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Colgate University vs Columbia University in the City of New York

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

11
Colgate Wins
4
Tied / N/A
27
Columbia Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Rural
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,180
Enrollment
8,973
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1508
SAT Average
1553
33
ACT Midpoint
35
1430-1540
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$71,845
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$71,845
$28,786
Average Net Price
$21,590
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,570
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,275
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,866
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$50,621
13%
Pell Grant Rate
23%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
96%
93%
Retention Rate
98%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
43%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$21,516
18%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

58%
Female
45%
64%
White
29%
10%
Hispanic
15%
4%
Black
8%
5%
Asian
19%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$88,535
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$98,435
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$15,000
Median Debt
$21,500
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
79%
Earning Above HS
86%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
307.36%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6121.7%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
502.1%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$169,600

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.03
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
10.3%

The Overviews

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.

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

4% accept 96% grad $102,491 earnings $21,590 net

Columbia University in the City of New York is an excellent fit for ambitious students who are ready to dive deep into their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, it attracts driven individuals who excel academically. Students here often focus on top programs such as Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and English & Literature. The tight-knit community and diverse course offerings create an environment where students can thrive.

Life after graduation looks promising for Columbia alumni, with a ten-year earnings average of $102,491. This figure indicates the long-term financial benefits of attending this university. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and often find themselves in positions that allow for upward mobility. The high graduation rate of 96% suggests that most students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of the support and resources available.

When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Columbia, the net price after aid is approximately $21,590, which is quite manageable given the high earning potential. With a median debt of $21,500, most graduates come out with a reasonable financial burden. The combination of these factors, along with the strong academic environment, tends to attract students who are not only academically talented but also motivated to make the most of their educational experience.

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