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Hamilton College, a private Little Ivy liberal arts college, is located in Clinton, New York, eight miles outside of Utica, on a 1,350-acre hilltop campus which overlooks the picturesque village of Clinton. Named after named for Alexander Hamilton, 1st secretary of the US Treasury and member of the first Board of Trustees of the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton College is the third oldest college in New York State, having been established in 1793. The college began as a plan presented by Samuel Kirkland, missionary to Oneida Indians, to create a school for children of the Oneidas and white settlers who were moving into central New York from New England in search of new lands and opportunities following the American Revolution. Hamilton has become known as a leader in teaching students and operates under the mission to prepare students for “lives of meaning, purpose, and active citizenship.”
Academic Programs
Hamilton awards Bachelor of Arts degrees in over fifty areas of study, including American Studies; Asian Studies; Biology; Cinema and Media Studies; Computer Science; Environmental Studies; Interdisciplinary Concentration; Literature and Creative Writing; Music; Philosophy; Psychology; Public Policy; Women’s Studies; and World Politics. Pre-professional Advising is also offered in the areas of Business, Education, Engineering (Cooperative Program), Law, and Medicine. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1921.Over 60% of students choose to study off-campus in either international or domestic programs. Hamilton sponsors or is affiliated with study abroad programs in China, France, Spain and India and students may also select from more than 100 programs around the globe. Domestic study programs are available in Adirondacks, New York City, Washington, DC, and at the New England Center for Children in Boston. Each of these options provides students with opportunities that combine rigorous academic preparation with valuable practical experience.
Student Life
Nearly 2,000 students are enrolled at Hamilton, representing approximately 45 states and 47 foreign countries; 25% of students identify themselves as either students of color or international citizens. 100% of students live in over 25 residence halls which range in style from historic to more modern buildings. A number of dining halls and eatery options exist throughout the campus. A variety of student-led clubs and associations provide students with opportunities to connect with fellow classmates. Groups include cultural organizations, Greek organizations, performance groups, sports organizations, and volunteer organizations. The Student Activities Office also supports a wide range of co-curricular activities for students to engage in.As an NCAA Division III school, Hamilton sponsors nearly 30 varsity sports (half women’s, half men’s) in which approximately 550 students compete. Hamilton is also a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). Nicknamed the “Continentals” and playing under the colors buff and blue, Hamilton has won nearly 15 National Athletic titles in the last several years.