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    Hamilton College

    hamilton.edu Black Arrow Icon
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    Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

    Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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    Overview

    Located in Clinton, New York, Hamilton College is known for its open curriculum, which allows students to choose courses that match their interests. The college emphasizes writing and public speaking, and notable alumni include actors Sarah Rafferty and Peter Falk.

    There are currently 2,071 undergraduates at Hamilton and the school’s acceptance rate is 12%. The tuition at Hamilton is $62,670.

    Hamilton College
    Liberal Arts Liberal Arts
    Liberal Arts colleges offer great opportunities for students to decide what they want to study. A Liberal Arts education is typically well-rounded and produces graduates who have a solid understanding of many topics. These schools tend to be smaller than universities.
    21 Suburb
    Suburban schools are a great option for students who want to take advantage of the amenities of the city while escaping the hustle and bustle. At a suburban school you’ll be within a stone’s throw of the city, but you will maintain a strong campus culture and remain grounded in your college’s community.
    Need Blind Need Blind
    Hamilton College does not factor economic need into their admissions decisions. So, your ability to pay will not affect your chances of admission.
    Need Blind 100% Need
    Hamilton College has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial need. 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.
    QuestBridge QuestBridge
    Hamilton College is a QuestBridge Partner College, which means that QuestBridge recipients can use their scholarship funds to attend this school.
    Show More

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $80,380

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $55,543

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $24,837

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition
    $62,670
    Books & Supplies
    $800
    Room & Board
    $15,910
    Other
    $1,000

    Estimated Cost:

    $80,380

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    The sticker price at Hamilton is $80,380. 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 Hamilton would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Hamilton College Financial Aid

    Students who are applying for financial aid at Hamilton College need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). 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 Hamilton College is 002728.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Using State Grants at Hamilton

    If you are a New York State resident considering Hamilton, 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.

    Hamilton College QuestBridge Scholarships

    Hamilton 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 Hamilton College 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.

    Hamilton College’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee

    Hamilton 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.

    Pell Grants at Hamilton College

    20% of students at Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College.


    You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Hamilton 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:


    Hamilton College Financial Aid Resources

    If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Hamilton 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%

    Admission Rate

    34

    Average ACT

    Coalition Colleges

    Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton test-optional?

    Hamilton College 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 Hamilton?

    Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Hamilton College. 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.

    November
    15

    Early Decision I

    January
    3

    Early Decision II

    January
    3

    Regular Decision

    What is the application deadline at Hamilton?

    Students must apply by January 3 to enroll at Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 3.

    Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Hamilton?

    Applying to Hamilton 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

    Is Hamilton College need-blind?

    Yes, Hamilton College has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 9:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 92%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Social Sciences

    32%

    32% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    14%

    14% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    9%

    9% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    7%

    7% of graduates

    Psychology

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Languages & Literatures

    5%

    5% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Mathematics

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Public Administration & Social Services

    3%

    3% of graduates

    History

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Philosophy & Religious Studies

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 2,071

    Pell Grant 18%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 0%

    Percent Male / Female 45% / 55%

    Ethnic Diversity at Hamilton

    65% White

    10% Hispanic

    9% Asian / Pacific Islander

    7% International / Non-Citizen

    5% Multiracial

    3% Black

    1% Unknown

    Student Outcomes


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $78,411

    Median Debt $17,000

    Debt 10 years after graduation $180

    Graduation Rate 92%

    What is the graduation rate at Hamilton College?

    92% of students who start at Hamilton College end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 34% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Hamilton College go on to earn?

    10 years after starting school at Hamilton College, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $78,411. This is $28,020 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 Hamilton take out in loans?

    Graduates of Hamilton have to take out a median of $17,000 in federal student loans. This is $3,500 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.

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