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Colgate University vs Fairfield University

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

23
Colgate Wins
4
Tied / N/A
15
Fairfield Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Rural
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
3,180
Enrollment
5,373
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
33%
1508
SAT Average
1335
33
ACT Midpoint
29
1430-1540
SAT Range
1260-1390

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$58,350
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,350
$28,786
Average Net Price
$48,095
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$33,302
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$35,155
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$26,953
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$50,773
13%
Pell Grant Rate
7%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
43%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
84%
93%
Retention Rate
91%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
100%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,298
18%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

58%
Female
65%
64%
White
79%
10%
Hispanic
9%
4%
Black
1%
5%
Asian
2%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.36

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$73,693
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$87,663
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$88,794
$15,000
Median Debt
$26,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29x
79%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
157.73%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6319.4%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
249.6%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$151,500

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.03
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
3.9%

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.

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit

33% accept 84% grad $88,794 earnings $48,095 net

Fairfield University has an impressive graduation rate of 84%, indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees. This high rate suggests a strong support system and engaged faculty, which helps students navigate their academic journey.

According to Opportunity Insights data, Fairfield's graduates earn a median income of $88,794 ten years after enrollment. This figure points to the university’s effectiveness in preparing students for the job market, particularly in fields like Business, Health Professions, and Communications. While the Pell Grant rate stands at 7%, indicating limited access for low-income students, the potential for upward mobility remains significant for those who do enroll.

The cost of attending Fairfield is notable, with a net price of $48,095 and a median debt of $26,000. Students who thrive here are often those pursuing careers in high-demand sectors, leveraging the university's strong programs in Business and Health Professions. Graduates leave with solid earning potential, which helps to mitigate the financial burden of their education.

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