Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Colgate University has a 17.0% acceptance rate. Colgate University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Hamilton, NY, with a median SAT of 1500 and a median ACT of 34. The average net price is $28,786 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

17.0%

17,310 applicants

SAT Median

1500

Combined score

ACT Median

34

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$28,786

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Colgate University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Colgate University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)144015001540
ACT (composite, 1–36)333435

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

90.9%

Retention Rate

93.4%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$85,139

Student Body

3,180

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Colgate University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$6,086
$30,001 – $48,000$2,678
$48,001 – $75,000$13,617
$75,001 – $110,000$21,831
$110,000+$48,234

Top Majors at Colgate University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences263
Biological & Biomedical Sciences108
Psychology62
Computer & Information Sciences42
Natural Resources & Conservation37
Physical Sciences35
English Language & Literature31
History30
Visual & Performing Arts28
Philosophy & Religious Studies26

Financial Aid at Colgate University

About Colgate University

Official website: https://www.colgate.edu/

Admissions: https://www.colgate.edu/admission-aid

Frequently Asked Questions About Colgate University

What is the acceptance rate at Colgate University?

Colgate University has an acceptance rate of 17%. it received about 17,310 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1500; the average net price is $28,786 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Colgate University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Colgate University?

Getting into Colgate University is competitive — it admits 17% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1500. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Colgate University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Colgate University?

Admitted students at Colgate University typically have a median SAT around 1500 and a median ACT around 34. With a 17% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Colgate University?

The average net price at Colgate University is $28,786 per year after grants and scholarships. about 43% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $57,342 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Colgate University?

Colgate University has a graduation rate of 91%. its first-year retention rate is 93%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $85,139. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Colgate University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Colgate University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Colgate University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1500. With a 17% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Colgate University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

Similar Colleges

Colby College

Waterville, ME · 8% acceptance

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · 10% acceptance

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LA · 11% acceptance

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI · 16% acceptance

Boston University

Boston, MA · 13% acceptance

Haverford College

Haverford, PA · 14% acceptance

More Colleges in NY

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · 4% acceptance

Barnard College

New York, NY · 8% acceptance

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · 7% acceptance

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · 14% acceptance

New York University

New York, NY · 8% acceptance

Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · 18% acceptance

Explore More

All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools

Check Your Admission Chances at Colgate University — Free