CAMPUS · HAMILTON, NY · PRIVATE

Colgate University

11.9%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

Colgate University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

11.9%

of 21,130 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$85,139

across all majors

Colgate University at a Glance

3,222

Total Enrollment

$15,000

Median Debt

13.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Colgate University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	710	750	730
SAT Math	720	780	750
SAT Total	1430	1530	1480
ACT Composite	33	34	33

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	21,130
Students Admitted	2,526
Students Enrolled	807
Yield Rate	31.9%

Colgate University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News Liberal Arts Colleges	#22	2025

Colgate University Overview

Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY with 3,222 students. Its 11.9% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Computer Science.

Full Name	Colgate University
Location	Hamilton, NY 13346-1398
Type	Private
Website	colgate.edu/
Total Enrollment	3,222
Undergrad Enrollment	3,210
Female Students	55.7%

Is Colgate University a Reach, Match, or Safety?

With an acceptance rate of 11.9%, Colgate University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.

Your Profile	Colgate University Is...	What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application	Match	Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths	Reach	Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA	Hard Reach	Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates

Popular Majors at Colgate University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Social Sciences

34.3%

Biological Sciences

13.1%

Computer Science

6.6%

Psychology

6.6%

Physical Sciences

5.0%

Best Majors at Colgate University →

Student Demographics

White

64.1%

Black/African American

4.7%

Hispanic/Latino

9.3%

Asian

5.7%

International

8.9%

How to Get Into Colgate University

Colgate is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1480+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Colgate wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1480

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

11.9%

Acceptance Rate

21,130

Total Applicants

What Colgate University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Important
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Talent Ability	Important
Character Personal Qualities	Very Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Important
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Colgate University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Colgate University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Early Decision	Nov 1
Early Decision II	Jan 15
Regular Decision	Jan 15

Early Decision: Colgate University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Colgate University is your clear first choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colgate University

What is Colgate's acceptance rate?

Colgate has an acceptance rate of 11.9%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for Colgate?

The middle 50% SAT range at Colgate is 1430-1530. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 33-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at Colgate?

The most popular majors at Colgate by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (34.3%), Biological Sciences (13.1%), Computer Science (6.6%), Psychology (6.6%), Physical Sciences (5.0%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

Can I transfer to Colgate?

Colgate accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.