EC vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmira College in Elmira, NY with Hamilton College in Clinton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hamilton College is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (2,031 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmira College is located in Elmira, NY (Small City setting); Hamilton College is in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Elmira College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmira College 11:1; Hamilton College 9:1.

EC vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EC or Hamilton College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Elmira College than Hamilton College ($23,682 vs. $28,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmira College are 16.9% lower than at Hamilton College ($14,550 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 76.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than EC (about $29,984 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.9% higher at Hamilton College than at Elmira College (about $29,984 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmira College than at Hamilton College (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 92.9% larger than aid received by Elmira College students ($55,511 vs. $28,780).

EC vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EC or Hamilton College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Hamilton College and EC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 260 points higher than at EC (1240).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at EC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 1090/1385; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 26/29; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EC - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at EC (3.22).
• EC has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at EC vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

EC vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EC and Hamilton College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Elmira College's (60%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $33,000 more per year than EC graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $11,240 lower median loan debt than EC graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EC graduates ($162 vs. $279).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EC students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 72%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.