Overview
Founded in 1793 as Hamilton-Oneida Academy and chartered as Hamilton College in 1812, it is one of the oldest colleges in the United States, named after founding father Alexander Hamilton. The college merged with Kirkland College, a nearby women's college, in 1978, blending strong traditions in the liberal arts with progressive pedagogical approaches. Hamilton is renowned for its distinctive open curriculum, which has no core requirements beyond a writing requirement, allowing students significant freedom in designing their academic path. It consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation.
At a Glance
| Type | Liberal Arts |
| Location | Clinton, New York |
| Founded | 1793 |
| Total students | 2,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 16% |
| Graduation rate | 92% |
| Average starting salary | $65,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $65,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $65,000 |
| Room & board | $18,000 |
| Average financial aid | $52,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 55% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1400-1520 |
| ACT range | 31-34 |
| Average GPA | 3.9 |
| Regular deadline | January 1 |
Top Programs
- Economics
- Government
- Creative Writing
- Neuroscience
- World Politics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.