Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Colgate University is a private rural institution in Hamilton, New York. Admission is competitive, with an average SAT of 1480.
A mid-sized campus of 3.1K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
91% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $85,139 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $29,107.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Colgate University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1480
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
87.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
18
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (49)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
93%
- •93% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History In 1817, the Baptist Education Society of the State of New York was founded by thirteen men (six clergymen and seven laymen).
- •The first classes were held in a building in the town of Hamilton.
- •In 1826, the school's trustees bought farmland that later became the focal point of the campus, known as "The Hill".
- •Originally called West Edifice before being renamed to West Hall, it is the oldest structure on campus.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average