Colgate University is a private liberal arts college in Hamilton, New York. It is ranked #22 among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition. Founded in 1819, it enrols 2,894 undergraduates on a 575-acre hillside campus.
Colgate runs 57 undergraduate majors across social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. Its single graduate route is the Master of Arts in Teaching. All degrees are taught in English. Indian applicants apply through a Fall (August) intake with strong interest across BA universities in USA at Colgate.
- US News rank: #22 National Liberal Arts Colleges (2026 edition)
- Acceptance rate: 12% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) with ED I, ED II and Regular Decision rounds
- Annual tuition 2026-27: USD 76,828 (INR 72.72 lakh)
- International students: 11% of the 2,894 undergraduate cohort
- Median starting salary: USD 60,000 (INR 56.80 lakh) for the Class of 2024
Colgate is need-aware for international applicants. It commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for every admitted student. Aid packages typically exclude loans for international awardees. The university does not offer academic merit scholarships. Indian students planning to study in USA at Colgate should budget for USD 100,224 (INR 94.87 lakh) per year total.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.66 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Colgate University’s Early Decision I round for Fall 2027 entry closes on November 1, 2026. Early Decision II and Regular Decision both close on January 15, 2027. The CSS Profile is due by November 1, 2026 for ED I. It is due by January 22, 2027 for ED II and Regular Decision. Colgate offers fee-free applications for international students. There is no Spring undergraduate entry.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Colgate University 2027
- Colgate University Admission 2027
- Colgate University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Colgate University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Colgate University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Colgate University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Colgate University Scholarships 2027
- Colgate University Rankings 2027
- Colgate University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Colgate University vs Peer Universities
- Colgate University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Colgate University 2027
Colgate University fees for Indian students run at a flat annual tuition of USD 76,828 (INR 72.72 lakh) for 2026-27. The rate applies uniformly across every undergraduate major. Colgate is undergraduate-first with 57 bachelor’s majors and one graduate degree, the Master of Arts in Teaching.
Colgate University Popular Undergraduate Programs 2027
All bachelor’s degrees run for 4 years across 8 semesters. Annual tuition does not change by major. Financial aid awards adjust the net billed amount but not the sticker price.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | 307,312 | 290.86 lakh | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended) |
| BA Psychology | 307,312 | 290.86 lakh | Class 12 with 80% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Applied Mathematics | 307,312 | 290.86 lakh | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended) |
| BA Economics | 307,312 | 290.86 lakh | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended) |
| BA Political Science | 307,312 | 290.86 lakh | Class 12 with 80% to 85% (recommended) |
Colgate University Graduate Programs 2027
Colgate runs a single graduate route, the two-year Master of Arts in Teaching. It targets aspiring secondary-school educators. Indian applicants outside the education field will find undergraduate entry the practical pathway.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Teaching | 153,656 | 145.43 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at Colgate cluster in economics, mathematical economics, computer science and political science. Strong pre-consulting and pre-law placement pipelines drive that concentration.
Colgate University Admission 2027
Colgate University admission for Indian students runs a single Fall (August) intake with three application rounds. Applications go through the Common Application. Fee-free processing applies to every international candidate.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I deadline | November 1, 2026 | Binding round; strongest odds if Colgate is first choice |
| Early Decision II deadline | January 15, 2027 | Binding round for later applicants |
| Regular Decision deadline | January 15, 2027 | Non-binding round; most Indian applicants use this window |
| CSS Profile deadline (RD and ED II) | January 22, 2027 | Financial-aid form required for every aid seeker |
| Programme start | August 2027 | Fall orientation for new international undergraduates |
Planning note: Indian aid seekers should complete the CSS Profile at least two weeks before the round deadline. Colgate reviews aid alongside the academic file.
Read More: Colgate University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Colgate University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Colgate University admission requirements centre on academics, English proficiency and a completed CSS Profile for aid applicants.
Undergraduate Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 completion with 80% or above (recommended); Colgate has no fixed board-wise cutoff.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 4.5 (1-6 scale) / 100 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 7.0 overall or DET 130 minimum.
- Standardised tests: SAT or ACT optional; admitted mid-range is SAT 1430 to 1540 or ACT 33 to 34.
- Financial: CSS Profile mandatory for aid seekers; fee-waiver codes available for internationals.
Graduate Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) in a related subject.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 4.5 (1-6 scale) / 100 (0-120 legacy scale) or IELTS 7.0 overall.
Key insight: Colgate accepts the Duolingo English Test at a 130 minimum. This gives Indian applicants a home-based, lower-cost alternative to IELTS.
Colgate University Acceptance Rate 2027
Colgate University’s acceptance rate is 12% (estimated) for the most recent cycle. Colgate does not publish a single official annual rate. Applications exceed 21,000 each year. Early-round admits come from a smaller pool at higher rates.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 cycle | 12% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2024 cycle | 12% (estimated) | Stable |
| Early Decision (recent) | 19% (estimated) | Higher than overall |
Indian applicants face added pressure because Colgate is need-aware for international students. Requested aid amounts can influence outcomes at the margin.
Reality check: Indian students requesting significant aid should treat Colgate as a reach. Pair it with two to three need-blind US liberal arts safeties.
Read More: Universities in USA for Indian Students
Colgate University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Colgate University’s total 2026-27 cost of attendance is USD 100,224 (INR 94.87 lakh) per year. That figure covers on-campus billed charges plus estimated non-billed expenses.
Colgate University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition is charged as a flat annual figure across both semesters. International students pay the same rate as domestic students at Colgate.
| Charge | USD Annual | INR Annual (lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 76,828 | 72.72 lakh |
| Housing (residence hall) | 9,348 | 8.85 lakh |
| Food (meal plan) | 10,008 | 9.47 lakh |
| Student activity fee | 462 | 0.44 lakh |
| Health insurance (if uncovered) | 1,805 | 1.71 lakh |
[Source: Colgate University official 2026-27 cost of attendance]
Monthly Cost of Living in Hamilton for Indian Students
Hamilton is a small college village in central New York. Most Colgate students live on campus with room and board billed through tuition. The estimates below cover discretionary monthly costs outside room and board.
| Expense | USD Monthly | INR Monthly (lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Books and supplies | 133 | 0.13 lakh |
| Personal expenses | 94 | 0.09 lakh |
| Domestic travel | 67 | 0.06 lakh |
| Local transport | 50 (estimated) | 0.05 lakh |
| Total monthly | 344 | 0.33 lakh |
| Total annual | 3,528 | 3.34 lakh |
[Source: Colgate University official 2026-27 cost estimate for non-billed expenses]
Insider note: Winter clothing and the annual India flight are two costs Indian students underestimate. Both push real annual outlays above the sticker COA by USD 1,000.
Read More: MBA Universities in USA for Indian Students
Colgate University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Colgate University sits on a 575-acre hilltop campus in Hamilton, a village of 4,000 residents in central New York. New York City is a four-hour drive.
- Housing: 11 residence halls with guaranteed on-campus housing across all four undergraduate years.
- Student-faculty ratio: 8:1, with average class size under 20 in most departments.
- Facilities: Case-Geyer library, Ho Tung Visualization Lab planetarium, Trudy Fitness Center and a new Middle Campus science hub.
- Student activities: 200 plus clubs including an active South Asian Students Association many Indian students join.
- Location context: Rural Chenango County setting with Utica and Syracuse the nearest small cities.
What Indian students say: Winter runs November through March with real snow. The tight-knit alumni network is the strongest reason students recommend Colgate to Indian juniors.
Colgate University Scholarships 2027
Colgate University does not offer academic merit scholarships. No scholarship is India-nationality specific. Financial aid runs entirely through demonstrated need assessed via the CSS Profile.
| Aid Programme | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colgate Grant (international) | Need-based | Meets 100% demonstrated need | Admitted international undergraduates on CSS Profile | Nov 1, 2026 (ED I); Jan 22, 2027 (ED II and RD) |
| Colgate Athletic Aid | Athletic | Amount set by head coach | Recruited student-athletes in select sports | Verify with Colgate Athletics |
| On-campus employment | Employment | USD 2,500 to 3,000 per year (estimated) | Enrolled undergraduates; F-1 holders on-campus only | Rolling within academic year |
[Source: Colgate University financial aid pages]
Planning note: Colgate is need-aware for internationals. Requesting a large aid package can lower admission odds. Families near the USD 200,000 income mark often choose full-pay.
Read More: USA Scholarships for Indian Students
Colgate University Rankings 2027
As per US News 2026, Colgate University’s strongest ranking is #22 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. Indian applicants should treat that category as the primary reference. Global research-heavy tables rarely rank small US liberal arts colleges.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges | 2026: #22 | 2025: #21 | 2024: #21 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad USA | #148 of 357 | NA | NA |
| Wall Street Journal / College Pulse Best Colleges | 2025: #40 overall | 2024: #25 overall | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked in QS 2026 | Not ranked in QS 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked in THE 2025 | Not ranked in THE 2024 |
[Source: US News, Wall Street Journal, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Colgate held the top liberal arts college slot in the Northeast, as per Wall Street Journal 2024.
Key insight: The US News Liberal Arts category carries hiring weight at US consulting, banking and law firms. A Colgate rank of #22 pulls real employer value for Indian graduates.
Read More: Colgate University Rankings Analysis
Colgate University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Colgate University’s placement outcomes are among the strongest for a US liberal arts college. According to the Colgate Center for Career Services, Class of 2024 first-destination results run within six to nine months of graduation.
- First-destination rate: 97% of the Class of 2024 in employment, graduate school, fellowship or service within six to nine months.
- Median starting salary: USD 60,000 (INR 56.80 lakh) for recent Colgate graduates.
- Mid-career median salary: USD 122,000 (INR 115.48 lakh); as per PayScale 2024, Colgate has held #1 for liberal arts alumni salary.
- Top sectors: Financial services, consulting, education, technology, non-profit and healthcare.
- Post-study work: 12-month OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension for eligible BS universities in USA majors.
Insider note: Indian graduates report the strongest H-1B outcomes from Colgate’s STEM-designated bachelor’s routes. Computer science, applied mathematics and molecular biology lead that list.
Colgate University vs Peer Universities
Peer comparison for Colgate University runs against elite US National Liberal Arts Colleges of similar size and ranking. The table below covers cost, selectivity and outcomes. Indian students weighing MS universities in USA peers can compare here too.
| University | US News Liberal Arts 2026 | Collegedunia Study Abroad | Avg Annual Tuition (USD) | Avg Annual Tuition (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colgate University | #22 | #148 (USA) | 76,828 | 72.72 lakh | Strongest LAC alumni salary in PayScale surveys |
| Hamilton College | #15 | NA | 72,860 (estimated) | 68.96 lakh (estimated) | Rural NY peer with need-blind US aid policy |
| Middlebury College | #12 | NA | 72,500 (estimated) | 68.63 lakh (estimated) | Deep language and international-studies focus |
| Bucknell University | #37 | NA | 72,290 (estimated) | 68.43 lakh (estimated) | Engineering added inside a LAC setting |
| Lafayette College | #40 | NA | 68,570 (estimated) | 64.91 lakh (estimated) | Engineering plus close NYC and Philadelphia recruiter access |
Colgate stands out on two vectors inside this peer set. Alumni salary at mid-career leads the group. A formally competitive Division I athletic programme is rare among top LACs. Indian applicants tracking ROI over prestige often score Colgate higher on salary than several peers.
Colgate University suits the Indian student who wants a small, discussion-heavy US bachelor’s programme with rural residential immersion. Full sticker cost of USD 100,224 per year buys access to a mid-career median salary of USD 122,000. The strongest India-specific advantage is the STEM-designated bachelor’s route. It unlocks the 36-month post-study OPT window for stronger H-1B odds.
Colgate is not the right fit for students seeking a large city, a research-heavy graduate ecosystem or academic merit scholarships. Applicants set on urban recruiter pipelines should instead consider Middlebury College. Middlebury offers stronger financial-aid transparency for international candidates.
Colgate University FAQs
Ques. What English tests does Colgate University accept for Indian applicants?
Ans. Colgate University accepts three English proficiency tests for international undergraduates. Published minimums are TOEFL iBT 100 on the legacy 0-120 scale or 4.5 on the new 1-6 scale. IELTS 7.0 overall and Duolingo English Test 130 are also accepted. The SAT does not waive the requirement. Indian applicants schooled fully in English at CBSE, ICSE or IB may request a waiver by appeal to admissions.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time on campus at Colgate?
Ans. Yes. Colgate F-1 international students may work on-campus part-time up to 20 hours per week during term. During official university breaks they may work 40 hours per week. Roles include library assistants, dining services, laboratory support and administrative office positions. Pay ranges USD 12 to 15 per hour. Off-campus work in the first academic year is not permitted under F-1 rules unless authorised through Curricular Practical Training.
Ques. Does Colgate University require GRE or GMAT scores?
Ans. No, Colgate does not require GRE or GMAT scores. The university has only one graduate programme, the Master of Arts in Teaching. That programme does not use GRE for admission. Undergraduate SAT and ACT are optional under the current test-optional policy. Admitted students who submitted scores fall in the SAT 1430 to 1540 or ACT 33 to 34 mid-range. Indian applicants may skip standardised testing entirely.
Ques. Is Colgate University need-blind for Indian students?
Ans. No, Colgate is need-aware for international applicants including Indian students. Requested financial-aid amounts can influence admission outcomes at the margin. Once admitted, Colgate meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for every international student. Aid packages typically exclude loans. Indian families comfortable paying full sticker cost keep their files most competitive at Colgate.
Ques. What is the application fee at Colgate for Indian students?
Ans. Colgate University offers fee-free applications for all international undergraduate applicants. Indian students pay zero application fee via the Common App or the Colgate direct portal. The CSS Profile, required for any aid seeker, carries a College Board fee. That fee is waived on request for Indian applicants. Colgate provides fee-waiver codes through the applicant portal after the application is processed.
Ques. Which Colgate bachelor’s programmes are STEM-designated for OPT?
Ans. Colgate’s STEM-designated bachelor’s routes include computer science, applied mathematics, molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, physics, chemistry, environmental science and geology. Graduates from these majors qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. That sits on top of the standard 12-month post-study work window. Indian graduates gain a full 36 months of US work authorisation. Non-STEM majors such as economics receive 12 months of standard OPT.
Ques. How do Indian students confirm financial documentation for Colgate?
Ans. Indian applicants admitted to Colgate submit a Certificate of Finances form. They also send supporting bank statements. Statements must show at least one year of cost of attendance, currently USD 100,224 (INR 94.87 lakh). Aid recipients need only show the family-contribution portion. Documents must be dated within six months of the application and on bank letterhead. Colgate issues the I-20 for F-1 processing only after these documents clear.
Ques. Does Colgate University offer a spring intake for Indian undergraduates?
Ans. No, Colgate operates a single Fall (August) undergraduate intake. It does not offer January or Spring entry for first-year international students. Transfer applicants from other US universities may enter in the Spring semester subject to space. The recommended transfer deadline is March 1. Indian students who miss the Fall 2027 window should plan for the Fall 2028 cycle instead.
Find A Program
Top streams:
Top Recommended Courses
Bachelor of Science [B.S] Computer Science
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
Overall 331 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Colgate University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.8 L/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 9.6 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.3 L/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
Colgate University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.colgate.edu/admission-financial-aid/apply/applicant-checklist
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Colgate University Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| SAT | 1405 | 1310 | 1500 | 36 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 695 | 660 | 730 | - |
| Mathematics | 710 | 650 | 770 | - |
| ACT | 32 | 31 | 33 | 64 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 33 | 31 | 35 | - |
| Mathematics | 31 | 28 | 33 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Colgate University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3907 | 3857 | 50 | - |
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments