Admission & Aid

Hamilton’s motto is “Know Thyself.” Of course we don’t expect students to arrive on campus already knowing themselves. In fact, that discovery is a big part of what the college experience is all about.

Our open curriculum will give you the freedom to study what you love — and discover what you love — and choose courses because they interest you, not because you have to fulfill distribution requirements.

Hamilton is a welcoming community that attracts people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Every student, professor, and staff member brings something unique to campus, and we all come to “know thyself” by engaging with each other.

Hamilton is a national leader for teaching students to write clearly and speak persuasively, and here you will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to express your ideas across multiple platforms. After all, what good is developing a great idea if you can’t communicate it effectively?

Take ownership of and responsibility for your education while working with advisors and other campus resources. ALEX (Advise, Learn, EXperience) is Hamilton’s coordinated advising network tailored for each student’s academic success, career preparation, experiential learning (including research, internships, civic engagement, and global learning), and personal growth.

Many colleges and universities in the country can either meet full demonstrated need of their applicants or admit the most qualified students regardless of their need. We do both. Ensuring that Hamilton is worthy of your investment and that students have equal access to all that we offer is one of our most enduring values.

Sure we get our share of snow in the winter (OK, more than our share), but Hamiltonians embrace their surroundings. Our hilltop campus is gorgeous and the Village of Clinton is picturesque. There’s lots to do in our backyard: embark on Adirondack adventures; explore area cuisine; shop; attend musicals, plays, professional sporting events, and concerts; and more.

Alumni love this place. Their generosity funds scholarships, spectacular new facilities, and a multitude of programs, but they also give their time by providing internships and job opportunities.

Hamilton was founded more than 200 years ago. We’re proud of both our distinguished history and our modern facilities. In the last 15 years, we’ve invested $374 million to renovate and expand our academic, residential, and recreational facilities.

Learning at Hamilton is active and hands-on, and we expect you to participate. Whether it’s in the classroom or the lab, on the stage or behind the podium, with a student-run club or service organization, on the playing field or the court — students get involved.