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Colgate University vs Cornell University

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

8
Colgate Wins
10
Tied / N/A
28
Cornell Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Rural
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,180
Enrollment
15,995
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
9%
1508
SAT Average
1535
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1430-1540
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$69,314
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,314
$28,786
Average Net Price
$28,690
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,776
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,070
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,796
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,992
13%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
18%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
95%
93%
Retention Rate
98%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,953
18%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

58%
Female
53%
64%
White
31%
10%
Hispanic
13%
4%
Black
7%
5%
Asian
27%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$87,830
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$97,098
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$104,043
$15,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
79%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
290.70%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5935.4%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
489.8%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$143,300

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
9.3%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#14
N/A
Teaching Score
82.2
N/A
Research Score
88.8
N/A
Citations Score
88.1

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.

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit

9% accept 95% grad $104,043 earnings $28,690 net

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is a fitting choice for students who are academically driven and eager for a deeply engaging campus experience. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, this school attracts some of the brightest minds, and it has a graduation rate of 95%. Students here dive into popular programs like Computer Science, Business, and Engineering, all of which are designed to prepare them for competitive fields.

After graduation, individuals from Cornell see impressive financial returns, with a median earning of about $104,043 after ten years. This level of income reflects the value of the education received and the strong career paths available to graduates. Although the cost of attendance can be significant, the financial aid landscape is supportive, especially for those who qualify for Pell Grants, which help about 18% of students.

The net price after aid stands at approximately $28,690, which is manageable considering the median debt of $14,000 that graduates carry. This financial framework means that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of debt, allowing them to focus on their careers and aspirations rather than being weighed down by financial burdens. Those who thrive at Cornell are typically motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the many resources and connections available to them.

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