Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs Fordham University
- Colgate Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 15
- Fordham Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colgate University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,786 vs Fordham University's $44,338, 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
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,786, roughly $15,552 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
Fordham
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Colgate University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Fordham in Business & Marketing (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 Fordham University over Colgate University. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $85,139.
Pick Colgate University over Fordham University. Net price $28,786 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over Colgate University. 4% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Colgate University over Fordham University. 91% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and Fordham University are close on paper, but Colgate University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,418.
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 $15,552 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $62,208 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, Fordham University graduates report median earnings of $85,569, compared with $85,139 at Colgate University. 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 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham 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 Colgate University to keep costs and debt down; pick Fordham University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Colgate University saves about $15,552 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $430 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Colgate University is harder to get into, with a 14% admit rate, but Fordham University posts the higher mobility rate, at 4%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Colgate University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Fordham University leans toward Business & Marketing, Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Colgate University has less business program depth, and Fordham University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $44,338 runs well above Colgate University's $28,786.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 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; Fordham 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.
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
Rankings They Appear On
Colgate University and Fordham University appear together in 7 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in New York, Colgate University ranks #3 — Colgate University outranks Fordham University by 30 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Fordham leads with Business Administration (19%).
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 Fordham).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while Fordham University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications. 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 Fordham University?
Colgate University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or Fordham University?
Colgate University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,786 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Colgate University or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,139 at Colgate University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or Fordham University?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 81%.
Colgate University vs Fordham University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colgate University or Fordham University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colgate University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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