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Colgate University vs Michigan State University

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

24
Colgate Wins
8
Tied / N/A
14
Michigan Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Rural
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
3,180
Enrollment
40,922
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
85%
1508
SAT Average
1269
33
ACT Midpoint
26
1430-1540
SAT Range
1180-1360

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$16,458
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$43,842
$28,786
Average Net Price
$19,680
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,068
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$10,830
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$16,521
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$28,546
13%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
34%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
81%
93%
Retention Rate
90%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,468
18%
First-Gen Students
21%

Student Body

58%
Female
55%
64%
White
67%
10%
Hispanic
7%
4%
Black
7%
5%
Asian
8%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.53

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$55,084
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$62,777
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$15,000
Median Debt
$23,250
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35x
79%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
138.78%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3392.0%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
409.1%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$120,400

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.48
0.01
Friending Bias
0.09
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
7.7%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#122
N/A
Teaching Score
50.4
N/A
Research Score
52.7
N/A
Citations Score
63.7

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.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

85% accept 81% grad $67,253 earnings $19,680 net

With an enrollment of over 40,000 students, Michigan State University is a vibrant choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 85% means it's accessible, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to grow academically and socially. Here, you’ll find a mix of rigorous academic programs and a lively campus life that suits both serious scholars and those looking to make connections.

After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,253 just ten years post-degree. This indicates that graduates are moving into steady careers that often lead to upward mobility, although specific statistics on mobility are not available. The cost of education is manageable, especially considering the average net price of $19,680 after aid, which makes it an appealing option for many.

When it comes to affordability, the median debt sits at $23,250, which is relatively reasonable given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often take advantage of the large network and resources available, whether through campus organizations or internship opportunities. Overall, Michigan State University attracts those who are ready to engage in a dynamic environment and are focused on building a future that balances education with real-world applicability.

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