The Hamilton College Board of Trustees voted unanimously on March 6, 2010, to adopt a need-blind policy in admission, effective with the first-year class that enrolled the following fall. Colleges that are need-blind pledge to make admission decisions without considering an applicant's ability to pay. It is believed that there are only between three and four dozen U.S. colleges and universities that are need-blind and that meet the full demonstrated need of each admitted student. Hamilton will continue its long-standing policy of meeting the full demonstrated need of every student it admits.
At a time when parents are beginning to question whether they can afford a college education for their children, Hamilton College has announced that it will make admission decisions without considering an applicant's ability to pay. More ...
In her semiannual letter to the Hamilton community, President Stewart described the College's desire to become need-blind in admission. More ...
Adopted just one year ago, the College's Strategic Plan identified four priorities, including "Financial aid that meets the demonstrated need of every student, and a long-term goal of being need-blind in admission." More ...
Despite the pressure of continued economic turmoil, Moody's Investors Service has assigned Hamilton College an Aa2 rating and said the college's financial outlook is stable. More ...
KPMG conducted an independent audit of the College's financial statements. More ...
There are believed to be between three and four dozen U.S. colleges and universities that make admission decisions without considering an applicant's ability to pay and that meet the full demonstrated need of each accepted student. They include all of the colleges in the Ivy League, Duke, Georgetown and the University of Chicago, and liberal arts colleges such as Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Wesleyan, Williams, Grinnell, Haverford, Pomona, the University of Richmond and Swarthmore, among others.
"I am very proud to be a Hamilton alum! [The College was] very generous to me when it was not a need-blind admissions. This just carries forth an inherent spirit of generosity. Well-done College Hill!"
— Noelle Short '05 (posted on The New York Times blog)
"What great news. I'm a former scholarship student and I'm going to increase my annual donation because of this!"
— Stew Stryker '81 (posted on Facebook)
"Could the Hamilton Board of Trustees have done anything more wonderful, especially at this moment of history? I am thrilled!"
— Associate Professor of Philosophy Katheryn Doran
We invite you to share your thoughts on Hamilton's need-blind admission policy or a personal reflection on how financial aid made a difference in your life.
