Hamilton College vs. Ithaca College

Comparable Facts

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

Ithaca College is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (4,767 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamilton College is located in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting); Ithaca College is in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ithaca College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hamilton College 9:1; Ithaca College 10:1.

Hamilton College vs. Ithaca College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College or Ithaca 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 Hamilton College than Ithaca College ($28,719 vs. $35,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 7.5% lower than at Hamilton College ($16,192 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 28.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ithaca College (about $15,420 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.8% higher at Hamilton College than at Ithaca College (about $15,420 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ithaca College than at Hamilton College (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 66% larger than aid received by Ithaca College students ($55,511 vs. $33,450).

Hamilton College vs. Ithaca College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamilton College or Ithaca 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 Ithaca College and Hamilton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 190 points higher than at Ithaca College (1310).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Ithaca College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Ithaca College 1230/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Ithaca College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Ithaca College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027.
• Ithaca College has a higher acceptance rate (69%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 12.3% at Ithaca College.

Hamilton College vs. Ithaca College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College and Ithaca 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 Ithaca College's (74%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $22,900 more per year than Ithaca College graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $9,990 lower median loan debt than Ithaca College graduates ($15,760 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ithaca College graduates ($162 vs. $266).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ithaca College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 84%)

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.