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Financial Aid: Colgate Commitment

An initiative in access and affordability.

The Colgate Commitment is a milestone in the University’s efforts to make a Colgate education accessible to talented, high-achieving students, regardless of socioeconomic background.

Financial considerations are a decisive factor for many students as they review higher education options. As we expand our admissions reach, the University is deeply engaged in the national conversation around college affordability.

Advancing our third-century ambitions and our Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Colgate Commitment places the University among an elite group of institutions that have publicly pledged to be tuition-free for their lowest-income students.

Colgate University is seeking at least $100 million in new endowment gifts to extend the Colgate Commitment to all students and increase the number of aided students on campus.

 

Students at convocation

Composition of the Colgate Commitment

A generous gift to the Colgate Commitment transforms the lives of brilliant students who will one day profoundly impact the world. It is through this commitment that the best and brightest students from all economic backgrounds find that a Colgate education is within reach. 

For eligible domestic students, this comprehensive financial aid initiative:

  • eliminates tuition,
  • significantly reduces student debt,
  • adjusts tuition based on the family’s income levels, and
  • covers the average cost of textbooks and classroom expenses.

  • 5% of income toward tuition, on average

  • No-loan eligible

  • 10% of income toward tuition, on average

  • No-loan eligible

  • Colgate continues to meet 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students.

There are no words that can accurately express what a significant impact the no-loan initiative has had on me, my family, and my future.

Headshot of Sigrid Montagano
Sigrid Montagano ’24 Major: Biology