Paul Smith's College is a small private college in the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York, on the shore of Lower St. Regis Lake. It's known for forestry, fisheries and wildlife, environmental science, culinary arts and hospitality, with a 14,000-acre campus used as an outdoor classroom. It's a strong fit for students who want to study outdoors.
Paul Smiths, New York, United States
Official website: paulsmiths.edu
1946 in the Adirondacks
About 14,000 acres of forest and lakes
Natural resources and hospitality
$30,000 – $34,000
International students, before scholarships
$12,000 – $15,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on paulsmiths.edu before you apply.
BS Forestry
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BS Fisheries and Wildlife Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BS Environmental Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BPS Culinary Arts and Service Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
A huge forest and lake campus used for field work.
Forestry and wildlife programmes.
Culinary arts in the Adirondacks.
Graduates join forestry agencies, conservation groups and parks.
Culinary graduates work in resorts and restaurants.
Bachelor's graduates may qualify for OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus sits on a lake in the Adirondack Park, with residence halls and trails.
It's remote and beautiful. Lake Placid is 30 minutes away, and Montreal about two hours.
Form I-20 issued by Paul Smith's College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Paul Smith's reviews applications on a rolling basis. Apply by spring for fall.
Most programmes start in the fall.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Paul Smith's College issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Forestry, fisheries and wildlife, environmental studies and culinary arts are the main programmes. Entry is based on grades with IELTS 6.0.
Paul Smith's offers merit scholarships to international students. Ask admissions.
