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Colgate University vs Northwestern University

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

9
Colgate Wins
10
Tied / N/A
27
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Rural
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
3,180
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1508
SAT Average
1533
33
ACT Midpoint
35
1430-1540
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$28,786
Average Net Price
$29,167
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
13%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
96%
93%
Retention Rate
98%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
18%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

58%
Female
52%
64%
White
31%
10%
Hispanic
16%
4%
Black
8%
5%
Asian
21%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$15,000
Median Debt
$15,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
79%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
169.42%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#25
N/A
Teaching Score
64.5
N/A
Research Score
68.8
N/A
Citations Score
95.3

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.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit

8% accept 96% grad $89,363 earnings $29,167 net

Northwestern University has an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating strong student support and academic success. This high rate reflects the university’s commitment to helping students complete their degrees on time. With an acceptance rate of just 8%, gaining admission is highly competitive, attracting top talent from across the country.

The earnings potential for graduates is significant, with a 10-year median income of $89,363. This figure suggests that students who attend Northwestern can expect a strong return on their investment. However, 19% of students receive Pell Grants, which highlights that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, yet still have the opportunity to thrive here.

The net price for attending Northwestern is $29,167, and the median debt is relatively low at $15,000, making it more manageable for graduates. Students who excel here often pursue majors in engineering, social sciences, and communications. Those who thrive at Northwestern are typically motivated and high-achieving individuals, ready to engage in a challenging academic environment.

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