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Colgate University

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Rural · 3,180 students
Website Common App Forbes ranking Scorecard
Nov 1 · Early Decision I (binding) · in 21 days
Checked Sep 2026 · colgate.edu
$28,786
Average net priceYour net price
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
91%
Graduation rate
69% typical
$85,139
Earnings 10 years on
$58,391 typical
14%
Acceptance rate
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education
About

Colgate University is a premier liberal arts institution best known for its rigorous academics, robust undergraduate research opportunities, and exceptional outcomes in popular majors like economics, political science, and the natural sciences. Set on a picturesque campus in Hamilton, New York, Colgate uniquely pairs the intimate learning environment of a small college with the high-energy spirit of NCAA Division I athletics and a comprehensive Liberal Arts Core Curriculum. Student life is dynamic, collaborative, and active, defined by an outdoor-friendly campus culture, a strong tradition of off-campus study, and a famously loyal alumni network.

Wikipedia:Colgate University is a private liberal arts college in Hamilton, New York, United States. It was founded in 1819 as the Baptist Education Society of the State of New York and operated under that name until 1823, when it was renamed Hamilton Theological and Literary Institution, often called Hamilton College (1823–1846), then Madison College (1846–1890), and its present name since 1890.

Location
Hamilton, NY, 13346-1398 · Rural campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
SYR · Syracuse
35 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$70,306
Housing & food (on campus)$17,610
Books & supplies$1,570
Cost of attendance$100,224
Average net price$28,786
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$70,306
Housing & food (on campus)$17,610
Books & supplies$1,570
Cost of attendance$100,224
Average net price$28,786
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.colgate.edu
How it’s made up
Tuition$76,828
Fees$462
Housing$9,348
Food$10,008
Books & supplies$1,600
Personal expenses$1,128
Transportation$800
Total published by the school$100,224
Net price by family income
$0–30k
$6,086
$30–48k
$2,678
$48–75k
$13,617
$75–110k
$21,831
$110k+
$48,234
Grants from the school
42% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $56,586
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
91%
Within 4 yrs
85%
Back for yr 2
93%
Transferred
7%
Pell students: 94.3% · others: 90.7% 
8 yrs after starting
91% graduated · 7% transferred · 2% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings
6 yrs after entry$64,949
10 yrs after entry$85,139
Debt
Median at graduation$15,000
Monthly payment$159
Middle 50% owe$8k–$18.9k
90th percentile$25,333
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — arts & sciences: 69% graduate within 6 yrs, $58,391 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in
Admit rate
14%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1508
R 710–760 · M 720–780
ACT midpoint
33
Comp 33–34 · E 34–35 · M 30–34
SAT middle 50%: 1430–1540
40080012001600
Admitted students
Admit rate: men 11.9% · women 15.8% 
Yield: 28.7% of admitted students enroll 
Application deadlines · first-year, fall 2027 entry
Early Decision I
Nov 1 2026
binding in 21 days · Early Decision 1
If admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications.
Early Decision II
Jan 15 2027
binding in 96 days
A later Early Decision round: if admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications.
Regular Decision
Jan 15 2027
in 96 days
Not binding: the standard deadline.
Checked Sep 2026 · colgate.edu · Confirm on the school's site before you apply.

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Essay prompts
How much essays count at Colgate University: Important (one of four levels: very important · important · considered · not considered)
Source: Colgate University's Common Data Set — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures.

If Colgate University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 43%Women 57%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
9 : 1
Pell grant
13%
First-gen
18%
Family income
$76,732
Age at entry
19.0
Part-time
0%
Where first-years come from
In state (NY)
25.2%
Out of state
66.2%
International
8.6%

Most out-of-state first-years from: MA 74 · NJ 70 · CA 62 · CT 51 · PA 44

Race & ethnicity
White
64%
Hispanic
10%
Black
4%
Asian
5%
Two or more
6%
Non-resident
8%
Unknown
2%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division I-FCS
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Field Hockey
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's
  • Ice Hockey
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Men's · Women's
  • Rowing
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming and Diving (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs
After 6 yrs
$64,949
After 10 yrs
$85,139
Economics147
Political Science and Government76
Computer Science62
Research and Experimental Psychology62
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology54
International Relations and National Security Studies44
English Language and Literature, General39
History39
Natural Resources Conservation and Research38
Biology, General37
Philosophy32
Neurobiology and Neurosciences31
Sociology29
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution25
Physics24
Education, General20
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$1.3B
Full-time faculty
93%
Faculty salary
$13,098/mo
Teaching spend
$29,447
per student
Federal loans
12%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — arts & sciences
Research activity
Research college or university
$5M research spending
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, more selective admissions

Wondering if Colgate University is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search