Overview
Hamilton, NY Situated in Hamilton, New York, Colgate University is known for its beautiful campus and strong liberal arts curriculum. Colgate students will receive a strong education in many different sets of topics.
There are currently 3,124 undergraduates at Colgate and the school’s acceptance rate is 12%. The tuition at Colgate is $64,290.
Liberal Arts
100% Need
QuestBridge
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$83,650
$59,598
$24,052
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$83,650for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Colgate is $83,650. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Colgate would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Colgate University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Colgate need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Colgate is 002701 and the CSS Profile Code is 2086.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Using State Grants at Colgate
If you are a New York State resident considering Colgate, be sure to investigate the TAP program. If you are attending a qualifying program and meet financial need requirements, you may receive thousands of dollars per year to put towards your education. Additionally, if you apply to a CUNY or SUNY school, you could be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, which would make your education tuition-free.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more New York scholarships
Colgate University QuestBridge Scholarships
Colgate is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Colgate University through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Colgate University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Colgate has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at Colgate
Colgate is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Colgate's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at Colgate University
13% of students at Colgate University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Colgate University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Colgate students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Colgate University Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Colgate or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
Admissions
12%
33
Coalition Colleges
Colgate is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Colgate via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Is Colgate test-optional?
Colgate University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Colgate?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Colgate University. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Colgate?
Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at Colgate during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Colgate students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 15.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 15.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Colgate?
Applying to Colgate with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
9:1
Graduation Rate
91%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
37%
37% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
12%
12% of graduates
Psychology
8%
8% of graduates
Physical Sciences
6%
6% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
5%
5% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
5% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
5%
5% of graduates
History
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
4%
4% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
3%
3% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
3%
3% of graduates
Mathematics
3%
3% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Education
2%
2% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
3,124
Pell Grant 13%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%
Undergrad Students Over 25 0%
Percent Male / Female 45% / 55%
Ethnic Diversity at Colgate
64% White
9% Hispanic
9% International / Non-Citizen
6% Asian / Pacific Islander
5% Multiracial
5% Black
2% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$85,139
Median Debt $15,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $159
Graduation Rate 91%
What is the graduation rate at Colgate University?
91% of students who start at Colgate University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 33% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Colgate University go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Colgate University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $85,139. This is $34,748 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Colgate take out in loans?
Graduates of Colgate have to take out a median of $15,000 in federal student loans. This is $1,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.