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Colgate University vs Harvard University

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

8
Colgate Wins
8
Tied / N/A
30
Harvard Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Rural
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
3,180
Enrollment
7,601
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1508
SAT Average
1553
33
ACT Midpoint
35
1430-1540
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$61,676
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,676
$28,786
Average Net Price
$19,066
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,697
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,991
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$2,091
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$53,337
13%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
4%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
97%
93%
Retention Rate
98%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,048
18%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

58%
Female
50%
64%
White
31%
10%
Hispanic
12%
4%
Black
9%
5%
Asian
22%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$99,572
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$101,095
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$101,817
$15,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
79%
Earning Above HS
88%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
175.92%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5774.2%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
304.7%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$174,000

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.69
0.01
Friending Bias
0.02
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
9.6%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#1
N/A
Teaching Score
99.7
N/A
Research Score
98.7
N/A
Citations Score
98.8

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.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

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