CASHNet Monthly Payment Plan
Smith offers semester payment plans which allow students to pay their semester balance in four equal installments. Payments are due on the 10th of the month. You can sign up for a payment plan in CASHNet, Smith’s student billing system.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal direct student loans are used by many students to help finance educational costs.
A subsidized loan does not accrue interest while you are in school. An unsubsidized loan does accrue interest while you are enrolled.
The amounts vary depending on the student's circumstances and other financial aid. Please contact us to determine your eligibility.
Independent students and dependent students whose parent was denied a PLUS loan may be able to borrow an additional $4,000 each year for their first and second years of school and an additional $5,000 each year for their third and fourth years of school.
Students who do not qualify for the subsidy may still apply and borrow under the unsubsidized program. For unsubsidized loans, interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed. Students qualifying for the subsidized loan can generally also borrow through the additional unsubsidized program.
Parent PLUS Loans
Parent PLUS Loans are offered by the Department of Education (Dept.) for parents of undergraduate students who are considered dependent in terms of federal aid. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Approval is credit-based.
Effective July 1, 2026 and beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3), significant changes were made to the Parent PLUS Loan program. Parents who are borrowing for an individual student for the first time will be limited to $20,000 per year, per student, and have a per student lifetime maximum of $65,000. This information is not expected to be finalized until the spring of 2026. Additional updates will be provided here as they become available.
*Disclaimer - the information above is the most accurate interpretation of what is available as of December 2025. Regulations are expected to be finalized in the spring of 2026.
Private College 529 Plan
Smith College is a proud participant in the Private College 529 Plan, a prepaid tuition plan sponsored by more than 280 private colleges across the country, including Smith. Accounts must be held for a minimum of 36 months before they can be redeemed for tuition. For more information, please see privatecollege529.com.