Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
- Colgate Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 19
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colgate University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,786 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, Colgate University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Colgate University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colgate
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,786, roughly $12,486 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in Transportation (41%). 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 Colgate University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.
Pick Colgate University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $28,786 vs $41,272.
Pick Colgate University over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 91% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach are close on paper, but Colgate University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Colgate University is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,257.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Colgate 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, Colgate University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,786, about $12,486 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $23,666.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $49,944 before any change in aid. Choosing Colgate University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Colgate University graduates report median earnings of $85,139, compared with $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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
Colgate University graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 24% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Colgate University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Colgate University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach leans toward Transportation, Engineering, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,272 runs well above Colgate University's $28,786.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,666, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's enrollment of 7,860 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Colgate offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach can expect to earn an average of $84,131 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in their future.
The Opportunity Insights data isn't available for Embry-Riddle, but the statistics on graduation and job placement suggest that students have a solid chance of finding success post-graduation. With a graduation rate of 67%, students are likely to complete their degrees and enter the workforce equipped with skills that are in demand.
The net price to attend is $41,272, with a median debt of $23,666. This balance is manageable considering the earning potential graduates enjoy. Students who thrive here are typically those drawn to aviation, engineering, and technical fields, seeking hands-on experience and a pathway to a stable career.
Rankings They Appear On
Colgate University is featured on the Best Biology Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical leads with Supply Chain Management (41%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colgate) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates in Transportation, Engineering, Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice. 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Colgate University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 65% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Colgate University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,786 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do Colgate University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 67%.
Should you choose Colgate University or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colgate 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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