Colgate University Sees 21,000+ Applications for Second Straight Year

Colgate University has received 21,114 applications for the Class of 2027, marking the second consecutive year that the University has received over 21,000 applications. While the number of applicants did not exceed last year's all-time record, the university has seen a steady 146% application increase since the Class of 2024 applied. The Class of 2027 cohort included an increase in applicant diversity compared to the Class of 2026, with a 4.6% increase in self-identified domestic students of color and a 15% increase in first-generation students. The university's partnership with QuestBridge and the Colgate Commitment financial aid initiative were expected to have resulted in an increased interest in the university. The university has expanded its virtual outreach and programming to generate interest in Colgate from students with underrepresented backgrounds. The university tends to accept about half of the incoming class from the pool of Early Decision I and Early Decision II applicants. The university's senior administration in close consultation with the Board of Trustees has determined a class size target of 805 students.