Colgate University will offer tuition-free enrollment to families making less than $175,000, beginning in the fall of 2026, the administration announced on Monday, Oct. 27. This announcement comes following an expansion of the Colgate Commitment, the university’s no-loan financial aid initiative.
The decision marks the third time Colgate has expanded its financial accessibility efforts since the inception of the Colgate Commitment in 2020, following updates in 2021 and 2022, which included broader aid packages to cover the average cost of textbooks and other academic expenses.
Gary Ross, senior vice president for admission and financial aid, said that this change reflects Colgate’s broader commitment to supporting students and expanding access.
“When Colgate first launched the Colgate Commitment in 2020, it was a starting point,” Ross said. “Since then, the university has been continuously evaluating how the financial aid program could be further improved, and this week’s announcement is a result of that work to make Colgate more affordable to the most talented students.”
Ross added that the overall goal of this expansion is for its benefits to reach students who might otherwise think Colgate is financially out of reach.
“I hate the thought of any potential Colgate student sitting at a kitchen table deciding to forgo an application because they think Colgate is financially out of reach,” Ross said. “We simply want the best students to see themselves at Colgate regardless of their economic situation at home.”
Sophomore Elyana Belete shared Ross’s sentiment.
“Colgate going tuition-free for low-income students is an incredible opportunity for those from [families earning under $175,000 a year] to get an amazing education and experience opportunities they didn’t think were possible,” Belete said.
For many Colgate students, financial aid was a large part of their college decision process. Junior Reem Numan spoke to this experience.
“During my college search, I wanted to apply to schools that allowed me the freedom to explore a variety of interests, and I wanted small, intimate classroom environments where I could get more time with my professors. I applied to many small, liberal arts schools, and I chose the one that was the most affordable,” Numan told the Colgate University News.
This initiative is also part of the university’s Third-Century Plan, which is a long-term, comprehensive plan designed to shape the future of Colgate in the third century since its founding. One crucial part of this plan is the mission to broaden financial accessibility for prospective students.
“The very first pillar of the Third-Century Plan is titled, ‘Attracting and Supporting Outstanding Students,’” Ross said. “The charge is very clear, and the very first initiative discussed in that section of the plan is the ‘No-Loan Initiative.’”
Ross said that the latest action from the Colgate Commitment is a significant step towards making a Colgate education more accessible to a wider range of students but does not mark the end of the university’s mission. While no specific timeline has been set for future changes, Ross said financial aid will remain a top priority for Colgate’s administration.
“I know this very important and impactful program is always given a tremendous amount of attention and consideration,” Ross said. “Additionally, we hope many dedicated alums and friends of Colgate will want to continue supporting the Colgate Commitment. Financial aid changes lives, and we should all be so proud of Colgate University for making these important strides.”
