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Colgate University

Private

Hamilton, NY

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Colgate University, in Hamilton, NY, is a private mid-sized school, enrolling around 3,180 students. Colgate University is highly selective, with an acceptance rate near 14%. Among reported majors, Computer Science shows the strongest outcomes -- $161,980/year in median earnings four years after graduation. On-campus housing is mandatory here.

Admissions

Admit rate14%
SAT range1430–1540
ACT range33–34
Undergrads3,180
Yield (admits who enroll)31%
Next deadlineNov 1, 2026 (ED1)

Cost & outcomes

Cost of attendance$87,070
4-year grad rate91%
Median earnings, 10yr out$85,139

From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field.

Where do you stand against Colgate University's numbers?

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How Colgate University weighs your application

From Colgate University's own Common Data Set, 2024-25, Section C7 -- not a generic admissions checklist. What is a Common Data Set?

Academic factors
Rigor of secondary school recordVery important
Class rankVery important
Academic GPAVery important
Standardized test scoresImportant
Application essayImportant
RecommendationsImportant
Nonacademic factors
InterviewNot considered
Extracurricular activitiesImportant
Talent/abilityImportant
Character/personal qualitiesImportant
First generationConsidered
Alumni relation (legacy)Considered
Geographical residenceConsidered
State residencyNot considered
Religious affiliationNot considered
Volunteer workImportant
Work experienceConsidered
Level of interest (demonstrated interest)Not considered
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Paying it back

Undergrads taking federal loans12%
Loan balance still growing, 3yrs out86%

"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.

Majors & earnings

Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biology, General$57,996/yr
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Science$161,980/yr
Education
Education, General$57,530/yr
English Language and Literature/Letters
English Language and Literature, General$60,702/yr
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$81,802/yr
History
History$75,784/yr
Natural Resources and Conservation
Natural Resources Conservation and Research$70,760/yr
Social Sciences
Economics$128,887/yr
Political Science and Government$83,188/yr
International Relations and National Security Studies$77,199/yr

Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.

Campus life

On-campus housingYes
Required to live on campusYes
Dormitory capacity3,010
Typical room charge$7,778
Typical board charge$8,328

Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.

What matters in your application

GPARequired
Class rankConsidered, not required
RecommendationsRequired

From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.

Frequently asked questions

What does Colgate University look for in applicants?

Per Colgate University's own Common Data Set (Section C7), it rates rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA as "very important" in admissions decisions -- its own stated top factors, not a generic guess.

What is Colgate University's acceptance rate?

Colgate University in Hamilton, NY admits approximately 14% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.

What SAT score do I need for Colgate University?

Admitted students at Colgate University typically score between 1430–1540 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).

What ACT score do I need for Colgate University?

Admitted students at Colgate University typically score between 33–34 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).

How much does Colgate University cost?

Colgate University's total cost of attendance is reported at $87,070 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.

When is the application deadline for Colgate University?

Colgate University's earliest deadline is Nov 1, 2026 (ED1), per its own published admissions calendar.

Does Colgate University require students to live on campus?

Yes -- Colgate University requires students to live in on-campus housing.

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