Organizer Information
Skidmore College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. Relevant study opportunities in art, media, film, design, and related creative disciplines are offered through departments and interdisciplinary programs including Art, Art History, Theater, Music, and Media and Film Studies. Skidmore’s current academic catalog is for 2026–27.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Skidmore College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (BA); Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Academic Fields: Studio Art, Art History, Film, Media, Communication Design, Photography, Theater, Music
- Relevant Programs: Art (Studio) major; Art History major; Media and Film Studies minor; Theater major; Music major; Art (Studio) minor; Art History minor; Arts Administration minor; related interdisciplinary study
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision; transfer admission is also available
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026 (ED I); 8 January 2027 (ED II and Regular Decision)
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027 for the principal first-year admission cycle
- Application Fee: $0
- Tuition: $72,330 per academic year
- Funding: Need-based financial aid; international applicants may apply for need-based aid.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Skidmore’s relevant undergraduate options include Studio Art, Art History, Theater, Music, and Media and Film Studies. The college also offers interdisciplinary study through its liberal arts curriculum. Media and Film Studies is currently offered as a minor and includes media theory, applied media, filmmaking-related coursework, photography, communication design, and structured field experience.
- Studio Art includes areas such as communication design, photography, digital foundations, electronic time-based media, and computer imaging.
- Prospective majors in art, music, theater, and dance do not have to submit portfolios. Optional portfolios may nevertheless be submitted through the Skidmore Applicant Portal.
General Eligibility
- Skidmore accepts first-year applicants who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. secondary-school education, a GED, or a recognized secondary-school equivalency examination. International applicants are eligible to apply.
- The college also admits transfer students. International students who have already begun college-level study should apply through the transfer process.
- There is no admissions interview requirement; Skidmore states that it no longer offers admissions interviews as of Fall 2024.
Educational Background
- First-year applicants must submit an official secondary-school transcript and School Report. Skidmore recommends four years of English and at least three years each of mathematics, social science, science, and a world language.
- For international applicants, secondary-school education must be equivalent to U.S. secondary education. University transcripts are also required when applicable.
Language Requirements
- English is the language of instruction. Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not attended a school for at least three years where English is the sole language of instruction must submit an approved English-proficiency test.
- Skidmore lists the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. Scores generally regarded by the college as indicators of minimum proficiency are 96–97 TOEFL, 7.0–7.5 IELTS, or 120 Duolingo English Test. Students completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme may qualify for a waiver.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| First-year undergraduate applicants | $0 |
| Transfer applicants | $0 |
Skidmore's current admissions and 2026–27 fee information states that there is no fee to apply.
Tuition
| Study Level | Tuition / Required Fees | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, 2026–27 | $73,590 tuition and required fees | Annual cost; tuition itself is $72,330 | $150 one-time entering-student records fee; $365/semester tuition insurance; health insurance estimated at $4,065/year unless waived |
Housing and food are additional. For 2026–27, traditional residence-hall housing is $11,630 annually and food is $8,040.
Funding & Financial Support
- Skidmore provides need-based financial aid and states that it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students who complete the required financial-aid process on time.
- International applicants may apply for need-based financial aid using either the CSS Profile or Skidmore’s International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). The ISFAA is available through the Applicant Portal at no cost.
- International financial aid is limited, and applicants seeking aid must indicate their intention to apply for financial aid during the admission process.
University Services & Academic Support
- The Learning Commons provides peer academic coaching, tutoring, writing support, academic counseling, and skill-building services. It also provides targeted support for international students and English-language learners.
- For students in creative disciplines, the Tang Teaching Museum provides paid, endowed, and credit-bearing internships, including opportunities in curatorial work, collections, design, education, public programs, and marketing.
- The Art Department also offers professional internships involving artists, galleries, museums, design studios, and related creative organizations.
- International Student and Scholar advising provides visa, employment and tax guidance, orientation, and cultural support.
Application Requirements
- Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application
- School Report
- Official secondary-school transcript
- Two academic teacher recommendations
- Personal statement through the application
- English-proficiency test result when required for international applicants
- Certified English translations for transcripts or recommendations that are not in English
SAT and ACT scores are optional.
Portfolio: Optional for prospective majors in Studio Art, Music, Theater, and Dance. Studio Art applicants who submit a portfolio should include at least four works drawn from direct observation.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision I Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision I Financial Aid Deadline: 8 November 2026
- Early Decision I Decision Notification: Mid-December 2026
- Early Decision II Deadline: 8 January 2027
- Regular Decision Deadline: 8 January 2027
- Early Decision II / Regular Decision Financial Aid Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Early Decision II Decision Notification: Mid-February 2027
- Regular Decision Decision Notification: Mid-March 2027
- Regular Decision Reply Deadline: 1 May 2027
- Final Transcript: 15 July 2027
Location
Skidmore College — Saratoga Springs, New York, United States
Additional Details
Skidmore is an undergraduate liberal arts institution; the relevant programs identified here are undergraduate programs, majors, minors, and interdisciplinary study rather than standalone graduate art or film degrees. The Media and Film Studies offering is a minor, while students can also use the minor as a foundation for a self-determined major in media or film subject to the college's approval process.
International applicants should distinguish general admission requirements from English-proficiency requirements: English testing depends on the applicant's educational language background, while portfolios in the creative disciplines remain optional.