Colgate University
Location: Hamilton, New York
Established: 1819
Enrollment: ~3,200
Admit Rate: ~12% (Class of 2028)
Yield Rate: 35%
Endowment: $1.3 Billion
Academic Calendar: Semester
School Colors: Maroon and White, #821019
School Mascot: Raiders
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $69,600 USD (2024–25 Tuition)
Typical SAT Scores: Reading and Writing 700–750, Math 720–780Motto: Deo ac Veritati (For God and Truth)
Notable: The "Lucky 13" tradition; strong Division I athletics unusual for a liberal arts college.
HERO
Headline: Colgate University: Little Ivy Profile
Subheadline: School spirit, Division I sports, and rigorous academics in a stunning rural valley.
1. Quick Facts Snapshot
• Location: Hamilton, New York
• Founded: 1819
• Enrollment: ~3,200
• Admit rate: ~12% (Class of 2028)
• Yield rate: 35%
• Endowment: ~$1.0–1.1 Billion
2. Why This School Fits the Little Ivy Profile
• Colgate feels like a "Public Ivy" shrunk down to size. It combines the spirited athletics and Greek life of a big university with the seminar-style learning of a Little Ivy.
3. Selectivity & Admissions
• Approx admit rate: 12%
• Selectivity trend: Sharply increasing; applications have doubled in recent years.
• SAT/ACT ranges: SAT 1420–1530
4. Academic Strengths
• Signature programs: Economics; Political Science; Geology.
Faculty ratio: 9:1
Key differentiator: The Core Curriculum. One of the few colleges to maintain a structured, shared core ("Liberal Arts Core") that all students take, creating a common intellectual language.
5. Outcomes
• Salary or placement overview: One of the highest median mid-career salaries among liberal arts colleges (~$111k+).
Alumni influence: •Extremely loyal alumni network, particularly powerful on Wall Street and in the media.
Where grads typically go: Financial services (NYC), consulting, and tech.
6. Campus Culture
Traditions: The Number 13. Colgate considers 13 its lucky number; the university was founded by 13 men with $13 and 13 prayers.
Social environment: Dominant Greek life (fraternities/sororities); very social and spirited.
Notable athletics or arts strengths: Division I athletics (Patriot League); football and hockey games are major campus events.
7. How It Compares
[Colgate vs. Bucknell vs. Lehigh]
[Colgate vs. Dartmouth: The "Little Dartmouth" Comparison]
8. FAQs
Is it really isolated? Yes, it is in a rural valley, but the campus is self-contained and very active.
How big is Greek life? Approx 30-40% of students join, and it plays a central role in the social scene.
What is the "Colgate Hello"? The tradition of saying hello to everyone you pass on the campus paths.