Skidmore College, established in 1903, is a private liberal arts institution nestled in the historic city of Saratoga Springs, New York. With a scenic 890-acre campus, this coeducational college is home to approximately 2,500 students, offering a student-faculty ratio conducive to personalized learning experiences. The college takes pride in its broad-based liberal arts and sciences curriculum while providing pre-professional training in a variety of disciplines.
Distinguishing itself in the landscape of higher education, Skidmore is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and its creative streak, encapsulated by its trademarked slogan, "Creative Thought Matters." An example of this creative fusion is the John B. Moore Documentary Studies Collaborative (MDOCS), which allows students to engage in documentary work across diverse fields. The college also stands out for its Periclean Honors Forum, a program designed to enrich the academic experience through innovative courses, community service, and leadership opportunities. Furthermore, Skidmore's Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery provides a dynamic space where the visual arts are intertwined with academic inquiry across disciplines.
Skidmore College's continuous commitment to excellence can be seen in numerous facets such as its dedication to sustainability, which has been recognized by the Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges. The college's academic strength is also palpable in programs like Neuroscience, through which students engage in hands-on research often reserved for graduate students at other institutions. Additionally, Skidmore's SAIL (Student Academic Internship Ladder) program facilitates valuable internship experiences, which significantly contribute to student development and post-graduate success.
However, as with any institution, Skidmore College faces its own set of challenges. One of the more significant challenges is the cost of attendance, which is high and can be a barrier for potential students despite the generous financial aid packages offered. Additionally, in recent years, the college has been working to improve its diversity and inclusion, an area where progress is paramount to reflect a more varied student body. As the institution continues to evolve, these and other challenges will need to be addressed to ensure that Skidmore remains accessible and inclusive, fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
