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PrivateRural

Colgate University

Hamilton, New York 13346-1398

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Sciences-focusedRuralSports culture

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.

Established
1819
Motto
Deo ac Veritati
Mascot
Raider
Type
Private liberal arts college
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

128 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Jun 1 · Campus Visit

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12%Acceptance
1480SAT Avg
3,122Students
9:1Student:Faculty
91%Grad Rate
$85,139Earnings 10yr
$29,107Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate11.9%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1480

Reading & WritingMid: 705
710750
MathMid: 720
720780

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 33
3334

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Financial Aid

Pell Grant eligible
13%
First-generation
18%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$67,024
Room & Board$16,790
Books & Supplies$1,524
Total Cost of Attendance$83,650
Average Net Price$29,107
Median Debt at Graduation$15,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$159

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$3,341
$30–48K$9,345
$48–75K$17,685
$75–110K$31,027
$110K+$53,119

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

88.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

4.5%/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)

3

Burglary

1

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

1

Motor Vehicle Theft

2

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

6

Drug Arrests

5

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

Student-faculty ratio
9:1

Programs (49)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

93%

Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
3,122
Gender Split
56% / 44%
Women / Men
First Generation
18%
Pell Grant Recipients
13%

Race & Ethnicity

White 65%
Black 4%
Hispanic 9%
Asian 5%
Two+ 6%
Int'l 8%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate90.5%
Freshman Retention92.8%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$64,949
10 Years$85,139

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#22
vs 2024
Forbes
#45
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#22
vs 2024

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

139Very High

Estimated from NY state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

New Yorkpop. 8.3M
166 mi(288 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
199 mi(345 min)
Bostonpop. 675K
230 mi(399 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

SYR Syracuse Hancock35 mi
ALB Albany88 mi
ROC Rochester110 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA230 mi · ~6h 39m drive
New York, NY166 mi · ~4h 48m drive
Hartford, CT163 mi · ~4h 43m drive
Providence, RI222 mi · ~6h 25m drive
Albany, NY91 mi · ~2h 38m drive
Syracuse, NY35 mi · ~1h 1m drive
Rochester, NY107 mi · ~3h 5m drive
Buffalo, NY169 mi · ~4h 53m drive
Philadelphia, PA199 mi · ~5h 45m drive
Pittsburgh, PA283 mi · ~8h 11m drive
Harrisburg, PA189 mi · ~5h 28m drive
Newark, NJ160 mi · ~4h 37m drive
Trenton, NJ184 mi · ~5h 19m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

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