Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Colgate Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 16
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Colgate University achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,786 compared to University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Maryland-College Park benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,860 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, 3% more than University of Maryland-College Park
- 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
Maryland-College Park
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $13,108 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). 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 University of Maryland-College Park. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $82,860.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Colgate University. Net price $15,678 vs $28,786.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and University of Maryland-College Park 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 University of Maryland-College Park takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,473.
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, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $13,108 a year below Colgate University's $28,786. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $52,432 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park 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 $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.23x.
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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Maryland-College Park 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. University of Maryland-College Park saves about $13,108 a year, yet Colgate University graduates earn $2,279 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 Biology & Biomedical, while University of Maryland-College Park leans toward 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 University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Colgate University's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colgate University has less business program depth, and University of Maryland-College Park offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 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 22% at Maryland-College Park — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Colgate offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Maryland-College Park 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
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.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Maryland-College Park is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Maryland ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
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 Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Business & Marketing, Engineering. 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 University of Maryland-College Park?
Colgate University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Colgate University or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or University of Maryland-College Park?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 89%.
Should you choose Colgate University or University of Maryland-College Park?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park 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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