Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Colgate Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 16
- New Jersey Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Colgate University achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 73%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,786 compared to New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504 for in-state paths. Students who choose New Jersey Institute of Technology benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $84,276 at ten years.
54 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, 1% more than New Jersey Institute of Technology
- 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
New Jersey
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,504, roughly $12,282 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 6.5%, 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); New Jersey in Computer Science & IT (33%). 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $84,276.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over Colgate University. Net price $16,504 vs $28,786.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over Colgate University. 6.5% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Colgate University over New Jersey Institute of Technology. 91% completion rate vs 73%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,337.
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, New Jersey Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,504, about $12,282 a year below Colgate University's $28,786. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $21,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $49,128 before any change in aid. Choosing New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 $84,276 at New Jersey Institute of Technology. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
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 73%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 18% 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 6.5%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. New Jersey Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 10.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down; pick Colgate 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. New Jersey Institute of Technology saves about $12,282 a year, yet Colgate University graduates earn $863 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 6.5%. 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 Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while New Jersey Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,786 runs well above New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Colgate University's enrollment, and New Jersey Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,000, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New Jersey Institute of Technology's enrollment of 9,019 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Colgate holds onto its admits more tightly: 29% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at New Jersey — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Colgate offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; New Jersey 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
Rankings They Appear On
New Jersey Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while New Jersey leads with Computer Science (33%).
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 New Jersey).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while New Jersey Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Business & Marketing. 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology?
Colgate University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 65% at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,504 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Colgate University or New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,276 at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 73%.
Colgate University vs New Jersey Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 6.5% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colgate University or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New Jersey Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Colgate 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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