Types of Aid
100% of need met
Skidmore meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students. Aid packages can include Skidmore grants, Skidmore scholarships, government grants, work-study, and zero or low interest student loans, depending on total family income. If awarded, your package will be re-offered annually to ensure your need is met for all four years and can be appealed if your circumstances change.
For more information, be sure to also:
Skidmore aid
Grant Aid
Skidmore grants are a form of gift aid — money you don’t need to repay. Like scholarships, they help cover your costs, but they’re awarded based on demonstrated financial need, not merit. To be considered, you’ll submit the CSS Profile when you apply. This form helps us understand your family’s financial picture so we can calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI). That number helps determine how much your family can contribute. We subtract your SAI from Skidmore’s Cost of Attendance (COA), and the difference is your demonstrated need. We meet 100% of that need with a combination of grants and other aid.
Want to see how this works in real life? Check out our sample cost scenarios to see how we help different families pay for Skidmore.
Merit Aid
Merit aid at Skidmore is limited and highly selective. It’s awarded based on your achievements and potential, not financial need. Skidmore offers two prestigious merit programs, each awarding $20,000 per year, for a total of $80,000 over four years. Like all gift aid, merit scholarships do not need to be repaid.
The Filene Music Scholarship (4 to 6 awarded annually):
- How to apply: Apply to Skidmore and complete the Filene application by January 15. Four to six students will be invited to perform at the Filene Music Competition.
- Questions? Email Artist in Residence Michael Emery.
- How to apply: Check the Porter/Wachenheim Scholarship option on your application. After you submit
your application to Skidmore, log into your applicant portal and upload a PDF document
that lists any extracurricular science and math activities you have been involved
in (e.g., school clubs, academic teams, tutoring, relevant volunteer work, shadowing/internship
experiences, independent studies, summer research programs, etc.) and any awards/honors
you have received (e.g., science fair competitions, science or math Olympiad medals,
high testing, etc.). This can include anything in biology, chemistry, computer science,
environmental sciences, geosciences, health and human physiological sciences, mathematics
and statistics, neuroscience, physics, or psychology. Then, underneath the list, write
a brief essay discussing:
- your interests in science and/or mathematics,
- how the activities you list above have helped you grow as a scientist and/or mathematician, and
- how you hope to pursue your scholarly interests at Skidmore.
- Questions? Email Professor of Psychology Rebecca Johnson.
Government grants
Government grants are another form of gift aid — and you don’t need to pay them back. These funds come from the U.S. Department of Education and the state of New York and are awarded based on financial need. Programs include Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and New York State TAP (for New York residents).
- How to apply: Submit your FAFSA by June 30 of the year you plan to enroll.
Student employment
Student employment is a way to help cover personal expenses — like books, snacks, or travel — while gaining valuable work experience. If you qualify for federal work-study (based on your FAFSA), Skidmore will recommend a job as part of your financial aid package. These roles are paid through Skidmore’s payroll, but earnings go directly to you, not toward tuition. The typical student job budget is about $4,000 per year. You’ll need to apply for a campus job each year and work enough hours to earn your full allotment. Even if you don’t qualify for work-study, you can still apply for on-campus jobs, as many are open to all students.
- How to apply: Submit the FAFSA. If you’re eligible for federal work-study, you’ll see it included in your aid package. Then, once you enroll, apply for campus jobs through Skidmore’s student employment portal.
Loans
Loans are borrowed funds that you or your family repay over time. They may be offered through the U.S. Department of Education or private lenders and can be in your name or your parent’s. It’s common for students to have loans as part of their aid package — but at Skidmore, we’re committed to keeping loan amounts low so repayment stays manageable after graduation.
Loan information on Financial Aid website
Outside scholarships
Outside scholarships can help lower your out-of-pocket costs — and you’re encouraged to apply. These awards come from foundations, employers, community organizations, or religious and civic groups — not Skidmore or the government. These scholarships are awarded separately from your Skidmore, federal, or state aid.