About

See what students say:

Academics

Nestled in the charming upstate New York village of Hamilton, Colgate University attracts students who have said they are seeking a "a small liberal arts school that had the opportunities and resources of a larger institution." A Colgate bond is for life, and the university's "invaluable" professors are a driving factor in creating a loyal and "heavily involved alumni network" that "makes the Colgate connection a truly valuable resource." A senior recognizes the lasting impact of their choice before graduating: "Colgate allowed me to become the person I always wanted to be, but didn't know I was capable of being." That's due in part to a "very rigorous academic curriculum" that includes foundational experiences such as First-Year Seminars and Living and Learning Workshops; students find the tools imparted at the early stages of the college path make them feel they are "more than just a number" and that support can be found from any one of the "internationally influential" professors who "are the glue that hold the university together." A student says, "One of the wonderful things about Colgate is that...students do not have to wait until their senior year to build fantastic relationships with the faculty." While some say that "course selection is very stressful, and [first-years] often get slighted," students assure there are "caring professors that are meaningfully invested in your academic success." The school encourages students to supplement their classes with pre-professional programs and immersive learning experiences, and to work with faculty on graduate-level research and ensures "there are a plethora of resources available to students to succeed."

Student Body

Colgate students are all about balance: they "enjoy having fun, but [spend] time in the library as well." Some depict this as a "country club atmosphere," at least so far as style goes, but the school has been prioritizing diversity and inclusion and has a "happy and enthusiastic student body." Students also explain that "when you're stranded in Hamilton, New York, for four years you'll inevitably end up fitting in...whether you are the typical student or not." That said, those who attend Colgate tend to be "athletic, smart, engaged, and down to earth." While "Greek life does have a huge presence in the social life at Colgate," students say "it is not exclusive to just those who are members," and the administration has undertaken "initiatives to expand the amount of alternatives to partying on weekends." At the end of the day, if a student is "not afraid to do what they love, they will find their niche and fit in."

Campus Life

The Colgate bubble is a happy enclave in which "everything [revolves] around the campus," where housing is guaranteed for all four years. One student means it fully as a compliment when saying "I loved how Colgate was located in the middle of nowhere." That peaceful isolation and "intimate nature" means that "it is easy for students to contact the administration," and even the dean has drop-in office hours. The school also goes out of its way to "[bring] a lot of interesting speakers to the campus, which helps provide for a more rounded liberal arts experience," and students are also actively involved in Greek life and Division I athletics. "Colgate strives for the perfect combination of academics and extracurriculars," and students say the school "does a great job at helping us balance those and gives us opportunities to get involved in all the groups and events around campus." The Get Involved platform acts as an online hub for students wishing to join or administrate the hundreds of organizations and clubs, making it even easier for students to stay active and happy on this "amazing campus with people who work hard and have goals but also know how to have a really fun time." A student says, "Colgate is great because you can't walk 200 feet without a professor, student, or faculty member acknowledging you by name, yet you're constantly meeting new people and having new experiences. There is never a dull moment at Colgate."

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Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Erin Milin
Associate Dean of Admission

Address
Colgate University, Admission Office
13 Oak Dr.
Hamilton, NY 13346

Phone
3152287401

Email
admission@colgate.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
O'Connor Campus Center
Hieber Cafe in Case-Geyer Library
ALANA Cultural Center
Ho Tung Visualization Lab
Trudy Fitness Center

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Downtown Hamilton
Hamilton Movie Theater
Adirondack Park
Destiny USA
Bouckville Antique Center
For more information about Hamilton, N.Y., visit https://www.colgate.edu/about/about-hamilton-ny."

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday - ?Friday, some Saturdays (check visit webpage for current schedule)
Weekdays: 8 a.m.?-5 p.m.; some Saturdays (check visit webpage for current schedule)
3152287401

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Varies
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Webinars are offered throughout the year, virtual information sessions are offered occasionally, and Colgate Admission Conversations -- in-person or virtual one-on-one meetings with currents students or alumni -- are offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. (check the virtual programming webpage for the most current schedule).

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
Please contact sports coaches directly.

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Varies

Arrangements
Class visits are offered to high school seniors in October-November and to admitted students in March-April. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit https://www.colgate.edu/admission?aid/visit.

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Limitations
Not currently available.

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
The Syracuse-Hancock International Airport is approximately 45 miles from campus. Rental cars are available at the airport. Please refer to the admission webpage for more shuttle and ground transportation options.

Driving Instructions to Campus
Please visit https://www.colgate.edu/about/our-location/maps-travel for current information, or contact the Office of Admission.

Local Accommodations
In Hamilton, N.Y., the Colgate Inn is within walking distance to the university, and Hotel One75 is approximately one mile from campus. Many bed ?and ?breakfast options are within 3 miles of the campus. For more information, visit https://www.colgate.edu/about/about-hamilton-ny/hotels-accommodations.
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Admissions

Applicants: 21,130
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Average HS GPA: 3.88







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