About Colgate University
The sticker price of $67,024 for tuition looks daunting, but the average net price drops to $29,107 after aid. Students graduate with a median debt of just $15,000, remarkably low for a private college. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $85,139, making the investment worthwhile for most families. The university's generous aid brings costs down to $3,341 for families earning under $30,000.
Colgate's Division I athletics program includes 21 varsity sports with 628 student-athletes competing in the Patriot League. The 90.89% four-year graduation rate reflects the university's academic rigor and strong support systems. Students embrace the Raiders spirit while building networks that last decades beyond graduation.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 94.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 90.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 90.5%
- Retention Rate
- 92.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $85,139
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $67,995 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,171 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $53,775 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $44,942 |
| Philosophy. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $42,123 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
Campus Life
Weekend life revolves around the Jug, the campus bar, and fraternity parties that dominate the social scene. Greek life plays a major role despite being officially banned, with underground societies and off-campus houses maintaining strong influence. Students bundle up for football games against rival Hamilton College or head to nearby Colgate Lake for outdoor activities. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and expect you in class Monday morning. With 75% of students coming from out of state, campus empties during breaks as students jet home to affluent suburbs nationwide.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,958 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1819
Campus Safety (2023)
37 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–27°F
- July Avg
- 57°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 77.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.0%
- Women
- 56.0%
- White
- 64.7%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 9.5%
- Asian
- 5.5%
- In-State Students
- 24.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.7%
Location
- Address
- Hamilton, New York 13346-1398
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $85,139
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $78,336
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $54,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Colgate University?
Colgate University accepts just 12.43% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students need strong academics to compete, with the middle 50% scoring between 1410-1530 on the SAT. This exclusivity contributes to Colgate's reputation as an top liberal arts college.
How much does Colgate University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Colgate University is $29,107, lower than the $67,024 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,341 on average. Despite the high cost, graduates typically have only $15,000 in median debt thanks to generous institutional aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Colgate University?
Colgate University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,122 total students. This small size allows for intimate classroom discussions and close mentoring relationships. The liberal arts focus emphasizes critical thinking and writing across disciplines.
What do Colgate University graduates earn after college?
Colgate University graduates earn a median of $85,139 ten years after graduation. The strong alumni network, particularly on Wall Street and in consulting, helps open doors for recent graduates. A 92.9% employment rate reflects the value employers place on a Colgate education.
Where is Colgate University located and what is campus life like?
Colgate University sits in rural Hamilton, New York, with 2,958 students living on the picturesque campus. The 92.85% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the tight-knit community. The rural setting creates a bubble effect where campus traditions and Greek life dominate social life.
Does Colgate University have strong athletics programs?
Colgate University fields 21 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division I as part of the Patriot League. With 628 total athletes and over $16 million in athletic scholarships, sports play a major role in campus culture. The Raiders are particularly known for competitive hockey and lacrosse programs.
