Hamilton College vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

Union College is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (2,065 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Hamilton College vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College or Union 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 Union College ($28,719 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 2.9% lower than at Hamilton College ($17,010 vs. $17,510).
• Union College is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hamilton College (about $79 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $68,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Union College than at Hamilton College (about $79 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $68,960.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Hamilton College (96% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 30.5% larger than aid received by Union College students ($55,511 vs. $42,534).

Hamilton College vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 100 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Hamilton College vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College and Union 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $11,240 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($162 vs. $279).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 86%)

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.