
198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323-1296, USA


Hamilton College holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation confirms that the college meets established standards for academic quality, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement.
The college's accreditation status assures prospective students that they will receive a credible education recognized by employers and other institutions of higher learning. It allows students to transfer credits more easily and access federal financial aid programs.
Applicants to Hamilton College must have completed high school or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Submission of a secondary school record and college program details is required, alongside recommendations from qualified sources. While there is no mandate for applicants to own a computer, leasing options are available. The college requires TOEFL scores, which emphasizes its commitment to evaluating English proficiency for non-native speakers.
The institution does not operate under an open admission policy, so meeting all admission requirements is crucial. Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted, reflecting the college's recognition of prior academic achievement. Competencies are recommended but not mandatory for application.
Hamilton College maintains a very selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of approximately 12%, placing it in the bottom 5% for selectivity nationally. The average SAT score of admitted students stands at a very high 1475, with exceptional performance in both math and writing sections, scoring around the 98th percentile. Their mean ACT score is similarly impressive, at 34 on average, also within the top 5% percentile.
Hamilton College requires an application fee to process undergraduate admissions. This fee is a standard component of the application process, intended to cover administrative costs.
Prospective students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for a fee waiver. To obtain a waiver, applicants must follow specific eligibility criteria and provide appropriate documentation. The fee waiver aims to ensure that financial limitations do not hinder capable students from applying.
Hamilton College hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students with an opportunity to participate in Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs directly through the institution. This presence enables prospective students interested in military training and leadership development to engage in ROTC activities without needing to commute to a different campus or affiliate with nearby colleges for such programs. The availability of the on-site ROTC unit supports the college's commitment to offering diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth aligned with military service.
Hamilton College welcomes transfer applicants for both the fall and spring terms. The institution permits transfer students to bring in previously earned college credits, which can be applied toward their degree programs. This flexibility supports students who have begun their higher education elsewhere and are seeking to continue their studies at Hamilton College.
Hamilton College offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to enhance the academic experience of its students. These programs provide opportunities to immerse oneself in different cultures while continuing coursework that aligns with the college's liberal arts curriculum. Students can participate in semester-long or year-long programs at partner institutions worldwide, enabling them to earn credits applicable toward their degree.
In addition to extended programs, Hamilton College facilitates shorter-term options such as faculty-led courses during the summer or January term. These trips often focus on specific academic themes or regions, combining travel with intensive study and experiential learning.
The college supports a broad array of destinations across continents including Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. This diversity allows students to select programs that best suit their academic interests and personal development goals. Furthermore, Hamilton provides resources and advising to help students navigate program choices, applications, and financial aid considerations related to studying abroad.
Median composite SAT score
1475Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
16%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
34%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary 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.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring