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Colby College vs Colgate University

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

21
Colby Wins
6
Tied / N/A
15
Colgate Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Rural
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
2,407
Enrollment
3,180
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

7%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1501
SAT Average
1508
33
ACT Midpoint
33
1460-1550
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,600
In-State Tuition
$70,306
$69,600
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,306
$17,180
Average Net Price
$28,786
$4,049
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$6,086
$1,251
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,678
$3,666
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,617
$46,511
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,234
14%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
91%
94%
Retention Rate
93%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$13,207
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,098
11%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

57%
Female
58%
55%
White
64%
8%
Hispanic
10%
5%
Black
4%
10%
Asian
5%
0.66
Diversity Index
0.56

Outcomes

$60,052
Earnings (6yr)
$64,949
$68,015
Earnings (8yr)
$74,696
$80,490
Earnings (10yr)
$85,139
$19,157
Median Debt
$15,000
0.24x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
78%
Earning Above HS
79%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

90.38%
Mobility Rate
87.41%
6082.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3653.6%
148.6%
From Bottom 20%
239.2%
$208,700
Parent Median Income
$208,900

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
9.9%
Volunteering Rate
9.4%

The Overviews

Colby College

Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit

7% accept 89% grad $80,490 earnings $17,180 net

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Colby College is tailored for students who thrive in a highly selective environment and are eager to dive into topics like Social Sciences, Psychology, Biology, and Computer Science. It’s a small community of about 2,407 students, making it easier to form close connections with peers and professors alike. Those who choose Colby are often passionate about their fields and want to engage deeply in their studies.

Looking at life after graduation, alumni report impressive earnings, with a 10-year median income of $80,490. This suggests that a Colby education can lead to solid financial outcomes, helping graduates secure well-paying jobs. The affordability factor is also notable; with a net price of $17,180, many students find that they can graduate without being burdened by excessive debt, as the median debt sits at $19,157. This balance helps foster mobility for those who want to move up in their careers.

The numbers tell a clear story: Colby is not just about getting a degree but about setting up students for success in the real world. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that support is available for those who need it, the overall environment tends to attract highly motivated individuals. Those who thrive here share a commitment to their studies and benefit from both a strong academic foundation and a supportive community.

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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