Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs Cornell University
- Colgate Wins
- 8
- Tied
- 17
- Cornell Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Cornell University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,690 vs Colgate University's $28,786, Cornell University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Cornell 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
Colgate
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Cornell
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, 22% more than Colgate University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,690, roughly $96 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Cornell in Computer Science & IT (19%). 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 Cornell University over Colgate University. Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment vs $85,139.
Pick Cornell University over Colgate University. Net price $28,690 vs $28,786.
Pick Cornell University over Colgate University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Cornell University over Colgate University. 95% completion rate vs 91%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and Cornell University are close on paper, but Cornell 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
Cornell University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Colgate University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,535.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Cornell 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, Cornell University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,690, about $96 a year below Colgate University's $28,786. Graduates of Cornell University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $15,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $384 before any change in aid. Choosing Cornell University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Cornell University graduates report median earnings of $104,043, compared with $85,139 at Colgate University. That is a 22% advantage. Set against borrowing, Cornell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.18x.
So what: An earnings gap of 22% 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
Cornell University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 91%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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
Cornell University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. Cornell University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Cornell 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 Cornell 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.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Colgate University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Cornell University leans toward Engineering, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Colgate University's enrollment, and Cornell University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Cornell University's enrollment of 15,995 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Cornell holds onto its admits more tightly: 69% of admitted students enroll, versus 29% at Colgate — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Colgate offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Cornell does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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
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.
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
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.
Rankings They Appear On
Cornell University is featured on the Best Private University MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Cornell leads with Computer Science (19%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colgate) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Cornell).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Cornell University concentrates in Engineering, Business & Marketing. 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 Colgate University or Cornell University?
Cornell University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 14% at Colgate University.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or Cornell University?
Cornell University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,690 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Colgate University or Cornell University graduates earn more?
Cornell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,139 at Colgate University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or Cornell University?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 91%.
Colgate University vs Cornell University: which is better for social mobility?
Cornell University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colgate University or Cornell University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Cornell 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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