Colgate University admitted 18% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,030 of 17,310, Common Data Set 2025-26). Colgate University admitted 36% of early decision applicants (477 of 1,342). Of the 1,281 students who took a spot on the wait list, 23 were admitted (1.8%). Colgate University is test-optional for fall 2027.
The numbers
Applied
17,310
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
33–35
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.85
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
29%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$60
waivers exist
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Can I get into Colgate University?
18% of applicants get in
Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1450–1510 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
17,310 applied, 3,030 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Colgate University need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 22% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1480 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 477 of 1,342 early decision applicants got in (36%), against 18% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
67days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Friday, Jan 15, 2027
67days
Regular decision
Due Friday, Jan 15, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
2,381 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,281 took one. 23 of them got in (1.8%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Colgate University looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA.
Counts a lot
SAT or ACT scores, essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, character.
Also considered
First in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, where you live, volunteering, work experience.
As Colgate University rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Colgate University's acceptance rate?
Colgate University admitted 18% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,030 of 17,310, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Colgate University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1450–1510. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Colgate University early decision?
For fall 2025, 477 of 1,342 early decision applicants got in (36%), against 18% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Colgate University take students off the wait list?
2,381 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,281 took one. 23 of them got in (1.8%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Deadlines: colgate.edu, 2026-27 (checked Nov 5, 2026)
Test rule: colgate.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 2, 2026)
