Organizer Information
Colgate University is a private liberal arts university in Hamilton, New York. Its academic structure includes four divisions, with relevant study in the Division of Arts and Humanities, including the Department of Art and Art History and the Film and Media Studies Program. Colgate is primarily an undergraduate institution, although it also offers a small Master of Arts in Teaching program.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Colgate University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate; Graduate (Master of Arts in Teaching)
- Degrees Offered: BA/AB; MA in Teaching
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Film, Media, Architecture, Theater, Music, Creative Writing
- Relevant Programs: Art and Art History Major — Art History Emphasis; Art and Art History Major — Studio Arts Emphasis; Film and Media Studies Major; Architecture Minor; Art and Art History Minor; Film and Media Studies Minor
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision
- Application Deadline: 1 November; 15 January
- Start of Studies: Fall; Spring for the MAT program
- Application Fee: $0 for non-U.S. citizens; $60 standard first-year application fee
- Tuition: $76,828 for 2026–27 undergraduate tuition
- Funding: Need-based financial aid; Colgate meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Colgate offers undergraduate study in Art and Art History and Film and Media Studies. Studio art coursework includes drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film and video, printmaking, and digital art. Film and Media Studies combines historical, theoretical, critical, and practical study of film and visual media.
- Students may also pursue an Architecture Minor and an Art and Art History Minor.
- An arts portfolio is optional for applicants and is not required to declare an arts major.
General Eligibility
- Colgate accepts first-year applications from domestic and international applicants. International students are defined by Colgate as non-U.S. citizens; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. dual citizens are not classified as international applicants for admission purposes.
- First-year applicants must provide an application, academic recommendations, a counselor recommendation, and an official high school transcript. Standardized test scores are optional.
- For the Master of Arts in Teaching, graduates of recognized colleges and universities are eligible to apply. The program has its own admission requirements.
Language Requirements
Non-native English-speaking international applicants who did not attend a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction must submit an approved English-language test. Colgate currently lists a minimum IELTS score of 7 and also accepts TOEFL iBT and Duolingo English Test.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-year applicant | $60 | Waivers available under specified conditions |
| Non-U.S. citizen | $0 | Application fee waived |
| Arts portfolio submission | $12 | Optional SlideRoom submission; certain waivers apply |
Tuition
| Study Level / Category | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, 2026–27 | $76,828 | Annual | $462 student activity fee; housing and food charged separately |
| Undergraduate on-campus, first-years/sophomores | — | Annual | $9,348 housing + $10,008 food |
| Undergraduate on-campus, juniors/seniors | — | Annual | $10,132 housing + $10,008 food |
The 2026–27 undergraduate billed charges total $96,646 for first-years/sophomores and $97,430 for juniors/seniors before additional non-billed costs. A one-time $50 transcript fee applies in the first semester. Student health insurance is an additional charge and may be waived with qualifying coverage.
Funding & Financial Support
Colgate's financial aid is need-based rather than merit-based, and the university states that it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students receiving aid. International students are included in this policy. International applicants who seek financial aid must apply for it at admission; students who do not apply or qualify for aid at admission are not eligible to receive institutional aid in later years.
University Services & Academic Support
- Students have access to faculty advising, peer tutoring, the Writing & Speaking Center, the Center for Learning, Teaching and Research, Disability Services, and Career Services. Colgate also provides research opportunities, including paid scholar and summer research opportunities.
- Art students can use department facilities and benefit from exhibitions at the Clifford Gallery and Picker Art Gallery.
Application Requirements
First-year applicants must submit:
- Common Application, Coalition Application on Scoir, or QuestBridge Application
- Personal statement
- Two academic teacher recommendations
- Guidance counselor recommendation
- Official high school transcript
SAT/ACT scores are optional. International applicants subject to Colgate's English-language requirement must submit an approved English proficiency test. An arts portfolio is optional, including portfolios in visual art and media, music, theater, and dance.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision I Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision I Financial Aid Submission: 1 November 2026
- Early Decision I Notification: Mid-December 2026
- Early Decision II Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Early Decision II Financial Aid Submission: 15 January 2027
- Early Decision II Notification: Mid-February 2027
- Regular Decision Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Regular Decision Financial Aid Submission: 15 January 2027
- Regular Decision Notification: Late March 2027
- MAT Fall Cohort Application Deadline: 1 February 2027
- MAT Spring Cohort Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
Location
Colgate University — Hamilton, New York, United States
Additional Details
- Colgate's undergraduate degree is officially the Bachelor of Arts (AB), although the university's editorial guidance uses the conventional term BA in general communications.
- The university's art portfolio is supplemental rather than an admissions prerequisite: applicants do not need a portfolio or audition to declare an arts major.
- The Master of Arts in Teaching is a separate graduate program with its own application process, deadlines, eligibility requirements, and certification pathways.