Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — strong graduate outcomes
Hamilton College is a private suburban institution in Clinton, New York. Admission is competitive, with an average SAT of 1487.
A mid-sized campus of 2K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
91% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $78,411 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $28,314.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Hamilton College 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: 1487
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
69.3%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,015
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
14
Peer Average
13
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 (37)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
96%
- •96% 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
Varsity Sports — Rocking Chair
History & Fun Facts
- •History 1885 Lithograph of Clinton with sights including Hamilton College identified drawn by L.
- •Burleigh Hamilton College traces its origins back to 1793, when it was chartered as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, a seminary founded by Rev.
- •It applied for a charter from the New York Board of Regents in 1805, and received it in 1812, conditional on raising an endowment of $50,000 (equivalent to $948,529 in 2025).
- •Originally its location on College Hill was in the town of Paris from 1793 to 1827, then in the town of Kirkland.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average