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Bowdoin College vs Colgate University

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

27
Bowdoin Wins
5
Tied / N/A
10
Colgate Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Rural
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
1,873
Enrollment
3,180
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1520
SAT Average
1508
N/A
ACT Midpoint
33
1470-1550
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,832
In-State Tuition
$70,306
$67,832
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,306
$14,398
Average Net Price
$28,786
$3,145
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$6,086
$2,800
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,678
$9,007
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,617
$35,196
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,234
17%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
8%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

95%
Graduation Rate
91%
97%
Retention Rate
93%
89%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$14,216
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,098
19%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

51%
Female
58%
53%
White
64%
15%
Hispanic
10%
5%
Black
4%
11%
Asian
5%
0.67
Diversity Index
0.56

Outcomes

$61,692
Earnings (6yr)
$64,949
$79,520
Earnings (8yr)
$74,696
$82,735
Earnings (10yr)
$85,139
$18,500
Median Debt
$15,000
0.22x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
80%
Earning Above HS
79%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

109.47%
Mobility Rate
87.41%
4153.2%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3653.6%
263.6%
From Bottom 20%
239.2%
$177,600
Parent Median Income
$208,900

Social Capital

1.81
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
10.4%
Volunteering Rate
9.4%

The Overviews

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 95% grad $82,735 earnings $14,398 net

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Bowdoin College is an excellent fit for students who are academically driven and ready to engage in a tight-knit community. With a total enrollment of 1,873, this private nonprofit institution in Brunswick, Maine, stands out for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts. Students here often delve into social sciences, biology, physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics, allowing them to develop a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths.

When it comes to life after graduation, Bowdoin graduates see solid earnings, with a 10-year median income of $82,735. This financial stability highlights the value of a Bowdoin degree in the job market. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need, the college’s overall affordability makes it a viable option for many families looking for a meaningful investment in education.

Looking at the numbers, the net price after aid is $14,398, and the median debt for graduates is $18,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook. Bowdoin tends to attract students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment and are eager to contribute to their communities, both on campus and beyond.

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $85,139 earnings $28,786 net

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.

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