How much does Hamilton College cost?

The average net price at Hamilton College is $28,985 per year after financial aid. Over 4 years, that's approximately $115,940 total. Average student debt at graduation: $17,000.

What do Hamilton College graduates earn?

Graduates of Hamilton College earn a median salary of $78,411 ten years after enrollment. That's 46% above the national average.

What is the Hamilton College acceptance rate?

Hamilton College accepts approximately 13.5% of applicants.

Does Hamilton College require SAT or ACT?

Hamilton College is test-optional — applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores but they are not required. Additionally, Hamilton is test-optional, and applicants who choose to submit SAT and/or ACT results can self-report their scores.

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY

privateWebsite

Value

Median Earnings (10yr)

$78,411

+46% vs average

Net Price / Year

$28,985

+42% vs average

Graduation Rate

91%

Payback Period

1.5 years

Median Debt

$17,000

Student Body

2,030

Hamilton College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)

Source: U.S. Dept of Education (College Scorecard)CollegeValueRanked

Admission Rate

14%

Hamilton College at a Glance

Hamilton College is a private liberal arts college in Kirkland, New York. It was established in 1812 in honor of Alexander Hamilton, one of its inaugural trustees, following a proposal made after his death in 1804. Since 1978, Hamilton has been a coeducational institution, having merged with its sister school, Kirkland College.

Founded

1793

233 years old

Endowment

$1.5B

$1.47 billion

Undergraduates

2,000

Faculty

195

9:1 student:faculty

Acceptance rate

13.5%

Campus

1,350 acres

28 residence halls

Majors

Prestige & value signals

$63,557Median scholarship

Identity

Motto: Γνῶθι Σεαυτόν ( Ancient Greek )Athletics: ContinentalsMascot: AlexColors: Continental Blue BuffAffiliation: Oberlin Group Annapolis Group CLACPresident: Steven Tepper

Sources:Wikipedia hamilton.edu facts

How to Apply to Hamilton College

Official admissions page

Test-optionalCommon App memberInterview: Optional / where available

Early deadline

November 15 (Early Decision)

Testing policy

Additionally, Hamilton is test-optional, and applicants who choose to submit SAT and/or ACT results can self-report their scores.

Interview

We gain insight from interviews (optional, but encouraged), essays , recommendation letters, as well as other supplemental materials submitted with your application.

Fee waiver

Please refer to our application fee waiver page for more information.

Requirements can change between admissions cycles. Always verify current requirements on the official admissions page before applying.

Is Hamilton College Worth It?

Hamilton College delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $28,985/year, it's priced 42% above average, while graduates go on to earn $78,411 — 46% above the national average.

The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.

With a 91% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.

Admission is competitive with a 14% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.

How Hamilton College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY

Ranked #14 of 24 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.

Rank	College	Value	Net price / yr	Median earnings
#1	Bowdoin College	100	$14,398	$82,735
#2	Colby College	100	$17,180	$80,490
#3	Williams College	100	$17,716	$88,665
#4	Davidson College	100	$17,379	$81,400
#5	Pomona College	94	$19,285	$77,779
#6	Washington and Lee University	94	$23,781	$94,810
#14	Hamilton College	62	$28,985	$78,411

Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Hamilton College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in NY.

Best Programs at Hamilton College

The highest-earning program at Hamilton College is Economics at $60,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Political Science and Government at $46,800/year.

Your major matters more than the school name — a Economics graduate from Hamilton College earns $60,900, while a Political Science and Government graduate earns $46,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.

Debt also varies by program: Economics graduates carry $16,750 in median debt vs. $18,125 for Political Science and Government.

Return on Investment

Estimated 4-Year Cost

$115,940

Based on $28,985/yr net price × 4 years

Earnings Premium

+46%

vs. national average of $53,787/yr

Payback Period

1.5 years

Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings

10-Year Net Gain

$668,170

Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance

Programs & Earnings by Major

Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):

Major	Earnings (4yr)	Earnings (1yr)	Median Debt
Economics	$60,900	$60,900	$16,750
Mathematics	$59,200	$59,200	$18,350
Political Science and Government	$46,800	$46,800	$18,125

Similar Colleges in NY

Columbia University in the City of New York

$102,491 earnings · $21,590/yr net price

100

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

$83,847 earnings · $13,269/yr net price

100

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

$75,971 earnings · $3,033/yr net price

100

CUNY Brooklyn College

$60,752 earnings · $3,103/yr net price

100

CUNY City College

$66,039 earnings · $3,776/yr net price

100

View all colleges in NY →

Quick Facts

Institution Type: private
Location: Clinton, NY
Student Body: 2,030 students
Admission Rate: 14%
Graduation Rate: 91%
Net Price (Annual): $28,985
Median Earnings (10yr): $78,411
Median Student Debt: $17,000

Explore More

Earnings & cost trends →All colleges in NY →Compare colleges →Our methodology →Best public colleges →

Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Median earnings are measured 10 years after enrollment. Net price reflects average cost after grants and scholarships for students receiving federal financial aid. Value scores are calculated using our methodology.