Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs Texas A&M University-College Station
- Colgate Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 18
- Texas A&M Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Texas A&M University-College Station offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Colgate University achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,786 compared to Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315 for in-state paths. Students who choose Texas A&M University-College Station benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $72,097 at ten years.
50 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, 18% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- 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
Texas A&M
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,315, roughly $7,471 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). 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 Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over Colgate University. Net price $21,315 vs $28,786.
Pick Colgate University over Texas A&M University-College Station. 91% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and Texas A&M University-College Station 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 Texas A&M University-College Station takes 57%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,280.
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, Texas A&M University-College Station comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,315, about $7,471 a year below Colgate University's $28,786. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $17,804.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $29,884 before any change in aid. Choosing Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 18% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 18% 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 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Texas A&M University-College Station to keep costs and debt down; pick Colgate University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Texas A&M University-College Station saves about $7,471 a year, yet Colgate University graduates earn $13,042 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Colgate University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, while Texas A&M University-College Station 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 Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315.
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colgate University has less business program depth, and Texas A&M University-College Station offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,804, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas A&M holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% of admitted students enroll, versus 29% at Colgate — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Colgate offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Texas A&M does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Colgate, where only about 37% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
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.
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
Rankings They Appear On
Colgate University is featured on the Best Biology Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colgate) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Health Professions. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station?
Colgate University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 57% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,315 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Colgate University or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 84%.
Should you choose Colgate University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Texas A&M University-College Station 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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