Hamilton College vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY at Purchase College is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (3,333 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamilton College is located in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting); SUNY at Purchase College is in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hamilton College 9:1; SUNY at Purchase College 12:1.

Hamilton College vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College or Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Hamilton College ($18,211 vs. $28,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 6.1% lower than at Hamilton College ($16,436 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 670.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $60,007 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 259.1% higher at Hamilton College than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $49,757 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY at Purchase College than at Hamilton College (72% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 432.1% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($55,511 vs. $10,432).

Hamilton College vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 220 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Purchase College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; SUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

Hamilton College vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College and Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $38,800 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $6,740 lower median loan debt than Purchase College graduates ($15,760 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Purchase College graduates ($162 vs. $232).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 65%)

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.