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Hamilton College vs Union College

Hamilton College is a private college in Clinton, NY. Union College is a private college in Schenectady, NY. Hamilton College admits about 14% of applicants and Union College about 44%, making Hamilton College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,985 a year at Hamilton College after aid, and about $34,561 at Union College. About 91% of students graduate at Hamilton College, compared with 83% at Union College. Ten years after enrolling, Union College alumni earn a median of about $88,604, against $78,411 for Hamilton College.

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Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private

Union College

Schenectady, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Clinton, NY
Schenectady, NY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,030
2,046
Acceptance rate
14%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1550
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,985
$34,561
Full cost / yr
$84,230
$84,561
In-state tuition
$68,960
$69,039
Out-of-state tuition
$68,960
$69,039
Application fee
$65
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,028
$11,776
$30k - $48k
$9,489
$16,415
$48k - $75k
$10,863
$23,941
$75k - $110k
$20,614
$34,100
Over $110k
$46,907
$45,017
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
83%
Freshman retention
95%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,082
$63,219
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,411
$88,604
Median debt at graduation
$17,000
$25,337
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
14%
First-generation students
13%
13%
International students
8%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 15

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Hamilton College or Union College harder to get into?
Hamilton College is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 44% at Union College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Hamilton College or Union College?
Hamilton College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,985 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $34,561 at Union 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 Hamilton College and Union College?
Before aid, Hamilton College costs about $84,230 a year and Union College about $84,561. 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, Hamilton College or Union College?
Hamilton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,028 there, against about $11,776 at Union College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hamilton College or Union College?
Union College is the larger of the two, with about 2,046 undergraduates against 2,030 at Hamilton College.
Does Hamilton College or Union College have a better graduation rate?
Hamilton College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 83% at Union College.
Do graduates of Hamilton College or Union College earn more?
Union College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,604 ten years after enrolling, against about $78,411 for Hamilton College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hamilton College and Union College require SAT or ACT scores?
Hamilton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Union College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Hamilton College and Union College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1550 at Hamilton College and 1310–1480 at Union 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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