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Colgate University

Hamilton, NY·Private nonprofit·3,122 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $81,100 within 10 years; exceptional 91% graduation rate.

12%
Accept
3,122
Students
$29,107
Net Price
91%
Grad Rate
$81,100
Earnings
10 yr
$13,000
Debt

About This School

Colgate University is a private nonprofit institution located in Hamilton, New York with approximately 3,122 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 12%. The average net price after financial aid is $29,107 per year. The graduation rate is 91%, and the typical graduate earns $81,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

This is a strong option for students who want a tight-knit liberal arts experience with serious academic outcomes — a 91% graduation rate and median earnings of $81,100 a decade out suggest most students land on their feet. At just over 3,100 undergrads and a 12% acceptance rate, you're looking at a selective, small-campus environment that clearly works for the students it admits. The average net price of around $29,000/year and a median debt of only $13,000 at graduation are genuinely encouraging financial numbers, though Hamilton, NY is a very rural setting that isn't for everyone.

Founded
1819
Setting
Distant rural

Popular Programs

Social Sciences36%
Biological Sciences15%
Psychology7%
Computer Science7%
Physical Sciences6%
English4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Education2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John CassavetesCharles Evans HughesOswald AveryCharles AddamsWilliam P. RogersBob BalabanChris HedgesAndy RooneyBruce BuckJohn DeanNeil ShubinAndrew Hill

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1480
Reading 75th %ile750
Math 75th %ile780

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite33

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$67,024
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,024
Avg Net Price
$29,107
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants13%
Median debt at graduation$13,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
91%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
93%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$81,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$54,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$81,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 6.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White65%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,122 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Colgate University

13 Oak Drive

Hamilton, NY 13346-1398

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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