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Colgate University

Hamilton, New York · Private

14%acceptance rate
1450–1530SAT middle 50%
33–34ACT middle 50%
$26,954average net price

Colgate University admitted 14% of 20,682 applicants (Common Data Set 2024-2025). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1450–1530 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 91% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at Colgate University

Enter a score to see whether Colgate University is a reach, target or likely school for you.

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Reach

It admits 14% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.

A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.

Early decision and early action

Early decision applicants were admitted at 20% (477 of 2,447), compared with 14% for all applicants.

Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.

2,433 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 1,338 took it, and 48 were admitted from it.

What admissions weighs

How Colgate University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.

Very important

  • Course rigor
  • Class rank
  • GPA

Important

  • Test scores
  • Essay
  • Recommendations
  • Activities
  • Talent or ability
  • Character

Considered

  • First generation
  • Legacy
  • Where you live
  • Volunteering
  • Work experience

Not considered

  • Interview
  • State residency
  • Religion
  • Showing interest

High school GPA

First-year students averaged a 3.85 GPA. 79% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.

  • 4.027%
  • 3.75–3.9942%
  • 3.50–3.7423%
  • 3.25–3.497%
  • 3.00–3.241%
  • 2.50–2.990.1%
  • 2.00–2.490%
  • Under 2.00%

Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.

What it costs

Full price with housing is $87,070 a year. After grants, students paid $26,954 on average.

Average price after grants, by family income:

  • $0–30k$3,341
  • $30–48k$9,345
  • $48–75k$17,685
  • $75–110k$31,027
  • $110k+$53,119

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