Will I live on campus?

HWS guarantees housing for every Hampshire transfer student. We strongly encourage students to engage in our residential community.

WILL I BE ABLE TO JOIN GREEK LIFE, PARTICIPATE IN CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS, HOLD LEADERSHIP POSITIONS OR WORK ON CAMPUS?

Yes. Hampshire transfer students will have the exact same co-curricular opportunities as all other HWS students. Learn more about life at HWS.

Will there be an orientation?

Yes. New student orientation is scheduled for Aug. 26, 2026. All transfer students are expected to participate.

how much will it cost to attend hws?

Eligible domestic students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are guaranteed a cost of attendance that meets the same percentage of need met by Hampshire College’s institutional aid, up to the cost of tuition and fees. Need is defined as total cost of attendance minus SAI (as determined by the FAFSA). In the case where there is no need, HWS will match the institutional aid provided by Hampshire, up to the cost of tuition and fees. This cost of attendance guarantee will remain in effect for the remainder of the student’s attendance at HWS, subject to normal, annual tuition increases, as long as they remain a student in good standing and graduate on time.

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AT HAMPSHIRE, CAN I CONTINUE MY EDUCATION AT HWS AT THE SAME COST?  

International students must also provide official TOEFL or IEL TS scores, transcript evaluations (if applicable), and affidavit of financial support, copy of passport and visa, 1-94, and SEVIS Transfer Eligibility Verification Form in order to be able to transfer under this Agreement.

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT. IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN SPEAK TO WHO CAN ADVISE ME ON TRANSFERRING MY STUDENT VISA?

Yes, please feel free to contact Marylyn O’Hora Uhnak, Associate Vice President of Admissions, at uhnak@hws.edu or +1-315-781-3750.

Can I aPply for Financial Aid?

As per the transfer agreement, every Hampshire student seeking need-based aid is required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If our Office of Financial Aid determines you are eligible for additional scholarships, grants, loans or work-study, the additional awards will be automatically offered.

will i be able to play a sport?

HWS offers 31 varsity athletic programs, as well as intramural and club sports. Students interested in competing at the varsity level should reach out directly to the head coach of the program for more information. Coach contact information can be found here.

Am I eligible for the guaranteed internship program?

Yes. Transfer students are afforded the same opportunities as all HWS students. Learn more about the Pathways Program, our Internship Guarantee and the HWS Career Network.

Can I Study Abroad?

Absolutely. Transfer students regularly take advantage of off-campus opportunities. Learn more about our study abroad offerings.