How hard is it to get into Hamilton College?
With a 13.6% acceptance rate, Hamilton College is highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 2,031 undergraduates (rural setting) in Clinton, NY. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.
What it takes to get in
- SAT: admitted students land around 1440–1510 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
- ACT: the middle 50% is about 33–35.
- Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
- Essays: at Hamilton College's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.
Cost
Published tuition is about $68,960 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.
Notable programs
Government · Economics · Mathematics · Writing
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Try Halo freeHamilton College admissions FAQ
- What is Hamilton College's acceptance rate?
- Hamilton College's acceptance rate is 13.6%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
- What SAT or ACT score do you need for Hamilton College?
- Admitted students typically score about 1440–1510 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 33–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
- Is Hamilton College test-optional?
- Hamilton College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.
Sources & official links
- Hamilton College official website
- Hamilton College on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.
Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Hamilton College’s official admissions site.