Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs Hamilton College
- Colgate Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 13
- Hamilton Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colgate University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Hamilton College achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 91%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,985 compared to Colgate University's $28,786. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Colgate University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 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, 9% more than Hamilton College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,786, roughly $199 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
Hamilton
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.3%, 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); Hamilton in Social Sciences (31%). 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 Hamilton College. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $78,411.
Pick Colgate University over Hamilton College. Net price $28,786 vs $28,985.
Pick Hamilton College over Colgate University. 2.3% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and Hamilton College split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Hamilton College is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Colgate University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,506.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Hamilton College 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 $199 a year below Hamilton College's $28,985. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $17,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $796 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 $78,411 at Hamilton College. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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.
Moving people up
Hamilton College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.3%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. Hamilton College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Colgate University's enrollment of 3,180 far exceeds Hamilton College's 2,030.
No strong negative signals — Hamilton competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Hamilton holds onto its admits more tightly: 39% 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; Hamilton 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
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.
Hamilton College
Clinton, NY · Private nonprofit
Hamilton College is a private nonprofit school that serves around 2,030 students, making it a tight-knit community where individuals can thrive. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, it attracts students who are passionate and driven, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical studies, Visual and Performing Arts, English and Literature, and Computer Science. The graduation rate is impressive at 91%, reflecting a supportive environment where students can focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals.
After graduation, students can expect solid financial outcomes, with a median earning of $78,411 ten years after completing their degree. This indicates that many graduates find rewarding careers and are able to move into professional roles that pay well. The affordability of education is also a consideration, with a net price of $28,985 after financial aid. This combination of earning potential and reasonable costs can be quite appealing for future students weighing their options.
When it comes to student debt, Hamilton graduates leave with a median debt load of $17,000, which is manageable compared to many institutions. The college's environment tends to foster success for those who are engaged and proactive in their education. Students who thrive here are often those who take advantage of the close-knit community and diverse academic offerings, setting them up for a fulfilling career path after graduation.
Rankings They Appear On
Colgate University and Hamilton College appear together in 12 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in New York, Colgate University ranks #3 — Colgate University outranks Hamilton College by 1 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 34% of Colgate's student body and 31% of Hamilton's.
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 Hamilton).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colgate University or Hamilton College?
Hamilton College is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 14% at Colgate University.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or Hamilton College?
Colgate University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,786 after aid versus $28,985 at Hamilton College.
Do Colgate University or Hamilton College graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $78,411 at Hamilton College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or Hamilton College?
Hamilton College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 91%.
Colgate University vs Hamilton College: which is better for social mobility?
Hamilton College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.3% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colgate University or Hamilton College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colgate University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Hamilton College if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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