Colgate University's historic campus in Hamilton, New York,
Colgate University's historic campus in Hamilton, New York, where families earning up to $175,000 will qualify for free tuition starting fall 2026 under the expanded Colgate Commitment program. Bill/Google Maps

Hamilton, NY — Colgate University announced a major expansion of its financial aid program on Sunday, more than doubling the income threshold for tuition-free education in a move designed to make higher education more accessible to middle-class families.

Starting in fall 2026, families earning less than $175,000 annually will pay no tuition under the expanded Colgate Commitment program. The previous threshold stood at $80,000, making this expansion a significant leap in affordability for prospective students.

"Access to transformative education should not be determined by a family's financial circumstances," said Colgate President [Name]. "This expansion of the Colgate Commitment reflects our dedication to ensuring that talented students from all economic backgrounds can benefit from a Colgate education."

Sliding Scale for Higher Earners

The announcement extends beyond the $175,000 threshold, introducing a sliding scale of tuition contributions for families earning up to $300,000:

  • Families earning $175,000-$200,000 will pay approximately 5% of their income toward tuition
  • Those earning $200,000-$250,000 will contribute around 7%
  • Families earning $250,000-$300,000 will pay roughly 10%

Additionally, families with incomes up to $200,000 will have their full financial aid needs met entirely without loans, eliminating debt burden for eligible students.

Third Expansion Since 2020

The Colgate Commitment launched in 2020 as part of the university's Third-Century Plan, a comprehensive initiative to enhance access and affordability. Sunday's announcement marks the third expansion of the program, demonstrating the university's ongoing commitment to reducing financial barriers to higher education.

The expansion comes at a time when college affordability remains a pressing concern for American families. With total costs of attendance at private universities often exceeding $80,000 annually, Colgate's enhanced aid program positions the institution among the most generous in the nation for middle-income families.

Impact on Enrollment

University officials estimate that hundreds of additional families will qualify for aid under the expanded program. The changes apply to both incoming first-year students and current undergraduates who meet the income requirements.

"This is about investing in the next generation of leaders," the university stated in its announcement. "We want students to graduate prepared to make an impact on the world, not burdened by overwhelming debt."

Located in Hamilton, New York, Colgate University enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate students and is consistently ranked among the nation's top liberal arts colleges. The expanded Colgate Commitment takes effect for the 2026-2027 academic year, with applications for fall 2026 admission currently being accepted.

For more information about the Colgate Commitment and financial aid eligibility, prospective students can visit the university's financial aid office or website.