
13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346-1386, USA


Colgate University holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets rigorous standards for quality and effectiveness in higher education. This accreditation affirms that the university maintains a commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence across its academic programs.
Colgate University expects applicants to have completed high school or hold a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Submission of secondary school records and a satisfactory grade point average from high school are mandatory components of the application. Additionally, applicants must provide recommendations to support their candidacy. While admission tests such as the SAT or ACT scores are not explicitly required, the university does mandate TOEFL scores for applicants whose first language is not English, and other standardized tests are recommended but not obligatory.
The university does not maintain an open admission policy, meaning admission is selective rather than guaranteed. Dual enrollment or credit from other colleges is not accepted, although Advanced Placement (AP) credits may be awarded under certain conditions. Prospective students do not need to have access to a computer, but leasing options are available.
Colgate University attracts highly qualified applicants, with average SAT scores around 1425 and an average ACT score near 33, both placing admitted students in the top 5th percentile nationally. Despite a large applicant pool exceeding 21,000, the acceptance rate remains low at approximately 12%. This indicates a highly competitive admissions environment where only a fraction of applicants gain enrollment.
The application fee for prospective students applying to Colgate University is set at $70. This fee is a standard part of the application process, intended to cover administrative costs associated with reviewing materials. However, Colgate University acknowledges that fees can be a barrier for some applicants and therefore offers fee waivers to those who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria.
Applicants seeking a waiver must typically provide documentation or meet guidelines outlined by the university, ensuring that economic factors do not impede access to the application process. Fee waivers are available both for students applying through the Common Application and Colgate's own application portal. Additionally, Colgate University participates in national fee waiver programs, which further facilitates access for low-income applicants.
Colgate University offers opportunities for students interested in Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through affiliation with cooperating host institutions. Rather than hosting an on-campus ROTC branch unit, the university provides options for students to participate in ROTC activities at nearby partner schools.
Colgate University is known for its highly competitive admissions process, making entry as a transfer student notably challenging. Prospective transfer applicants can submit their applications for the fall and spring terms. The university does accept transfer credits from other institutions, which may facilitate the transition for students who have previously completed college coursework.
Colgate University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' global perspectives and academic experiences. These programs range from semester-long exchanges to shorter-term faculty-led trips, allowing students flexibility based on their academic schedules and personal interests.
The university partners with numerous institutions worldwide, providing access to diverse cultural and educational environments. Students can choose from traditional study abroad programs focused on language immersion, international internships, or research projects in locations across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
In addition to semester and year-long programs, Colgate University promotes summer and January term options that combine travel with intensive academic coursework. These shorter programs often emphasize experiential learning and direct engagement with local communities or professional settings.
The Office of Global Engagement supports students throughout the application process and offers pre-departure orientations to prepare them for cultural adaptation and academic success abroad. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to help mitigate the costs associated with study abroad experiences.
Median composite SAT score
1425Median composite ACT score
33Percent of students submitting ACT scores
14%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
23%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Very hardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring