Colgate University is a private liberal arts college located in Hamilton, New York. It was founded in 1819 by the Baptist Education Society of the State of New York, and it is the oldest college in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Colgate is known for its strong academic reputation. The university is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Colgate’s faculty are world-renowned scholars, and they are committed to providing students with a rigorous and challenging education. In addition to its academic excellence, Colgate is also known for its vibrant campus life. The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Colgate is also home to a number of NCAA Division I athletic teams. Colgate is a great place to study, live, and grow. The university offers a challenging academic environment, a vibrant campus life, and a beautiful campus setting.
Location
Colgate University is located in Hamilton, New York, on a 575-acre campus. The campus is situated on a hillside at the northern edge of the Allegheny Plateau, and it is home to a variety of academic buildings, student residences, and athletic facilities. The heart of the campus is the Main Quad, which is a quadrangular green space surrounded by academic buildings. The Main Quad is home to some of Colgate’s most iconic buildings, including Old Main, the Chapel, and the Sage Library.
The Chapel is a Gothic Revival building that was completed in 1860. It is the spiritual center of the Colgate community, and it is used for religious services, concerts, and lectures. The Sage Library is the main library at Colgate. It is a large, modern building that houses a collection of over 1 million books and journals. Randolph Hall is the oldest building on campus. It was built in 1827 and is now home to the Colgate University Museum of Art. Taylor Lake is a small lake located on the campus of Colgate. It is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The campus of Colgate is a beautiful and inviting place to learn and grow. It is a place where students can thrive academically, intellectually, and socially.
Student Cohort Size
Colgate University has a total student population of 3,206 students. 56% of the students are females and 44% of the students are male. 9% of the admitted students are international students.
Four-Year Completion Rate
The graduation rate is among the most important factors when selecting a college. Colgate University’s first-year retention rate is 94%. This means that 94% of first-year students continue their education for their sophomore year and beyond. The 4-year graduation rate is 88%. This implies that 88% of students were able to graduate after 4 years. The 6-year graduation rate is 91%. This implies that 91% of students were able to graduate after 6 years.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Student-to-Faculty Ratio at Colgate University is 9:1. Most of the classes have an average class size of 16 students.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Colgate University received 21,130 applications and accepted 2,508 applicants with an acceptance rate of 12%. The university received 2,101 applications through the early decision program and enrolled 471 students. The admitted students represent 50 states and 152 countries. The Class of 2027 enrolled 9% of international students.
Acceptance GPA
Colgate University accepts students with a high school GPA of more than 3.95. 94% of the admitted students are from the top 20% of their high school class.
Types of Admission
Colgate University applicants can apply through the Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision programs. Early Decision is a binding admission plan for students who have determined that Colgate University is their first choice and who feel they can present a strong application without senior grades being reviewed. Students admitted through the Early Decision admission plan are required to cancel their applications elsewhere and enroll in Colgate University. Regular Decision is a non-binding and unrestrictive admission plan that allows students more time to complete the application and to have grades from the first term of their senior year considered in the review.
Application Components
Complete the online application through the Common Application or Coalition, powered by Scoir
$60 nonrefundable application fee, or fee waiver for qualified students
Early Decision Agreement: Submit the Early Decision Agreement (PDF) with the signatures of the student, a parent/guardian, and a guidance counselor.
Official high school transcript: An official high school transcript will display courses and grades for all years of high school attended.
Mid-year grades: Mid-year grades are the first semester or first trimester grades from your final year of high school.
Guidance Counselor letter of recommendation: The guidance counselor’s recommendation should detail academic and personal preparedness for post-secondary education.
Two academic teacher letters of recommendation: Recommendations must be from core academic teachers who worked with a student in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
Standardized Test Scores: While test scores are optional for students applying for fall 2023 and fall 2024, the average SAT scores for admitted students were between 1470 and 1540, and the average ACT scores were between 33 and 35.
Supplemental Essays:
Prompt 1: On Colgate’s campus, students engage with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, and perspectives during the course of their educational and social experiences. In 200-250 words, please share the benefits you see in engaging with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff as part of your Colgate experience.
Prompt 2: Colgate students immerse themselves in social and intellectual pursuits that inspire them. Tell us in 200-250 words what inspires you and why you want to pursue that at Colgate.
Prompt 3: Please complete the following so we can learn a bit more about you. Each response should be no more than 13 words.
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I am fascinated by…
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My favorite book, movie, or television show is…
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My role model is…
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In the future, I hope to …
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One historical figure I would like to meet is…
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My favorite food is…
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One thing I would change is…
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I am most challenged by…
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My favorite place is…
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I am drawn to Colgate University because…
Academics
Colgate University offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, including arts and sciences, business, engineering, and public affairs. The university also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs, such as environmental studies and international relations.
Colgate offers 56 bachelor of arts degree programs designed to provide students with a strong foundation in a particular field of study. Colgate’s liberal arts curriculum challenges students intellectually and helps them develop a deep understanding of the world around them. The Liberal Arts Core Curriculum is a set of required courses that all Colgate students must take. The core curriculum is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills, learn how to communicate effectively and become well-rounded individuals. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous discourse, intellectual curiosity, and the energetic pursuit of knowledge. Students are encouraged to explore the evolving links between disciplines and to apply principles of modern thought to significant questions surrounding the human experience. Colgate offers a wide range of courses, from introductory courses to advanced seminars. The course schedule is designed to allow students to explore their interests and develop their academic paths.
Most Popular Majors
Economics
Political Science and Government
English
Research and Experimental Psychology
Biology
Computer Science
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
History
Environmental Science
International Relations
Traditions
The Torch Medal is a new tradition at Colgate University that was inspired by the Class of 2013 Senior Honor Society (Konosioni). The medal is awarded to each senior during their final year at Colgate, and it is presented as a token of gratitude to a faculty or staff member who has made a meaningful difference in the student’s college experience.
The Torch Medal is engraved with the Colgate seal and the words “The Light of Learning.” It is a symbol of the impact that the Colgate community has on its students. The Torch Medal tradition is a way for Colgate to honor the people who make the university such a special place. It is a reminder that the Colgate community is made up of people who care about each other and who are committed to helping students succeed.
Cost of Attendance
On-Campus
Total Cost of Attendance (On-Campus)
| First-Years & Sophomores | Juniors & Seniors | |
| Billed charges + non-billed costs* | $91,222 | $91,934 |
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*Does not include additional student charges noted below, as those do not apply to all students.Off-Campus.
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