The words "Know Thyself" appear in Greek at the top of the College seal, dating back to Hamilton's founding more than 200 years ago. Only after gaining a full appreciation of your strengths, skills, and interests can you contribute meaningfully to society and achieve the professional success and personal satisfaction you seek.
You will be transformed at Hamilton — personally, intellectually, socially, spiritually. Perhaps it is an academic or extracurricular interest you did not know you had. Maybe it is a newfound love of the outdoors. Whatever your interests, we will help you discover the future you were meant to pursue. It has happened for students before you, and it will happen for you.
Initially founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton was chartered as a college in 1812. It is among the three dozen oldest colleges in the United States. In 1793 Samuel Kirkland, missionary to the Oneida Indians, presented his "Plan of Education" to President George Washington, who "expressed approbation" and Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. The latter consented to be a trustee of the new school, to which he also lent his name. The Hamilton-Oneida Academy was chartered soon after that. Nineteen years later, in 1812, the academy was rechartered as Hamilton College.
Hamilton's 1,350-acre campus is situated on College Hill overlooking the picturesque New England-style village of Clinton, N.Y. We are 10 minutes from Utica to the northeast, 45 minutes from Syracuse to the west, and 90 minutes from Albany to the east. The Adirondack Park is a favorite nearby destination for outdoor activities.
The quality of personal interaction that takes place in our classrooms extends to residences, performance halls, playing fields, dining halls, labs, and casual conversations that take place in Café Opus. That is why we seek a diverse student body. Different perspectives and life experiences expand the breadth and augment the rigor of our college's intellectual life.
The Opportunity Programs Office provides tailored personal and academic support that helps students build lifelong habits and skills. Public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes and come to Hamilton through this four-year scholarship program. Experienced student mentors are matched with first-year international, first-generation (first in the family to attend college), and historically underrepresented students.
Hamilton is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to qualified students with disabilities. Students from 40 countries are welcomed at Hamilton and become an integral part of our community. The Dean of Students Office assists international students in a variety of ways.
There is no one Hamilton student just as there is no one Hamilton experience, but the promise we make to all our students is the same. We promise to assist you in creating a program of study that meets your interests and goals. Regardless of your course of study, we will challenge you, hold you to high standards and help you develop into a critical and creative thinker and a strong writer and speaker.
There is no one type of Hamilton student. They are nerdy, sophisticated, quirky, artsy, outgoing, gay, straight, sloppy, athletic, quiet … you name it. At Hamilton, you will be accepted for who you are and what you believe. And with a student body of 1,850, you will find friends who share your interests and backgrounds.
After four years, whether you decide to pursue a graduate degree or enter the workforce, you will be prepared. Hamilton's faculty will make sure you have the intellectual skills. Our career professionals will help you identify internships and other career-related experiences, and our alumni will help you build a network.
For those unable to pay our comprehensive fee, we make an additional promise: We will review your application without considering your financial circumstances and meet your full demonstrated financial need. We are committed to ensuring that your Hamilton education is affordable and worthy of your investment.
Hamilton has a well-earned reputation as a "school of opportunity" and needs-blind in its admission decisions. All of Hamilton's financial aid is based on demonstrated financial need, which is determined by calculating the difference between the expected family contribution and the cost of attendance. If you qualify for financial assistance and are admitted to Hamilton, we will meet your full demonstrated financial need for all four years.
Our goal is to accept only the most talented and deserving students and then provide the financial aid that makes it possible for them to enroll. We are also committed to providing an exceptional experience for all students who choose Hamilton, regardless of their financial background.
Some students know exactly what they want to study and cannot wait to get started. Hamilton's open curriculum provides that flexibility. Others explore different options before choosing their concentration. Our open curriculum works for them, too. But an open curriculum is not for everyone. It is best suited for independent, motivated, and committed to the ideals of a broad-based liberal arts education. If that describes you, Hamilton might be a good fit for your next four years.
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