Union College and Hamilton College are two prestigious private liberal arts institutions in upstate New York, each with rich histories and strong academic profiles. This essay provides a structured comparison of Union and Hamilton across several key dimensions: academic reputation, admissions selectivity, student outcomes, campus life, faculty and research, cost and financial aid, and alumni networks. The tone remains neutral and data-driven, highlighting strengths of both colleges while underscoring Union College’s positive attributes in an unbiased manner. Table 1 summarizes selected metrics for context, followed by a detailed discussion in each category.

Key Metrics at a Glance: Union College vs. Hamilton College
(all figures 2024–25 unless noted)

‍Basic profile

• Location: Union sits on a 100-acre urban campus in Schenectady, NY; Hamilton occupies a 1,300-acre suburban “college-town” campus in Clinton, NY.

• Founding: Union (1795) and Hamilton (1793) were born two years apart and both count themselves among the oldest liberal-arts colleges in the United States.

• Scale: Union enrolls about 2,065 undergraduates, Hamilton roughly 2,000—essentially the same size.

Selectivity & test scores

• Acceptance rate (Class of 2029): Union admitted 43 % of applicants; Hamilton admitted 13.6 %.

• Middle-50 % SAT (ERW + M): Union-enrolled students scored 1320–1460; Hamilton-enrolled students scored 1440–1510.

Rankings & completion
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• U.S. News 2024 liberal-arts ranking: Union #45, Hamilton #16.

• First-year retention: Union ≈ 89 %, Hamilton ≈ 95 %.

• Six-year graduation: Union 85 %, Hamilton 91 %.

Teaching & faculty

• Student-faculty ratio: 9:1 at both colleges.

• Ph.D./terminal-degree holders: 97 % of full-time faculty at each school.

Cost & aid (2025–26)

• Comprehensive cost: Union $89,316; Hamilton ≈ $91,150.

• Students receiving need-based aid: Union 60 %; Hamilton 50 %.Merit scholarships: Union awards them to ≈ 25 % of students; Hamilton offers none (need-only).

• Average need-based grant: Union ≈ $50,000 per year; Hamilton ≈ $63,500 per year.

Resources & outcomes

• Endowment (FY-23): Union ≈ $498 million; Hamilton ≈ $1.3 billion.

• Median early-career earnings (~3 yrs after graduation): Union ≈ $45,500; Hamilton ≈ $27,600.

• Median mid-career earnings (~10 yrs after entry): Union ≈ $88,600; Hamilton ≈ $78,400.
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‍1. Academic Reputation and National Rankings
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‍Both Union College and Hamilton College have strong academic reputations as leading liberal arts institutions in the United States. Hamilton consistently ranks among the top 20 National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, tied for #16 in the 2024 rankings. Union is also well respected, ranked around #45 in the 2024 U.S. News list of top liberal arts colleges. These rankings reflect academic quality, resources, student performance, and peer reputation. While Hamilton’s higher ranking suggests a slightly stronger national profile in traditional measures, Union’s consistent position among the top liberal arts colleges highlights its solid academic reputation. Notably, Union is one of the few liberal arts colleges with ABET-accredited engineering programs, which improves its academic range and standing in STEM fields. Both colleges are recognized for their rigorous curricula and commitment to the liberal arts philosophy, graduating well-rounded individuals. External evaluations also support their academic quality: for instance, Forbes ranks Hamilton among the top liberal arts colleges, and Washington Monthly places Union in the top 100 for its contributions to the public good. In summary, while Hamilton has a higher national rank, Union is also “consistently ranked among the nation’s top colleges,” as its admissions profile states, and provides a strong academic environment along with the unique advantage of engineering and interdisciplinary programs.
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‍2. Admissions Criteria and Selectivity
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‍Admission to both Hamilton and Union is competitive, with Hamilton being very selective. Hamilton College’s acceptance rate in recent years has been around 12 to 14%. For the Class of 2029, the overall admit rate was 13.6%, with 8,904 applications and 1,210 admitted. In contrast, Union College is still competitive but less intense. Union admitted about 43% of applicants for its Class of 2029, receiving 9,249 applications and admitting 4,019. These numbers mean both schools welcome academically strong students, but Hamilton enrolls a smaller portion of a highly self-selecting applicant pool. 

The median academic credentials of admitted students show this difference. At Hamilton, the middle 50% SAT scores for incoming first-year students are around 1440 to 1510, combining Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. The ACT scores are between 33 and 34. About 85% of Hamilton’s freshmen ranked in the top 10% of their high school class. The college reports a yield of about 40% for admitted students, showing it is a top choice for many. 

Union’s enrolled students also have solid academic backgrounds, but they are a bit more modest. The middle 50% SAT range for Union’s Class of 2029 is about 1320 to 1460, with ACT scores around 30 to 34. Roughly 58% of Union freshmen were in the top tenth of their high school class, and about 76% were in the top quintile. This indicates a high-achieving student body, albeit with a broader range.

Both colleges use a holistic review process for admissions, but they emphasize different things. Hamilton features an open curriculum and looks for students who excel in a self-directed academic setting. It has a need-blind admissions policy for U.S. students and covers full demonstrated financial need. This approach can make its applicant pool more competitive. In contrast, Union College is need-aware in admissions, meaning it considers financial need in some cases to ensure it can meet full need for admitted students. Union actively recruits a diverse class and automatically considers all applicants for merit scholarships of up to $46,000 per year based on academic talent. 

Both schools have adopted test-optional policies in recent years. At Union, 57% of applicants and about half of admitted students do not submit SAT or ACT scores. Hamilton also allows students to choose whether to send their scores. Qualitative admissions factors, such as essays, recommendations, leadership, and fit with institutional values, matter at both schools. Hamilton, for example, takes pride in students’ writing skills and their alignment with its communication focus (its motto is “Know Thyself”). Union values breadth, as reflected in its motto “Under the laws of Minerva we all become brothers and sisters,” and it may favor candidates interested in its unique combined liberal arts and engineering programs.

Although Hamilton has a lower acceptance rate and higher score ranges, both colleges aim to attract academically prepared, well-rounded students. Union’s higher acceptance rate results partly from a larger class size and a mission to provide access to more students. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s admissions process is intentionally more restrictive. In summary, Hamilton stands out for its high selectivity, but Union is also quite selective and enrolls a strong group of students, with the advantage of being more accessible to qualified applicants.


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‍3. Student Outcomes: Graduation, Placement, and Earnings

‍Both Union and Hamilton show strong student outcomes, evident in their high graduation rates and successful placements after graduation. Hamilton College has a six-year graduation rate of about 91 to 92%, placing it in the top 5% of U.S. institutions. Union College follows closely with a graduation rate of around 85% for students completing within six years. This rate is still among the top 10% in the country and exceeds the national averages for four-year colleges. These statistics indicate that a large majority of students at both schools complete their degrees on time. This reflects effective academic support and student satisfaction. First-year retention rates, which indicate student happiness and fit, are also high: approximately 95% of Hamilton freshmen return for their sophomore year, while Union’s first-year retention is nearly 89%. Both rates are well above the national average of about 75%.

In terms of career placement and further education, the results are strong and similar. Union shows particularly impressive early-career earnings, likely due to its diverse programs. Around 73 to 75% of Hamilton graduates find employment or secure paid internships within six months of graduation. An additional 17% enroll in graduate or professional school. For example, a survey of the Class of 2024 showed that 70.6% were employed, including 2.8% in postgraduate internships, and 16.6% continued to graduate studies soon after graduation. Fewer than 2% of graduates were still looking for jobs at the time of the survey. Union College’s career outcomes are also positive. A first-destination report for Union's Class of 2022 showed that about 71% were employed, including those in full-time jobs or internships, and 21% were attending graduate or professional school shortly after graduation. Less than 8% were still seeking opportunities within six months. These numbers suggest that both institutions effectively prepare students for the job market and competitive graduate programs. Graduates from both colleges often go on to top-ranked graduate schools in fields such as law, medicine, business, and academia. Union alumni commonly attend schools like NYU, Columbia, and Albany Medical College for advanced degrees, while Hamilton graduates also have strong placements in graduate schools and fellowships.

Importantly, median earnings data show that Union alumni achieve solid salaries in their early and mid-career stages. According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data, the median earnings for Union College alumni about ten years after entry is around $88,600 per year. This figure surpasses the median for Hamilton College alumni at the same point, which is approximately $78,400. A significant reason for this difference may be Union's engineering and computer science graduates, fields that tend to offer higher starting salaries. Union’s top career fields for recent graduates include Engineering, Technology, Finance, and Healthcare. Private surveys, such as PayScale data, estimate Union’s median early-career pay for all graduates at about $66,000 to $67,000, and mid-career median around $134,000. These figures are comparable to or higher than many elite liberal arts colleges. Hamilton graduates also perform well financially, but many enter fields like education, research, or public service, which often have lower starting salaries. Hamilton’s reported median salary about six years after graduation stands at around $60,000, which is approximately $16,000 above the U.S. average for that timeframe. This confirms strong outcomes, although slightly lower than Union’s averages. It’s essential to note that salary is just one measure of success. Both colleges boast high rates of graduates securing meaningful employment or prestigious fellowships, such as the Watson and Fulbright programs, and report high levels of career satisfaction. In a recent alumni survey, over 85% of Union alumni expressed satisfaction with their career progress, a figure higher than that of graduates from similar institutions. Similarly, Hamilton’s outcome reports underline qualitative success. About 90% of Hamilton seniors participate in at least one internship, research project, or career-related experience during their studies, supporting a smooth transition to jobs or graduate school. Overall, students from both Union and Hamilton thrive after graduation, but Union offers a notable advantage in earnings in the job market, likely due to its pre-professional programs in engineering and business. This advantage does not come at the expense of the broad success typical of top liberal arts colleges.


‍4. Campus Life, Housing, and Student Satisfaction 

Union College’s beautiful campus in Schenectady features historic buildings and the iconic Nott Memorial. All Union students live on campus for four years, creating a close-knit residential community.

Both Union and Hamilton offer a lively campus experience, each with its own character and traditions. Housing is guaranteed and required for all four years at both colleges, which helps build strong community ties. Union’s 100-acre campus sits in an urban setting in downtown Schenectady, NY. It is self-contained and scenic, even recognized as one of America’s first planned college campuses. Every Union undergraduate lives on campus for their entire college career. The college uses a unique Minerva Houses system where every student and faculty member is assigned to one of seven Minerva Houses. These serve as hubs for academic, social, and leadership activities. These living-learning communities host events, dinners, and lectures, blending residential life with academic engagement. Union also offers theme houses and traditional residence halls, along with a historic commitment to Greek life—about one-third of Union students join the college’s fraternities or sororities, with 10 residential fraternities and sororities on campus; rush occurs during the sophomore year. Social life at Union is active with many campus-wide traditions. Being in a city, students also have access to cultural and service opportunities in the surrounding Capital Region. Surveys show that Union students are generally pleased with campus life; for instance, the freshman retention rate of around 89% suggests students find the college a good fit. The integration of academic and social aspects (through Minerva programs, undergraduate research, and more) boosts student engagement.

Hamilton College’s charming campus in Clinton, NY, is known for its classic collegiate architecture and spacious hilltop setting. All Hamilton students live and dine on campus, fostering an immersive residential community.

Hamilton’s campus life is equally vibrant, even in a more rural setting. Hamilton's 1,350-acre campus is on College Hill, overlooking the village of Clinton. It offers a classic New England small-college vibe with open greens and historic buildings. Every Hamilton student lives in campus residence halls all four years and must eat in campus dining facilities—a policy introduced in 1995 that effectively limited off-campus fraternities and shifted social life to inclusive campus events. While Hamilton previously had fraternities, they no longer dominate the social scene. Greek organizations exist but without private houses, as the college bought those houses and included them in the residence system. Instead, student life revolves around a diverse range of over 150 clubs and organizations, including academic teams, cultural clubs, performance groups, club sports, and service organizations. Both colleges have active student governments and many leadership opportunities. However, Hamilton's location and culture encourage students to create their own entertainment on campus, which leads to a tight-knit community. Hamilton’s student satisfaction is evidenced by a 95% freshman retention rate and high ratings in surveys for quality of life—students often commend the food, dorms, and sense of community. Additionally, Hamilton’s open curriculum (which has no core requirements) gives students significant academic freedom, which many say enhances their overall college satisfaction by allowing them to explore their interests more deeply. In contrast, Union’s curriculum is more structured, but it offers other ways for personalization, such as interdisciplinary majors and a high rate of study abroad (about 60% of Union students study abroad by graduation). Both campuses provide a rich student experience: Union takes advantage of its urban location with community service and city internships, while Hamilton leverages its scenic surroundings by offering outdoor activities and a close-knit campus culture.

Overall, student life at both colleges is lively and residential, with both institutions receiving high marks for student satisfaction. Union’s mix of traditional (Greek life, athletics) and modern (Minerva Houses, collaborative research) elements creates a dynamic campus where, as a recent alum put it, “opportunities for all come together.” Hamilton’s focus on inclusive campus programming (for example, Hamilton's student activities office sponsors frequent events, and nearly 90% of seniors have had an internship or career experience by graduation, often helped by alumni) and its unique academic culture also foster a rewarding environment. Each college offers a different flavor of campus life—Union may lean more urban and fraternity-oriented, while Hamilton appears more rural and traditional—but both promote high student engagement and loyalty. Notably, both schools require student residence, host over 130-150 clubs (ranging from a cappella and theater to outdoor clubs and intramurals), and maintain active athletics. Union competes in NCAA Division III (Liberty League) for most sports and Division I for ice hockey, with about one-third of students participating in varsity athletics. Hamilton is part of the NESCAC, with about 33% of its students being varsity athletes as well. These athletic and extracurricular opportunities further enrich the student experience and foster camaraderie on both campuses.


‍5. Faculty Quality and Undergraduate Research Opportunities

‍Faculty Quality and Undergraduate Research Opportunities  Both Union and Hamilton prioritize excellent teaching and encourage close student-faculty interaction, which are key aspects of a liberal arts education. Each college has around 200 full-time faculty members, nearly all of whom hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their area (about 97% at both institutions). The student-faculty ratio is 9:1 at both colleges, allowing for small class sizes and personalized attention. In fact, most classes are small: at Hamilton, 73% of classes have 19 or fewer students (29% have under 10), and Union similarly maintains low class sizes (introductory courses average about 24 students and upper-level courses around 14). Importantly, all courses at Hamilton are taught by professors, not teaching assistants, and the same applies at Union, which values faculty involvement in undergraduate education. Both faculties are not only highly qualified but also approachable and committed to mentoring students. For example, Hamilton’s faculty are known for focusing on writing and oral communication across the curriculum, reflecting the college’s mission. Similarly, Union’s faculty often blends engineering and liberal arts perspectives, highlighting the college’s unique range of programs.

Undergraduate research is a strong point at both Union and Hamilton, though they implement it in slightly different ways. Union College has a notably high rate of student research participation — about 80% of Union students take part in faculty-mentored research during their undergraduate years. This includes senior theses, summer research projects, independent study courses, or research as part of Union’s interdisciplinary institutes. Union provides funded research opportunities like summer research fellowships and encourages students, even in the humanities and social sciences, to pursue original scholarly or creative projects. The presence of engineering and science programs means many Union students engage in laboratory research; however, research is valued across all 21 academic departments. Accelerated combined-degree programs (e.g., Leadership in Medicine) also include research and hands-on learning, showing Union’s commitment to practical education. Hamilton College offers strong research opportunities as well; the college sponsors over 325 funded research or internship positions each year for students (including during the summer) and awards over 180 summer research stipends annually for students to collaborate with faculty on projects in various fields. By their senior year, many Hamilton students have worked with professors on research or independent projects. Hamilton’s senior program often requires a thesis or capstone project that involves one-on-one work with a faculty advisor. The strong level of faculty-student collaboration is reflected in outcomes like joint publications and conference presentations. Both institutions support student research through campus centers: for example, Hamilton’s Levitt Center funds social science research and public affairs projects, while Union’s undergraduates can utilize facilities like the Aerogel Lab or the Kelly Adirondack Center for distinctive research.

Faculty quality goes beyond research to mentorship and advising. At Union, each first-year student is assigned a faculty advisor (often through their Minerva House affiliation), and later a major advisor; the 9:1 ratio means faculty often know students well and can provide close guidance in their academic and career paths. Hamilton has a strong advising system, too, enhanced by programs that combine academic advising with career and research mentoring. Students at both colleges benefit from faculty who are also active scholars. They engage in researching and writing, but prioritize teaching undergraduates. This supportive environment is reflected in student feedback; Hamilton has received recognition for “Best Undergraduate Teaching” (tied for #28 among liberal arts colleges in one U.S. News survey), and Union’s faculty are frequently praised for their accessibility and commitment (Union’s strong student-faculty engagement is a point of pride, contributing to a high graduation rate). In conclusion, both colleges offer a close educational setting with highly qualified professors and robust support for undergraduate research and creative work. Union’s high percentage of student research participation and Hamilton’s guaranteed research opportunities (over 300 funded positions each year) show that students at both institutions can engage deeply in knowledge creation, something that is often rare at the undergraduate level.


‍6. Cost of Attendance, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

‍Attending either Union or Hamilton is a significant financial commitment. Both colleges invest heavily in financial aid to help students manage costs. The tuition prices are similar. For the 2025–2026 academic year, Hamilton’s tuition and fees are about $71,970, with room and board around $19,180. This totals approximately $91,150 for the entire cost. Union College lists its comprehensive fee, which includes tuition, standard room and board, and mandatory fees, at $89,316 for 2025–2026, with estimated personal expenses of around $2,000. Therefore, before any aid, the annual costs at both institutions fall in the high $80,000 to low $90,000 range, which is typical for private liberal arts colleges of their kind. However, both colleges offer generous financial aid to make themselves affordable for admitted students.

Hamilton College is notable for being need-blind in admissions for U.S. citizens. It guarantees to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students over four years. About 50% of Hamilton undergraduates receive need-based aid from the college. The average financial aid package is around $63,557 per year, consisting of grants rather than loans. Hamilton’s financial aid budget is substantial, with $63 million allocated for 2025-26, and its large endowment supports this commitment. Students from lower- and middle-income backgrounds can often attend Hamilton at a significantly reduced cost. The college has removed loans for those in the lowest income brackets and keeps student debt levels low at graduation. Importantly, Hamilton does not offer merit scholarships, focusing exclusively on need-based support. This policy reflects Hamilton’s belief in admitting students without considering their ability to pay and then fully funding those who need help. As a result, the aid program is competitive. Families with demonstrated need can expect strong grants, while full-pay families generally can afford the high costs.

Union College is also committed to affordability but uses a different approach. Union is need-aware in admissions, meaning it considers financial need in some cases. However, it also pledges to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students who apply for aid on time. In practice, more students at Union receive institutional aid. Over 60% of Union undergraduates receive need-based scholarships or grants, a higher percentage than at Hamilton, reflecting Union’s broader socioeconomic enrollment. The average need-based grant at Union is around $50,000 per year, and the college allocates over $80 million of its own resources to financial aid each year. Families with moderate need may also benefit from Union’s “Making U Possible” grants, which provide $20,000 to $40,000 in aid to some middle-income families who may not qualify for full need-based aid under federal guidelines. Additionally, Union College awards merit scholarships to recognize academic achievement and special talents. About 25% of incoming students receive merit scholarships that range from $10,000 to $46,000 per year, regardless of need. These merit awards help Union attract top students, including those from families that may not qualify for need-based aid. Merit scholarships are renewable for four years and can significantly reduce costs for middle- and upper-middle-income families who would otherwise pay full tuition.

In terms of net price, many students pay much less than the sticker cost at both institutions. According to College Scorecard data, the average net price for Union is around $36,000 per year, and Hamilton’s is in a similar range, typically in the mid-$30,000s, depending on income levels. Both colleges participate in federal and state aid programs. Additionally, students often bring in outside scholarships. Regarding student debt, Hamilton’s need-based approach and heavy reliance on grants have kept student loan levels low. Some students graduate without debt, while others may have modest loans. Union’s aid packages often include a student loan component, but the college has kept those loans reasonable and recently started initiatives to cap or reduce loans for students with need.In terms of competitiveness, Hamilton benefits from need-blind admissions for domestic students and higher average grants due to its larger endowment per student. Union has the advantage of offering merit awards and a greater percentage of students receiving institutional aid. This reflects a more diverse student body. It is also worth noting that Union’s endowment, though smaller than Hamilton’s, has grown to nearly $500 million, allowing for continuous enhancements in aid. Both colleges are dedicated to diversity and inclusion. They use financial aid to attract students from different backgrounds. For instance, about 28% of Hamilton’s students are domestic students of color, and 8% are international students. Union has similar figures, with 26% domestic students of color and 11% international students. These percentages are partly supported by generous aid policies for non-traditional and international students. Hamilton is need-aware but meets the needs of international students, while Union also provides some aid to international students.

In summary, while the sticker prices at Union and Hamilton are high, both institutions provide competitive financial aid to make themselves accessible. Hamilton’s need-blind, full-need approach and Union’s combination of full-need aid plus merit scholarships allow both colleges to enroll talented students from various economic backgrounds. Prospective students may find Union more financially attainable if they receive a merit award or fall into the middle-income bracket that benefits from Union’s special grants. Conversely, those with high demonstrated need will receive excellent support at either college, with Hamilton offering slightly higher average awards. Ultimately, neither college wants cost to be a barrier for qualified students, and their financial aid outcomes reflect that commitment.


‍7. Alumni Network Strength and Postgraduate Success

‍Union College and Hamilton College both have loyal and influential alumni networks that help students succeed in the long term. You can measure the strength of an alumni network by looking at alumni engagement, achievements, mentorship, and philanthropy, and both schools perform well in these areas. Hamilton College’s alumni network is a bit smaller, with around 23,000 living alumni, but it is very active. Hamilton alumni traditionally support their college and its students. The alumni giving rate has been high, often around 50% participation in capital campaigns. Alumni regularly take part in career panels, offer internships, and mentor students through programs run by the Career Center. In fact, Hamilton’s career outcomes benefit from alumni connections. Many of the 325 funded internships each year and job opportunities come through alumni or parents. The “Hamilton Career Network” is a formal way for alumni to advise students, and Hamilton has a close-knit group of graduates in fields like finance, law, writing, and academia. Notable alumni include Paul Lieberstein ’89, an Emmy-winning producer of The Office, B.F. Skinner 1926, a famous psychologist, and several U.S. Congress members and industry leaders, showcasing the reach of Hamilton’s network. Hamilton also reports that nearly all graduates find jobs, attend graduate school, or pursue fellowships within a year of graduating. This statistic reflects personal achievement and the support system of Hamilton connections that help students on their paths. Alumni achievements and the college’s national reputation create a positive cycle. For instance, Hamilton’s six-year graduation rate is 91%, and its senior class employment or graduate school placement rate reaches 98% in some years. This indicates a level of preparation that alumni reinforce by hiring or mentoring new graduates.

Union College’s alumni network is equally proud and may have a richer history given Union’s longer existence and larger alumni base. Founded in 1795, Union has over 16,000 active alumni and many more if you count all graduates. Known as the “Mother of Fraternities,” Union has produced an impressive group of alumni, including a U.S. President (Chester A. Arthur, Class of 1848), cabinet secretaries, judges, business leaders, scholars, and even a Nobel laureate. This legacy strengthens the institutional identity alumni carry forward. Union alumni often achieve leadership roles early in their careers. The college’s career dashboard shows that many alumni reach senior positions within ten years of graduation. The network’s strength is further seen in the high reported career satisfaction among Union alumni, which exceeds 85%. This satisfaction often leads to alumni being willing to help fellow graduates and students. Union’s Office of Alumni & Friends and the Becker Career Center organize various networking events, mentorship programs, and internship pipelines. For example, Union’s annual career fair and alumni network platform connect current students with alumni across many fields, including engineering, healthcare, finance, and the arts. Alumni giving at Union is solid, with 40-45% participation in recent years, which is above the national average. Many alumni engage with regional clubs and return for “Homecoming and Family Weekend” or “ReUnion” events, keeping strong ties to the college community.

In terms of postgraduate success, Union graduates have slightly higher median earnings at mid-career than Hamilton graduates, but both groups are very successful. Both schools report that more than two-thirds of their alumni pursue advanced degrees within a few years of graduation. Many go on to earn MBAs, J.D.s, Ph.D.s, or M.D.s. The acceptance rates for Union and Hamilton alumni to medical and law schools are well above national averages, thanks to rigorous preparation and advising. Additionally, in fields like academia or public service, both schools have significant representation. A clear sign of network strength is how alumni support new graduates. Union and Hamilton run formal alumni mentorship programs where graduates in cities like New York or Boston host networking events for recent grads and offer informational interviews. Data shows that over 90% of Hamilton students have at least one career-related experience, largely through alumni-sponsored internships or research. Union reports similar figures, with 85% of students completing an internship, often through alumni connections in sectors like finance, engineering, and communications. Furthermore, each college uses alumni for on-campus programs. Hamilton’s January Alumni-Student Networking events and Union’s alumni lectures enable students to connect directly with graduates for inspiration and guidance.

In conclusion, the alumni networks of both Union and Hamilton are vital assets for current students and recent graduates. They exemplify the lasting value of the education and community provided by each college. Hamilton’s network may be more tightly-knit due to the college’s smaller size and commitment to need-blind admissions. Alumni feel a sense of duty to provide the opportunities they once had. Union’s network is older and shaped by the school’s traditions, including strong fraternity bonds and “Union pride.” It is extensive and impactful in certain fields, particularly in engineering firms, thanks to its ABET programs, as well as in government service, reflecting its many public officials. Both colleges see their strong alumni networks reflected in high giving rates, mentoring, and the distinguished careers of their graduates. Whether a student chooses Union or Hamilton, they can expect to join a lifelong community that offers support and opens doors long after graduation. This is a hallmark of a top liberal arts college education.


‍Conclusion

‍In summary, Union College and Hamilton College are both excellent liberal arts colleges that share more similarities than differences in the quality of education and opportunities they provide. Hamilton has a slightly higher national ranking and greater admissions selectivity, reflecting its status as “most selective” and its strong reputation. Union, in contrast, has a somewhat more accessible admissions profile and unique strengths such as accredited engineering programs and merit scholarships, all while maintaining a rigorous academic environment comparable to that of top liberal arts colleges. Academically, students at both schools benefit from small classes taught by knowledgeable faculty, along with many resources for personalized study and research. Both colleges foster vibrant residential communities, requiring students to live on campus and offering rich co-curricular life. This can be seen through Union’s Minerva House system and Greek life or Hamilton’s open curriculum and active student organizations. Both schools show high measures of student success, including retention and graduation rates well above national averages, strong placements into careers and graduate schools, and impressive early-career earnings. Union graduates tend to have a slight advantage in salary outcomes, likely due to their fields of study. Financially, both colleges are dedicated to affordability, meeting full need, and investing significantly in financial aid. However, Union also rewards top students with merit aid, which can be a key factor for some families. Lastly, the strong alumni networks of Hamilton and Union highlight the long-term value of their education, as graduates from both schools achieve notable success and stay engaged in supporting new students.

In a neutral comparison, one might say Hamilton College provides an elite small-college experience with a highly competitive admissions process, a tradition of academic excellence—particularly in writing and liberal arts—and a charming close-knit campus community. Union College offers an equally strong education, with the added benefit of engineering and interdisciplinary programs, a slightly broader admissions window, and a lively campus that weaves together liberal arts and practical learning experiences such as internships and research, resulting in excellent student outcomes. Importantly, Union’s story can be portrayed very positively: it achieves outcomes similar to a top-20 liberal arts college while offering more diversity in programs and a mission of inclusivity, demonstrated by its broader aid options and a higher percentage of students from varied backgrounds. Both Union and Hamilton exemplify the qualities of a liberal arts education—intimate, immersive, and empowering—preparing students for not only successful careers but also meaningful lives as informed and engaged citizens. When choosing between them, students should consider their fit: whether they favor the ultra-selective, open-curriculum setting at Hamilton or the dynamic, slightly larger community at Union that connects classical arts and modern sciences in New York’s Capital Region. Regardless of their choice, they can be confident in receiving a top-notch education supported by accomplished faculty and joining a loyal alumni network that will back them long after graduation.



‍Sources:

• U.S. News & World Report (2024) – National Liberal Arts College Rankingscollegekickstart.comcollegekickstart.com
• Union College Admissions – “Union at a Glance” and Class of 2029 Profileunion.eduunion.edu
• Hamilton College Admissions – Class of 2029 Profile and Factshamilton.eduhamilton.edu
• College Scorecard/Money Magazine – Cost and Earnings Datamoney.commoney.comcollegescorecard.ed.gov
• Common Data Set 2022–23 (Hamilton) and 2023–24 (Union) – Selectivity & Student Profilehamilton.eduunion.edu
• Research.com – Graduation Rates and Outcomesresearch.comhamilton.edu
• Union College Institutional Research – First Destination Report 2022
• Hamilton College Outcomes Report 2024hamilton.eduhamilton.edu
• Union College Career Dashboard (2025)union.eduunion.edu
• Hamilton College “Facts” (2025)hamilton.eduhamilton.edu
• Student Life pages – Union and Hamilton (Housing, Clubs)union.eduhamilton.eduen.wikipedia.org
• Financial Aid pages – Union and Hamiltonunion.eduhamilton.edu
• Alumni and Career Info – Union “Life After Union” and Hamilton Outcomesunion.eduhamilton.edu