Colgate vs Hamilton University: Thoughts?

Hey, everyone! I'm weighing the options of Hamilton and Colgate University—any personal experiences, advice, or insights would be much appreciated. Like, what's the vibe? Academics? Community? Also, are they generous with financial aid? Thanks in advance!

Absolutely, happy to compare the two for you! Both Hamilton and Colgate Universities are fantastic options.

In terms of academics, both universities have their strengths. Generally, Hamilton is known for its strong programs in the humanities and Colgate for pre-professional programs such as its pre-med and pre-law track although it is not limited to those areas. Both schools provide a liberal arts education, which means you have the freedom to explore a range of disciplines and create a more personalized academic plan.

When it comes to vibe, Hamilton has a reputation for being a collaborative and inclusive community with a slight leaning toward the arts. On the other hand, Colgate has a bit of a preppy vibe with a focus on tradition. Greek life does exist at both schools, but it is non-residential at Hamilton.

Looking at their communities, both universities are located in small, charming towns in New York State and both pride themselves on their tight-knit communities. Hamilton has a slightly smaller student body than Colgate, which can foster more intimate class experiences with smaller average class sizes.

As for financial aid, it's important to consider your individual circumstances. Overall, both Colgate and Hamilton are known for being generous with their financial aid. Colgate recently introduced the "No-Loan Initiative", which pays full tuition for students whose families have an annual income of $80,000 or less. Hamilton, on the other hand, is not a "no-loan" school, meaning it packages aid with grants and work-study as well as loans.

That being said, it's always useful to use each institution's net price calculator to estimate your potential financial aid package at both schools.

Remember, while comparison is a good step, you should also introspect and figure out which of these colleges aligns more with your personality and future goals. Both are great options, and you can't really go wrong with either one!