Colgate University (Colgate)

Nestled in the charming upstate New York village of Hamilton, Colgate University attracts students who have said they are seeking a "a small liberal arts school that had the opportunities and resources of a larger institution." A Colgate bond is for life, and the university's "invaluable" professors are a driving factor in creating a loyal and "heavily involved alumni network" that "makes the Colgate connection a truly valuable resource." A senior recognizes the lasting impact of their choice before graduating: "Colgate allowed me to become the person I always wanted to be, but didn't know I was capable of being." That's due in part to a "very rigorous academic curriculum" that includes foundational experiences such as First-Year Seminars and Living and Learning Workshops; students find the tools imparted at the early stages of the college path make them feel they are "more than just a number" and that support can be found from any one of the "internationally influential" professors who "are the glue that hold the university together." A student says, "One of the wonderful things about Colgate is that...students do not have to wait until their senior year to build fantastic relationships with the faculty." While some say that "course selection is very stressful, and [first-years] often get slighted," students assure there are "caring professors that are meaningfully invested in your academic success." The school encourages students to supplement their classes with pre-professional programs and immersive learning experiences, and to work with faculty on graduate-level research and ensures "there are a plethora of resources available to students to succeed."

Colgate students are all about balance: they "enjoy having fun, but [spend] time in the library as well." Some depict this as a "country club atmosphere," at least so far as style goes, but the school has been prioritizing diversity and inclusion and has a "happy and enthusiastic student body." Students also explain that "when you're stranded in Hamilton, New York, for four years you'll inevitably end up fitting in...whether you are the typical student or not." That said, those who attend Colgate tend to be "athletic, smart, engaged, and down to earth." While "Greek life does have a huge presence in the social life at Colgate," students say "it is not exclusive to just those who are members," and the administration has undertaken "initiatives to expand the amount of alternatives to partying on weekends." At the end of the day, if a student is "not afraid to do what they love, they will find their niche and fit in."

The Colgate bubble is a happy enclave in which "everything [revolves] around the campus," where housing is guaranteed for all four years. One student means it fully as a compliment when saying "I loved how Colgate was located in the middle of nowhere." That peaceful isolation and "intimate nature" means that "it is easy for students to contact the administration," and even the dean has drop-in office hours. The school also goes out of its way to "[bring] a lot of interesting speakers to the campus, which helps provide for a more rounded liberal arts experience," and students are also actively involved in Greek life and Division I athletics. "Colgate strives for the perfect combination of academics and extracurriculars," and students say the school "does a great job at helping us balance those and gives us opportunities to get involved in all the groups and events around campus." The Get Involved platform acts as an online hub for students wishing to join or administrate the hundreds of organizations and clubs, making it even easier for students to stay active and happy on this "amazing campus with people who work hard and have goals but also know how to have a really fun time." A student says, "Colgate is great because you can't walk 200 feet without a professor, student, or faculty member acknowledging you by name, yet you're constantly meeting new people and having new experiences. There is never a dull moment at Colgate."

Students feel that “the Career Services is phenomenal” because it offers “an incredible selection of opportunities for students to prepare for life after graduation, starting with a major event for sophomores called SophoMORE Connections which gives students an opportunity to connect with the alumni network and learn more about career paths, job opportunities, and networking in general.” Colgate University has “good financial aid and good career prep;” and those who enroll in the formal Colgate Premier recruiting program find themselves in a prime position to take advantage of the school’s many relationships with employers. The Colgate network is a valuable resource, as alumni are encouraged to “pay it forward” with advice and opportunities; one student says that “the alumni system is amazing,” and that said alumni would “jump over any hurdle for you.” Colgate also offers many grants to support summer career exploration, internships, and research. The typical Colgate University graduate has a median starting salary of around $81,100, and 47 percent of graduates feel their jobs have a lot of meaning in their lives.