Syracuse.com: "Applications for admission at Colgate University have increased more than 100%, setting a new record at the liberal arts college in Madison County. A total of 17,392 prospective students applied for admission before the deadline closed Jan. 15, a 102.6% increase over the previous year. The previous application record was set in 2019 when Colgate received 9,951 applications. The 200-year-old school currently has 3,002 students."
"Colgate has gone test optional because of the pandemic. That means the submission of SAT and ACT scores is optional for applicants. The school recently launched a no-loan policy for students with family incomes below $125,000. Through this policy, Colgate is removing all student debt from the aid packages of qualified students. Colgate recently began providing full scholarships to low-income students who apply through QuestBridge, a California nonprofit that connects exceptional low-income students to leading colleges."
"Colgate officials said they were shocked by the size of the increase ... Colgate officials said they quickly shifted to online recruiting in March after the pandemic hit. Colgate produced more than 120 webinars on topics ranging from financial aid and food at Colgate to enjoying the winter in central New York.
Colgate said it is seeing major growth in applications from students of color, students from the Southeast and international students."