Applying for Financial Aid at Skidmore College | Meeting 100% of demonstrated need

At Skidmore College, financial aid is our investment in you — not a reward you have to keep earning.

We meet 100% of demonstrated need for all four years, and your financial aid advisor works with your family to understand costs early, plan for the full four-year investment, and make a confident decision about what comes next.

How to apply for Skidmore grants and scholarships

To be considered for Skidmore grants and aid, all you need is the College Board CSS Profile, submitted by the priority deadline. We’ll handle the rest.

Early Decision I: November 8
Early Decision II and Regular Decision: January 15

You may also choose to complete the FAFSA later to access federal and state aid, but to receive a Skidmore aid offer, the CSS Profile is all that’s required. You are welcome to apply for aid after these dates, too, but budget availability may vary.
Complete the CSS Profile

International applicants: You can apply for need-based aid using either the CSS Profile or Skidmore’s free International Student Financial Aid Application, available in your Applicant Portal after you apply.

Transfer applicants: Need-based aid is available. Submit the CSS Profile by November 1 for spring entry or April 1 for fall entry.

100%

of demonstrated need met for all four years

63%

of students receive Skidmore grants and scholarships

$64,400

average aid package

$96 million

annual financial aid budget

A smiling Skidmore College graduate in a black cap and gown holds a diploma cover while wearing a green and yellow first-generation stole at commencement.

Get an aid estimate

In calculating demonstrated need, Skidmore looks at your family’s full financial picture, not income alone. Assets, household circumstances, and other factors can all affect demonstrated need.

Use our cost calculators to estimate what Skidmore could cost your family. For a more personalized answer, you can also request a pre-estimate before you apply — especially helpful if you’re considering Early Decision and want a clearer sense of cost before making that commitment.

Use our cost calculators or request a pre-estimate

Sample scenarios

What might financial aid look like for your family? Explore six examples showing how grants, loans, work-study, and family contributions can come together to make a Skidmore education more affordable.

These examples use estimated 2026–27 financial aid figures. Actual awards depend on each family's financial circumstances.

Scenario 1

$40,000 family income

$5,000 parent savings
4 in household
1 in college

Estimated breakdown

Grant: $88,290
Student loan: $3,500
Work-study: $2,600
Family contribution: $2,000

Scenario 2

$75,000 family income

$50,000 home equity
$10,000 cash/savings
4 in household, 1 in college

Estimated breakdown

Grant: $83,190
Student loan: $3,500
Work-study: $2,600
Family contribution: $7,100

Scenario 3

$123,000 family income

$50,000 home equity
$10,000 cash/savings
4 in household, 1 in college

Estimated breakdown

Grant: $72,690
Student loan: $3,500
Work-study: $2,600
Family contribution: $17,600

Scenario 4

$186,000 family income

$250,000 home equity
$20,000 cash/savings
4 in household, 1 in college

Estimated breakdown

Grant: $60,490
Student loan: $3,500
Work-study: $2,600
Family contribution: $29,800

Scenario 5

$186,000 family income

$250,000 home equity
$20,000 cash/savings
4 in household, 2 in college

Estimated breakdown

Grant: $72,390
Student loan: $3,500
Work-study: $2,600
Family contribution: $17,900

Scenario 6

$300,000 family income

$250,000 home equity
$20,000 cash/savings
4 in household, 1 in college

Estimated breakdown

Grant: $39,000
Student loan: $3,500
Work-study: $2,600
Family contribution: $45,100

Note: These scenarios are illustrative estimates, not financial aid guarantees. Your actual financial aid eligibility will depend on a review of your family's financial circumstances. Chart proportions reflect the four amounts listed for each scenario.

Understand your aid package

Not all financial aid works the same way. Understanding what you’re being offered can help you compare colleges more clearly. Learn the difference between need-based aid to merit aid and see how Skidmore grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans work together in a financial aid package.

Review types of aid

Count on a dedicated advisor

Financial aid isn’t a one-time transaction at Skidmore. Your family is assigned a financial aid advisor who can work with you before you apply and stay with you throughout your four years.

That means you have someone who knows your circumstances, can answer questions as they come up, and can revisit your aid when life changes. You shouldn’t have to navigate an important financial decision alone — or start from scratch every year.

Email finaid@skidmore.edu to get started

A group of joyful students in graduation caps and gowns gather closely to take a selfie. They are smiling and wearing stoles that represent diverse cultures and academic achievements, surrounded by fellow graduates and families in the background.

Financial Aid 101

The financial aid process has its own terms — but don’t worry, we make it easy. Our short video guides help break it down.

Watch the series

More to explore

Study guide

We’ve prepared a downloadable admissions and aid guide for you to save on your phone, hang on your fridge, or frame wherever you put things you don’t want to forget!

Download your copy

Contact Admissions and Aid

Phone

Admissions: 518-580-5570
Financial Aid: 518-580-5750

Mail

Office of Admissions
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Office of Financial Aid
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

admissions@skidmore.edu
finaid@skidmore.edu

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