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College comparison
Colgate vs Hamilton
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Colgate Hamilton, NY |  Hamilton Clinton, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHamilton College is more selective | 14% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1430–1540 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,180 | 2,030 |
| Avg net price | $28,786 | $28,985 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Colgate reports higher median earnings | $85,139 | $78,411 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 91% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $17,000 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 2.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Colgate vs Hamilton: how they compare
Two liberal arts colleges in upstate New York, Colgate and Hamilton, offer distinct campus cultures within a framework of academic rigor.
By the numbers Both schools share a 14% acceptance rate and 91% graduation rate. Their student academic profiles are nearly identical: Colgate's middle 50% SAT range is 1430–1540, while Hamilton's is slightly higher at 1450–1550. The average net price is the same at $29,000. Key differences emerge in outcomes and institutional stability: Colgate's 10-year median earnings are $85,000, compared to Hamilton's $78,000, giving Colgate a higher calculated value (3.0× vs. 2.7× earnings per dollar of net price). However, Hamilton excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 230% versus Colgate's 87%. Hamilton also shows greater stability in admissions (49% admit-rate volatility vs. 112%) and a slightly stronger DOE financial-health score (2.9/3 vs. 2.6/3).
Where they overlap Both are residential liberal arts colleges with rigorous academic environments and high graduation success. They are located in upstate New York, fostering immersive campus communities.
How they differ The core distinction is social and cultural. Colgate, set in a college town, has a social scene centered on Greek life and athletics. Hamilton, in a suburban setting, is characterized as having a more academically-focused student culture with a reduced Greek presence. Academically, Hamilton is noted for balanced strength with a focus on writing, while Colgate is often associated with pre-professional tracks.
Who each suits Colgate may suit a student seeking a liberal arts experience with defined social structures in a rural setting. Hamilton may be ideal for a more independent student who prefers a writing-intensive environment and values economic mobility.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Colgate University or Hamilton College harder to get into?
- Hamilton College is more selective: Colgate University's acceptance rate is approximately 14% and Hamilton College's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Colgate University vs Hamilton College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1430–1540 at Colgate University and 1450–1550 at Hamilton College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.