
8.11
Edline Index
6
3,211
3,193 undergraduate
1819
Private Liberal Arts College
A spirit of rigorous intellectual curiosity and purposeful engagement defines the educational life at Colgate University, where a commitment to the liberal arts empowers students to think critically across disciplines while developing the practical skills to lead in a complex world. Rooted in a tradition that dates back to its founding in 1819, Colgate's approach integrates a distinctive Core Curriculum with deep specialized inquiry across 57 majors and numerous minors, encouraging students to connect ideas across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This dynamic scholarly environment is anchored in Hamilton, New York, a picturesque village setting where the 575-acre campus creates an intimate, residential community defined by close faculty-student relationships and a shared commitment to intellectual discovery. Within this vibrant home for thinkers from across the globe, leadership is forged through a dedication to collaborative inquiry, community-engaged research through programs like the Upstate Institute, and experiential learning that extends from the hilltop campus to study-away sites on six continents.
Collaborative discovery is the hallmark of the Colgate experience, where the campus functions as a premier environment for undergraduate research, civic engagement, and global connectivity. Education is deeply connected to a high-impact research ecosystem, providing students with early opportunities to partner with faculty mentors on original scholarly projects across every academic division. An intimate 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship and sophisticated intellectual exchange throughout the undergraduate journey. For international applicants, Colgate is need-aware in admissions but meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students through a comprehensive grant-based program that has never included loans in international students' financial aid packages. Through this blend of historic liberal arts tradition, residential community, and rigorous academic inquiry, Colgate graduates emerge prepared not only to excel in their professions but to lead with intellectual confidence and a commitment to the greater good.
Policy Type
Need-aware
GoodNeed-aware universities may consider financial need in the admission process for international students. Aid may still be available, but finances can affect admission outcomes.
Compare with other policy types
| Ranking Organization | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Liberal Arts Colleges | #22 | 2026 |