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Colgate University

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

Colgate University award
Colgate University award
US ranking
position: 907
Tuition & fees per year: $73,646
Acceptance rate: 12.00%
Median alumni salary: $46,979
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1425 SAT, 33 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

What is the accreditation of Colgate University?

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.

What are the admission requirements at Colgate University?

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.

What are the application fees and waivers at Colgate University?

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.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Colgate University?

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.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Colgate University?

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.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Colgate University?

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.

Colgate University Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT score 1425
SAT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students
Avg. ACT score 33
ACT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students.
Acceptance rate 12%

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

Colgate University Admissions

Applicants Total: 21,130
Admission Total: 2,526
Enrolled Total: 807
Women
Men

Colgate University Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1425

Median composite ACT score

33

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

14%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

23%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Data not available

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Recommended

Admission test scores

Data not available

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

No

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

ROTC-Navy

ROTC branch unit on campus

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Data not available

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

Yes

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Colgate University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Entrance difficulty for transfer students

Very hard

Generally accepts credits

Data not available

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring