Small Private Colleges in Upstate New...

When students think of Upstate New York, they often picture the Adirondack Mountains, rolling hills, and scenic lakes. But the region is also home to a rich variety of small private colleges, each offering a close-knit community, strong academics, and a more personalized learning experience compared to large universities.

For students who value smaller class sizes, faculty mentorship, and specialized programs, Upstate New York provides excellent options. These colleges combine liberal arts traditions with hands-on learning, and many of them take advantage of the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Here are some of the best small private colleges in Upstate New York.

Paul Smith’s College – The Adirondacks

Often called the “College of the Adirondacks,” Paul Smith’s College is one of the most unique private colleges in the United States. Its location inside the Adirondack Park sets it apart, giving students a natural classroom unlike anywhere else.

Why It Stands Out:

Specialized Programs: Strong offerings in environmental science, forestry, fisheries, and hospitality management.
Hands-On Learning: Students conduct research in forests, wetlands, and lakes — directly applying classroom theory.
Small Community: With fewer than 1,000 students, everyone knows each other, and professors provide individualized mentorship.
Career Pathways: Graduates often move into conservation, state agencies, outdoor recreation, and hospitality management careers.

Paul Smith’s is ideal for students who want a tight-knit environment with a focus on the outdoors, sustainability, and community-driven education.

Explore enrollment and program details at Kollegio.

St. Lawrence University – Canton

In Northern New York, St. Lawrence University combines liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on global awareness and outdoor engagement.

Why It Stands Out:

Size and Support: Around 2,400 students keep the campus small enough for close faculty interaction.
Academic Focus: Strong programs in environmental studies, economics, and global studies.
Outdoor Opportunities: With the Adirondacks nearby, students can hike, kayak, and ski just minutes from campus.
Community: Known for its friendly culture, St. Lawrence encourages students to take leadership roles in both academics and extracurriculars.

St. Lawrence’s balance of liberal arts rigor and outdoor adventure appeals to students who want a dynamic yet intimate college experience.

Skidmore College – Saratoga Springs

Skidmore College is a small liberal arts college with about 2,600 students, located in the historic and artsy city of Saratoga Springs.

Why It Stands Out:

Creative Education: Skidmore is known for blending the arts and sciences under the motto “Creative Thought Matters.”
Academic Variety: Strong programs in psychology, environmental studies, management, and studio art.
Student Research: Opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research projects early in their education.
Vibrant Location: Saratoga Springs offers cultural events, horse racing, and an active downtown scene.

Students who want a small college with an artsy, intellectually curious vibe will feel right at home at Skidmore.

Hamilton College – Clinton

Hamilton College is a small liberal arts school with about 2,000 students, known for its rigorous academics and open curriculum.

Why It Stands Out:

Open Curriculum: Students design their own educational paths, giving them flexibility and independence.
Academic Strengths: Hamilton is nationally recognized for writing, economics, and social sciences.
Close-Knit Campus: With small classes, students receive individualized guidance and strong faculty support.
Beautiful Setting: Nestled in the Mohawk Valley, Hamilton’s campus offers both charm and access to outdoor recreation.

Hamilton attracts students who want freedom in their studies within a highly selective, supportive environment.

Wells College – Aurora

Located on Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes, Wells College is one of the smallest private colleges in the state, with just a few hundred students.

Why It Stands Out:

Personalized Education: Extremely small class sizes mean students form strong relationships with professors.
Liberal Arts Focus: Popular majors include business, sustainability, and writing.
Historic Roots: Founded in 1868, Wells has a long tradition of close-knit, community-oriented education.
Scenic Campus: Students enjoy lakefront views and a peaceful environment for study and recreation.

Wells is perfect for students who want a truly intimate college experience in a serene, natural setting.

Why Small Private Colleges Appeal to Students

Small private colleges in Upstate New York offer a very different experience compared to large universities:

Individual Attention: Professors know students by name, and mentorship is part of daily life.
Community: Students quickly form strong bonds, both academically and socially.
Flexibility: Many of these colleges allow students to design interdisciplinary majors or pursue unique research.
Connection to Nature: From the Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes, students often study and play in the outdoors.

Pro Tip for Students

When deciding between small private colleges, think about:

Your Academic Goals: Do you prefer specialized programs (like Paul Smith’s) or broad liberal arts (like Hamilton)?
Location: Are you drawn to the mountains, lakes, or a small city?
Campus Culture: Look for a college where you’ll thrive academically and socially.

Use Kollegio to compare costs, scholarships, and student outcomes across these colleges to find the best fit.

Conclusion

Small private colleges in Upstate New York provide more than just academics — they offer personalized education in supportive communities, often set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country.

From Paul Smith’s College, where students study in the Adirondacks, to Skidmore College’s creative approach in Saratoga Springs, these schools give students the chance to grow intellectually while forging lifelong connections.

For students who value mentorship, small classes, and a sense of belonging, these colleges deliver the best of what higher education can offer.

By Ali Schiebel