Head-to-Head Comparison
Brown University vs Colgate University
- Brown Wins
- 30
- Tied
- 16
- Colgate Wins
- 8
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brown University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $25,184 vs Colgate University's $28,786, Brown University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brown University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, 10% more than Colgate University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $25,184, roughly $3,602 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,428, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Colgate
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% 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 Brown University over Colgate University. Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment vs $85,139.
Pick Brown University over Colgate University. Net price $25,184 vs $28,786.
Pick Brown University over Colgate University. 1.4% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Brown University over Colgate University. 96% completion rate vs 91%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brown University and Colgate University are close on paper, but Brown University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Brown University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Colgate University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,508.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Brown 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, Brown University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $25,184, about $3,602 a year below Colgate University's $28,786. Graduates of Brown University also borrow less: median debt of $11,428, against $15,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $14,408 before any change in aid. Choosing Brown University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Brown University graduates report median earnings of $93,487, compared with $85,139 at Colgate University. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.18x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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.
Finishing the degree
Brown University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 91%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Brown University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.4%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. Brown University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 11.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Brown 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 Brown University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Brown University's enrollment of 7,226 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,786 runs well above Brown University's $25,184.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $15,000, against $11,428 at Brown University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Colgate University's enrollment, and Brown University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Brown holds onto its admits more tightly: 63% 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 Colgate (19.5% Early Decision admit rate vs 17.9%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Colgate, where only about 37% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.
After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.
When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
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
Brown University and Colgate University appear together in 5 rankings. On the Best Colleges for English, Brown University ranks #3 — Brown University outranks Colgate University by 12 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 25% of Brown's student body and 34% of Colgate's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brown) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colgate).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brown University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, while Colgate University concentrates in 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 Brown University or Colgate University?
Brown University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 14% at Colgate University.
Which is more affordable, Brown University or Colgate University?
Brown University is more affordable, with an average net price of $25,184 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Brown University or Colgate University graduates earn more?
Brown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,139 at Colgate University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brown University or Colgate University?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 91%.
Brown University vs Colgate University: which is better for social mobility?
Brown University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.4% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Brown University or Colgate University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brown University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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