Founded in 1793, Hamilton College is a private liberal arts college in Clinton, New York. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in 50 academic majors and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Hamilton is known for its rigorous academics and its commitment to social justice. In recent years, the college has been ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazine.
Hamilton College was founded by Samuel Kirkland, a minister and missionary to the Oneida people. Kirkland had previously founded Union College, another leading institution of higher learning in upstate New York. The college was named after Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States and a prominent figure in early American history.
Hamilton began admitting women as students in 1978, becoming one of the first all-male colleges in the country to do so. Today, women make up nearly half of the student body. The college has also become increasingly diverse over time; more than 20% of students identify as students of color.
Academically, Hamilton is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum as well as its programs in engineering and science. The college is home to an internationally recognized faculty; many members have won prestigious awards like Fulbright Scholarships and Guggenheim Fellowships. Students at Hamilton are also highly successful after graduation; they go on to attend graduate schools at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world or enter into successful careers in a variety of fields.