“A prestigious liberal arts university in New York's Chenango Valley — rigorous academics, residential learning communities, and NCAA Division I athletics.”
Colgate University is a prestigious private liberal arts university located on a picturesque 575-acre campus in Hamilton, New York's Chenango Valley. Founded in 1819 by thirteen men with thirteen dollars and thirteen prayers — a legacy that makes the number 13 a beloved symbol throughout campus life — Colgate has evolved from its Baptist roots into a religiously diverse institution committed to rigorous undergraduate education and global engagement. The university distinguishes itself through strong emphasis on undergraduate research, global engagement through extensive off-campus study programs across 50+ countries, and a residential commons model that fosters deep learning communities. With approximately 3,200 undergraduates and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, Colgate creates an environment where personalized education and faculty-student collaborations are central to the academic experience. The $1.34 billion endowment supports meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Forbes America's Top Colleges
Forbes 2025
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Official SourceEarly Decision I
Binding
Early Decision II
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Regular Decision
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$73,206
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Strong programs in literary analysis, creative expression, historical inquiry, and cultural studies with emphasis on writing and rhetoric across all courses.
Rigorous STEM programs with ACS-certified chemistry, early-established computer science, and extensive undergraduate research opportunities.
Programs combining analytical rigor with global engagement, field research, and policy analysis through dedicated study groups in Geneva and Washington.
4 years
An interdisciplinary program offering direct exposure to international law, courts, and global issues. Features the renowned Geneva Study Group (since 1979) with a semester in Geneva including intensive French, coursework, and a 14-week internship at an international organization or NGO. A 5-year combined BA/MA option is available through a partnership with the Graduate Institute of Geneva.
4 years
One of the first colleges to establish an independent CS program. Features the new Bernstein Hall (completed 2024), a joint CS/Math major option, and faculty actively engaged in groundbreaking research with publications in top conferences and journals.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $70,306
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
