Colgate University Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
Colgate University is a selective private research university in Hamilton, New York, serving roughly 3,180 students. Admission is selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 13.88% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $85,139 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $70,306
- 2024 Average Net Price: $28,786 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 13.88% Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 3,180 99.6% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 91.17%
- Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields
- First-Generation Students: 18.1%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 4.3% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price increase of 20.2% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 93.1%
- Average SAT Score: 1508
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,261
- Applicants (IPEDS): 21,130
- Room & Board: $17,610 annual estimate
Colgate University: what the data shows
Common questions about Colgate University, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is Colgate University?
Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (ZIP 13346-1398).
Is Colgate University public or private?
Colgate University is a Private Non-profit institution.
How much does Colgate University cost?
Published tuition: $70,306.
Average net price after aid: $28,786.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $6,086 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,678 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $13,617 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $21,831 |
| $110,001+ | $48,234 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $281,224.
How hard is it to get into Colgate University?
Admission rate: 13.88%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1508 and midpoint ACT 33.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is Colgate University?
Total enrollment: 3,180 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 3,261 students.
Graduate enrollment: 18 students.
About 100% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at Colgate University?
150%-time completion rate: 91.17%.
First-year retention: 93.4%.
What do graduates of Colgate University earn?
Median earnings: $64,949 six years after entry; $85,139 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $15,000.
12.52% of students receive Pell grants.
What is Colgate University known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (113 completions)
- Political Science and Government, General (99 completions)
- Research and Experimental Psychology, Other (77 completions)
- International Relations and Affairs (47 completions)
- Computer Science (45 completions)
- English Language and Literature, General (38 completions)
- Environmental Studies (35 completions)
- Neuroscience (35 completions)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (34 completions)
- History, General (33 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is Colgate University a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 13.88%; completion rate 91.17%; median earnings $85,139 at 10 years; net price $28,786. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$70,306
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Colgate University was $70,306.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$28,786
2024 Value
In 2024 Colgate University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $28,786.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$115,144 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$28,786 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$281,224 4-Year Tuition
$17,610 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,570 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$89,486 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$357,944 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for Colgate University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
12.52% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
12.26% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Colgate University was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for Colgate University in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $46,380 | $46,380 | $17,711 |
| 2014 | $48,175 | $48,175 | $23,146 |
| 2015 | $49,970 | $49,970 | $22,687 |
| 2016 | $51,955 | $51,955 | $23,947 |
| 2017 | $53,980 | $53,980 | $23,310 |
| 2018 | $55,870 | $55,870 | $26,041 |
| 2019 | $58,045 | $58,045 | $25,834 |
| 2020 | $60,015 | $60,015 | $27,775 |
| 2021 | $61,966 | $61,966 | $24,489 |
| 2022 | $64,290 | $64,290 | $24,052 |
| 2023 | $67,024 | $67,024 | $28,920 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
13.88% Acceptance Rate
21,130 Total Applicants
2,526 Students Admitted
807 First-Time Students Enrolled
31.95% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution is highly selective, accepting fewer than 3 in 10 applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1508
ACT Average: 33
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.9 - 4.0
Estimated Median GPA: 4.00
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
Colgate University reported total enrollment of about 3,180 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 43% male and 57% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (64.2%), Hispanic or Latino (9.6%), and Non-Resident Alien (8.1%). About 12.52% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 18.1% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
99.6% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Colgate University in 2024 is 3,180 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 3,261 students. Graduate enrollment is about 18 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
93.4%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 64.2%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
84.91% 100% Completion Time
91.17% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 84.91% of students graduating from Colgate University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics: 65% male / 35% female
- Political Science and Government, General: 57% male / 43% female
- Research and Experimental Psychology, Other: 26% male / 74% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Colgate University.
Return on Investment
$15,000 Median Student Debt
$85,139 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
17.62% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
639.41% Return on Investment
1.8 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Colgate University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 51 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics: 113 completions
2. Political Science and Government, General: 99 completions
3. Research and Experimental Psychology, Other: 77 completions
4. International Relations and Affairs: 47 completions
5. Computer Science: 45 completions
6. English Language and Literature, General: 38 completions
7. Environmental Studies: 35 completions
8. Neuroscience: 35 completions
9. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 34 completions
Most popular programs at Colgate University.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for Colgate University graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for Colgate University from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 93.1%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $13,098
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $29,447
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
Colgate University is a private non-profit institution located in Hamilton, NY, classified as Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Political Science and Government, General, Research and Experimental Psychology, Other. Enrollment is approximately 3,180 students. Student body composition includes White (64.2%), Hispanic or Latino (9.6%), Non-Resident Alien (8.1%). It is highly selective, with an admission rate of 13.88%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1508. The 150%-time completion rate is 91.17%. Approximately 12.52% of students receive Pell Grants. About 18.1% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields
Location
Hamilton, NY 13346-1398
Region: Mid East
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 91.17% graduation rate, Colgate University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: Colgate University graduates report median earnings of $85,139 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 51 distinct degree programs, Colgate University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Colgate University located?
Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY.
What is Colgate University's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at Colgate University is 13.9% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 21,130 applicants and 2,526 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does Colgate University cost?
Reported tuition is $70,306 and average net price is $28,786 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $17,610 annually.
What is the student body demographics at Colgate University?
Colgate University reports undergraduate enrollment of about 3,261 students, White (64.2%), Hispanic or Latino (9.6%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend Colgate University?
About 18.1% of students at Colgate University are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for Colgate University?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, Colgate University reports midpoint SAT about 1508 and midpoint ACT about 33.
What do graduates of Colgate University earn?
Median earnings are $64,949 six years after entry and $85,139 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at Colgate University?
The 150%-time completion rate is 91.2% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do Colgate University students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $15,000.
Is Colgate University public or private?
Colgate University is a private nonprofit institution located in Hamilton, NY.
Is Colgate University an HBCU?
No. Colgate University is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is Colgate University a tribal college?
No. Colgate University is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- New York college costs
- New York colleges by ROI
- Mid East regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in New York
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.