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.