Colgate University
About Colgate University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Colgate University is a private liberal arts university in Hamilton, New York. Highly selective with a 12% acceptance rate, it is known for its programs in economics, political science, and computer science, with a beautiful rural campus in central New York.
Founded
1819
Location
Hamilton, New York
Students
3,198
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
13.9%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
91.2%
Above national average
Tuition
$70,306
Per year
Avg Net Price
$28,786
After financial aid
SAT Average
1508
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$85,139
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 7 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Colgate University admits about 13.9% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1508. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1508/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
91.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
93.4%
4-Year Grad
87%
6-Year Grad
90%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
93.1%
$/Student
$29.4K
Class Size
Small
87% of students graduate on time, and with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$70,306
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,610
Books & Supplies
$1,570
Total Cost of Attendance
$87,070
After Financial Aid
$28,786
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,086
Receive Grants
12.5%
Take Loans
12.3%
Don't let the $70,306 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $28,786 after financial aid, a 59% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $6,086.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Colgate University fund their education.
While in School
12.5%
Get Grants
Free money
12.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$76,732
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$159/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 12.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Colgate University.
Gender
56.8%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,180
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
18
Graduates
18.1%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 18.1% are first-generation college students. 8.1% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
3,180
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Colgate University fields 13 varsity teams with 774 student athletes, about 24% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Patriot League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
774
24% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
418
Men
356
Women
10
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Colgate Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$85,139
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$77K
147 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$56K
76 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$80K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$42K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
$44K
54 grads
1yr Earnings
International Relations and National Security Studies
$77K
44 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates start at $65K six years out, climb to $64K by year eight, and reach $85K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Colgate University
What is the acceptance rate at Colgate University?▾
How much does Colgate University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Colgate University?▾
How much do Colgate University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.