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Colleges / NY / Hamilton
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Colgate University

Private nonprofit Hamilton, NY · Rural · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
91%
Graduation Rate
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$28,786
Net Price
14%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Colgate University attracts students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply with their studies. This school is a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The tight-knit community and emphasis on critical thinking make it a place where students can really thrive.

After graduation, Colgate alums see an impressive median earnings of $85,139 after ten years. This strong financial outcome reflects not just the quality of education, but also the commitment of students to leverage their degrees in meaningful ways. While the Pell Grant rate sits at 13%, the majority of students manage to find success in their careers, illustrating that hard work and dedication pay off.

On the practical side, the net price after aid stands at $28,786, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $15,000 is relatively low, suggesting that most students graduate with a solid financial footing. Those who tend to thrive here are motivated individuals seeking a challenging academic environment and who value the connections made during their time at Colgate.

Rankings

How Colgate Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation91%Earnings 10yr$85KNet Price$29KRetention93%Median Debt$15KPell Grant Rate13%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$6K$0-30K$3K$30-48K$14K$48-75K$48K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%239.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3653.6%MOBILITY87.41%

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$70,306
Out-of-State
$28,786
Avg Net Price
$15,000
Median Debt
13%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$6,086
Family Income $0–$30K
$2,678
Family Income $30K–$48K
$13,617
Family Income $48K–$75K
$48,234
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$64,949
6 Years After Entry
$74,696
8 Years
$85,139
10 Years
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
79%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$64,949 6yr $74,696 8yr $85,139 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

87.41%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3653.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$208,900
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.86
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.738%
Inventor Rate
30
Total Patents
30
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 14%
Retention Rate 93%
SAT Average 1508
ACT Midpoint 33
SAT Range 1430–1540
ACT Range 33–34
Full-Time Faculty 93%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,098
Diversity Index 0.56
First-Gen Students 18%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 36%
Biology & Biomedical 15%
Psychology 9%
Computer Science & IT 6%
Physical Sciences 5%
English & Literature 4%
Visual & Performing Arts 4%
Education 2%