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Colgate University

Hamilton, NY

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Deo ac Veritati (Latin)(For God and for Truth)

Wikipedia
1819
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
3,122
Total Students
3,219
Undergrad
11
Graduate
$1.3B
Endowment
$67K
Tuition (In-State)
$67K
Tuition (Out-State)
$29K
Avg Net Price
12%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Graduation Rate
6-year
93%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Brian W. Casey

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

1817
The Baptist Education Society of the State of New York was founded by thirteen men.
1819
State granted the school a charter; it opened for classes.
1823
Renamed the Hamilton Literary & Theological Institution.
1826
School's trustees bought farmland that would become "The Hill" campus.
1846
Granted a college charter and renamed Madison University.
1890
Changed its name to Colgate University in recognition of the Colgate family's gifts.
1970
Colgate University became fully coeducational.
2022
Implemented a new tuition policy, making attendance tuition-free for students from families making $80,000 or less.
🏛️
207 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Colgate University

🎭

Master of Arts in Teaching Program

A small graduate program offered by the university.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Lesleigh Cushing
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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