What does 13 mean at Colgate University?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

At Colgate University, the number 13 is revered as a cherished lucky symbol deeply woven into the institution's history and daily campus culture. The tradition traces back to its founding in September 1817, when 13 men gathered with 13 prayers and 13 dollars to establish the school. Today, this legacy appears everywhere on campus, from the famous 13 mile-per-hour speed limit signs and the campus address to the celebration of Colgate Day every Friday the 13th.

Related FAQs

Colgate University has graduated an impressive roster of distinguished alumni who have achieved widespread national and international prominence across business, journalism, professional sports, entertainment, and public service.

The student experience and campus atmosphere at Colgate University are frequently characterized by a classic "work hard, play hard" philosophy.

The University of Kentucky holds the historical distinction of being the winningest men's college basketball program of all time by total victories.

Students who thrive at Colgate University are typically high-achieving, intellectually curious, and deeply motivated individuals who excel in rigorous academic environments.

Social life at Colgate University is frequently characterized by a classic work-hard, play-hard campus culture where social gatherings, weekend events, and Greek life organizations play a prominent role in the student experience.

Yes, gaining admission to Colgate University is exceptionally competitive and difficult, reflecting its status as a top-tier national liberal arts college.

Colgate University carries a long-standing reputation that aligns closely with traditional northeastern preppy culture.

Politically and culturally, Colgate University generally reflects a moderate to progressive leaning typical of selective northeastern liberal arts colleges, though it hosts a diverse spectrum of viewpoints.

Colgate University is located in Hamilton, a picturesque village nestled in the rolling hills of central New York State.

Comparing Colgate University and Lafayette College comes down to individual preference, as both are elite, highly prestigious northeastern private liberal arts institutions with strong academic reputations and active Greek life scenes.

Colgate University is renowned for its exceptional liberal arts curriculum, with several academic disciplines drawing heavy student enrollment and high national regard.

Yes, Colgate University competes fully at the NCAA Division I level, representing the highest tier of collegiate athletics governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Yes, Colgate University is considered a highly selective and difficult institution to gain admission into.

No, the Colgate University men's basketball program has never won the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

Colgate University maintains a vibrant Jewish student community comprising roughly 300 to 350 undergraduate students, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of the total student population.

Both Colgate University and Bucknell University are premier, highly selective private institutions that blend rigorous liberal arts education with strong professional undergraduate programs and competitive Division I athletics.

Social life at Colgate University is frequently characterized by a robust work-hard, play-hard atmosphere where weekend events, campus traditions, and a prominent Greek life system play a major role in student engagement.

Yes, the Colgate University men's basketball program has qualified for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament multiple times in its storied history.

Yes, Colgate University is widely recognized as a highly prestigious, elite private liberal arts institution.

Politically and culturally, Colgate University generally reflects a moderate to progressive intellectual environment typical of selective northeastern liberal arts colleges, though it maintains a diverse student body.

Colgate University derives its modern name from the prominent Colgate family, specifically William Colgate and his descendants, who were key industrial leaders and early financial benefactors of the institution.

Attending Colgate University offers significant advantages, including exceptionally rigorous academics, small class sizes with personalized faculty access, a stunning hilltop campus, and an extraordinarily loyal alumni network that facilitates powerf...

The comprehensive annual cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate student at Colgate University—incorporating steep private tuition, mandatory campus fees, residence hall housing, and meal plans—typically totals between 85,000 and 95,000 doll...

The official athletic mascot of Colgate University is a spirited figure known as the Raiders, historically represented by a maroon-clad human mascot rather than an animal.

As a member of the NCAA Division I Patriot League, Colgate University does not award athletic scholarships to its student-athletes.