Colgate University vs Hamilton College
Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY, and Hamilton College is a private college in Clinton, NY. Both admit about 14% of applicants. Colgate University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,786 a year against $28,985 at Hamilton College. About 91% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, Colgate University alumni earn a median of about $85,139, against $78,411 for Hamilton College.
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At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Hamilton, NY
Clinton, NY
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,180
2,030
Acceptance rate
14%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1430–1540
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
33–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,786
$28,985
Full cost / yr
$87,070
$84,230
In-state tuition
$70,306
$68,960
Out-of-state tuition
$70,306
$68,960
Application fee
$60
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,086
$8,028
$30k - $48k
$2,678
$9,489
$48k - $75k
$13,617
$10,863
$75k - $110k
$21,831
$20,614
Over $110k
$48,234
$46,907
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
91%
Freshman retention
93%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,949
$60,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$85,139
$78,411
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$17,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
18%
First-generation students
18%
13%
International students
8%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 4
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Colgate University or Hamilton College harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 14% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Colgate University or Hamilton College?
- Colgate University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,786 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,985 at Hamilton College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Colgate University and Hamilton College?
- Before aid, Hamilton College costs about $84,230 a year and Colgate University about $87,070. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colgate University or Hamilton College?
- Colgate University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,086 there, against about $8,028 at Hamilton College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Colgate University or Hamilton College?
- Colgate University is the larger of the two, with about 3,180 undergraduates against 2,030 at Hamilton College.
- Does Colgate University or Hamilton College have a better graduation rate?
- Both graduate about 91% of their students.
- Do graduates of Colgate University or Hamilton College earn more?
- Colgate University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $85,139 ten years after enrolling, against about $78,411 for Hamilton College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Colgate University and Hamilton College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Colgate University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Hamilton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Colgate University and Hamilton College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1430–1540 at Colgate University and 1450–1550 at Hamilton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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