Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs New York University
- Colgate Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 15
- New York Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colgate University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,786 vs New York University's $37,050, 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.
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, 3% more than New York University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,786, roughly $8,264 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
New York
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); New York in Visual & Performing Arts (16%). 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 York University. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick Colgate University over New York University. Net price $28,786 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over Colgate University. 3.6% 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 New York 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
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Colgate University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York 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 $8,264 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $33,056 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 $82,509 at New York University. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York 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 New York University 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.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Colgate University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while New York University leans toward Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Colgate competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above Colgate University's $28,786.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 29% at Colgate — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
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 York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
Rankings They Appear On
Colgate University and New York University appear together in 8 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in New York, Colgate University ranks #3 — Colgate University outranks New York University by 17 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while New York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
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 York).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, 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 York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 14% at Colgate University.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or New York University?
Colgate University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,786 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do Colgate University or New York University graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or New York University?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 88%.
Colgate University vs New York University: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colgate University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colgate University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York University 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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