Learn About Hamilton

Chartered in 1812 after being founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton College is among the three dozen oldest colleges in the United States. Our mission is to prepare students for lives of meaning, purpose, and active citizenship.

Hamilton is one of the few U.S. colleges with an open curriculum, which means students have the freedom to choose courses that reflect their interests. We are a national leader in teaching students to write clearly and speak persuasively because we believe that communicating well is evidence of a person’s ability to think well.

Every new student is assigned three advisors even before they move in: an academic advisor, a career advisor, and an ALEX advisor. Students have access to an incredible range of experiences, and Hamilton’s robust support network of centers, resources, and mentors ensures they make the most of their four years.

Hamilton offers students a carefully planned approach to career preparation through our signature “Find Your Future” curriculum and extensive resources and opportunities such as workshops, individual appointments, and industry-related programming to ensure students are ready for what comes next.

Membership in the Hamilton community lasts a lifetime. Alumni provide our students with internships, job-shadowing experiences, and other forms of career advice. They visit campus regularly to recruit and speak in classes and welcome new graduates to cities all over the world.

We strive to ensure that a Hamilton education will be affordable and worthy of your investment. Many colleges and universities in the country can either meet full demonstrated need or admit the most qualified students regardless of their need. We do both.