Head-to-Head Comparison
Boston University vs Colgate University
- Boston Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 16
- Colgate Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Boston University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Colgate University achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,786 compared to Boston University's $24,402. Students who choose Boston University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $83,238 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Boston
- Lower cost: Average net price of $24,402, roughly $4,384 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Colgate
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Boston University
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Boston graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (16% of degrees); Colgate in Social Sciences (34%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Colgate University over Boston University. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $83,238.
Pick Boston University over Colgate University. Net price $24,402 vs $28,786.
Pick Boston University over Colgate University. 2% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Boston University and Colgate University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Boston University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while Colgate University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,480 to 1,508.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Boston University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Boston University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $24,402, about $4,384 a year below Colgate University's $28,786. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $23,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $17,536 before any change in aid. Choosing Boston University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Colgate University graduates report median earnings of $85,139, compared with $83,238 at Boston University. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Boston University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. Boston University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Boston University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Boston University to keep costs and debt down; pick Colgate University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Boston University saves about $4,384 a year, yet Colgate University graduates earn $1,901 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Boston University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Communications, while Colgate University leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,250, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Boston University's enrollment of 18,248 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,786 runs well above Boston University's $24,402.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colgate University has less business program depth, and Boston University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Boston holds onto its admits more tightly: 35% of admitted students enroll, versus 29% at Colgate — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Boston (31.3% Early Decision admit rate vs 19.5%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Boston University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Boston University is a great fit for motivated students who are ready to engage with a vibrant urban campus. It's an appealing choice for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, or Computer Science & IT. The school’s diverse offerings attract students who are eager to explore various disciplines and prepare for dynamic careers.
After graduation, students from Boston University can expect to earn an impressive average of $83,238 within a decade. This means graduates are stepping into solid financial footing relatively quickly, which is encouraging for those considering their return on investment. With a graduation rate of 89%, it shows that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for upward mobility in their careers.
When it comes to the practical side of financing your education, the net price after aid stands at approximately $24,402, which is manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, a figure that many could navigate effectively post-graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are ready to take advantage of Boston’s resources and connections, ultimately setting themselves up for successful futures.
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit
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 They Appear On
Boston University is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Massachusetts ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Boston's top program is Business Administration (16% of enrollment), while Colgate leads with Sociology (34%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Boston) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colgate).
The two schools feed different job markets. Boston University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Communications, while Colgate University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Boston University or Colgate University?
Boston University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 14% at Colgate University.
Which is more affordable, Boston University or Colgate University?
Boston University is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,402 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Boston University or Colgate University graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,238 at Boston University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Boston University or Colgate University?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 89%.
Boston University vs Colgate University: which is better for social mobility?
Boston University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Boston University or Colgate University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Boston University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Colgate University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Boston and Colgate stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
