About Hamilton College
The sticker price hits $83,230, but most families pay far less thanks to generous aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,906 after aid, while those from $110,000-plus households still get help, paying $50,232 on average. Graduates earn a median of $78,411 ten years out, with typical debt loads of only $17,000. The math works well for most students, especially given Hamilton's 91% four-year graduation rate.
With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and 95.6% retention rate, students rarely want to leave once they arrive. The college fields 29 varsity sports teams in Division III, where 698 students compete without athletic scholarships. About 69% of students come from out of state, creating a geographically diverse community despite the rural New York setting.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 91.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.3%
- Retention Rate
- 95.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,411
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $63,501 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $59,045 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $53,894 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
The college operates on a semester system, and with 29 varsity sports drawing 698 athletes (about a third of all students), athletic events anchor many weekends. The open curriculum means no required classes outside your major, so students craft highly personalized academic paths. With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you'll know your professors well. Weekend activities center around the tight-knit campus community since Clinton is a small town. Students often head to nearby Colgate University for parties or make trips to Syracuse for city amenities. The Honor Code runs deep here - students take unproctored exams and the honor system shapes campus culture. Most social life happens in residence halls or at campus events rather than off-campus parties.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,055 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1900
Campus Safety (2023)
34 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–29°F
- July Avg
- 59°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 77.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.6%
- Women
- 55.5%
- White
- 64.7%
- Black
- 2.9%
- Hispanic
- 9.1%
- Asian
- 8.9%
- In-State Students
- 31.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.1%
Location
- Address
- Clinton, New York 13323
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,411
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $77,354
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $55,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 89.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $180/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Hamilton College?
Hamilton accepts just 11.78% of applicants, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. Students who get in typically score between 1420-1540 on the SAT with a median of 1480.
How much does Hamilton College cost after financial aid?
The sticker price reaches $83,230 including room and board, but the average net price drops to $28,314 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,906 on average, while Hamilton's generous aid reduces median debt to only $17,000.
What makes Hamilton College's academic program unique?
Hamilton operates with a completely open curriculum that requires no distribution requirements or core classes. Students work closely with faculty in a 9:1 student-faculty ratio to design their own academic path around their interests and goals.
What do Hamilton College graduates earn after graduation?
Hamilton graduates earn a median of $78,411 ten years after graduation with a strong 94.6% employment rate. The college maintains a 91.30% six-year graduation rate, reflecting both academic rigor and student support.
Where is Hamilton College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Clinton, New York, a small town setting that houses all 2,045 students in campus housing capacity of 2,055. With 29 varsity sports teams and 698 student athletes, the Continentals compete in NCAA Division III as part of the strong NESCAC conference.
Does Hamilton College have a strong alumni network?
Hamilton boasts notable graduates including fantasy author Terry Brooks, Nobel Peace Prize winner Elihu Root, and behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner. The college's 95.61% retention rate and close-knit community of just over 2,000 students creates lasting connections that extend well beyond graduation.
