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Colgate University vs Purdue University-Main Campus

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

18
Colgate Wins
10
Tied / N/A
14
Purdue Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Rural
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
3,180
Enrollment
44,503
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
50%
1508
SAT Average
1364
33
ACT Midpoint
30
1430-1540
SAT Range
1200-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$9,992
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,794
$28,786
Average Net Price
$14,600
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,098
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,241
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,438
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$22,742
13%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
22%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
83%
93%
Retention Rate
93%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,473
18%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

58%
Female
47%
64%
White
54%
10%
Hispanic
8%
4%
Black
3%
5%
Asian
15%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$60,838
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$66,951
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$15,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
79%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
N/A
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$208,900
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.67
0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public

50% accept 83% grad $72,424 earnings $14,600 net

With an enrollment of over 44,500 students, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a solid choice for those who thrive in a large, dynamic environment. It’s particularly appealing for students interested in engineering, business, computer science, biology, and social sciences. The 50% acceptance rate suggests a competitive atmosphere, and the 83% graduation rate indicates that many students are successfully completing their degrees.

After graduation, students can expect a median earning of $72,424 after ten years. That’s a significant number, especially for graduates entering fields like engineering and technology. While the cost of attendance is reasonable, the long-term financial outlook is promising, making it clear that a degree from Purdue can lead to solid career opportunities.

When it comes to affordability, the net price after aid averages around $14,600, which is manageable for many families. With a median debt of $19,500, students leave with a debt load that is relatively low compared to potential earnings. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated, ambitious, and ready to take advantage of the university's strong programs and supportive resources.

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