Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Quick Facts
“Deo ac Veritati (Latin)”(For God and for Truth)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Colgate University
Colgate University: A historic liberal arts college nestled in New York, dedicated to truth and academic rigor.
Nestled in the picturesque Hamilton, New York, Colgate University stands as a distinguished private liberal arts college with a rich history dating back to 1819. Home to approximately 3,200 undergraduates, Colgate is renowned for its immersive academic experience, offering 56 diverse majors that culminate in a Bachelor of Arts degree. Beyond academics, students thrive in a vibrant campus community, participating in over 200 clubs and organizations, and cheering on the NCAA Division I Raiders in the Patriot League.
Colgate's journey began as the Baptist Education Society of the State of New York. Over the decades, it evolved through several names, including Hamilton Literary & Theological Institution and Madison University, before officially becoming Colgate University in 1890. This final renaming honored the profound contributions and generous endowments from the Colgate family, particularly William Colgate and his son, James B. Colgate, whose legacy continues to shape the institution's commitment to excellence.
The university's academic prowess is rooted in its dedicated liberal arts focus, encouraging intellectual curiosity and critical thinking across a broad spectrum of disciplines. While primarily an undergraduate institution, Colgate also offers a specialized Master of Arts in Teaching program. Demonstrating its commitment to access and affordability, Colgate implemented a significant financial aid initiative in 2022, making tuition free for students from families earning $80,000 or less, offering reduced tuition for those between $80,000 and $150,000, and meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all other students. This commitment ensures a diverse and talented student body.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1819 as a private liberal arts college.
- ✦Enrollment of approximately 3,200 undergraduates across 56 Bachelor of Arts majors.
- ✦Endowment valued at $1.341 billion as of June 30, 2025.
- ✦University motto: "Deo ac Veritati" (Latin for "For God and for Truth").
- ✦Offers tuition-free attendance for families earning $80,000 or less, with a scaled cost for those earning up to $150,000, and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students.
- ✦Competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Patriot League and ECAC Hockey.
- ✦Vibrant student life with over 200 clubs and organizations on its rural 575-acre campus.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within Colgate University
Master of Arts in Teaching Program
A small graduate program offered by the university.
Find Scholarships at Colgate University
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search