Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs University of Notre Dame
- Colgate Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 15
- Notre Dame Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Notre Dame offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $26,780 vs Colgate University's $28,786, University of Notre Dame delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Notre Dame benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $99,980 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colgate
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
Notre Dame
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, 17% more than Colgate University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $26,780, roughly $2,006 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% 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); Notre Dame in Business & Marketing (27%). 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 University of Notre Dame over Colgate University. Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment vs $85,139.
Pick University of Notre Dame over Colgate University. Net price $26,780 vs $28,786.
Pick University of Notre Dame over Colgate University. 0.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick University of Notre Dame over Colgate University. 96% completion rate vs 91%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and University of Notre Dame are close on paper, but University of Notre Dame wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Notre Dame is the harder admit. It takes 11% 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, University of Notre Dame 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 Notre Dame comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $26,780, about $2,006 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 $8,024 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Notre Dame leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Notre Dame graduates report median earnings of $99,980, compared with $85,139 at Colgate University. That is a 17% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 17% 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
University of Notre Dame graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 91%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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.
Moving people up
University of Notre Dame does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.9%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. Colgate University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Notre Dame 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 University of Notre Dame to keep costs and debt down.
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 University of Notre Dame leans toward Business & Marketing, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: University of Notre Dame has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colgate University has less business program depth, and University of Notre Dame 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 Notre Dame's enrollment of 8,818 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Notre Dame holds onto its admits more tightly: 64% 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; Notre Dame 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
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.
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
The University of Notre Dame has an impressive graduation rate of 96%. This means that the vast majority of students who start their studies here complete their degrees on time. Such a high rate indicates strong student support and academic rigor.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility outcomes for Notre Dame students are not available. However, the strong graduation rate and high earnings after ten years suggest that graduates from this institution tend to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The average earnings for alumni reach $99,980, reflecting the quality of education and career preparation they receive.
Prospective students should consider the financial aspects as well. The net price for attending Notre Dame is $26,780, with a median debt of $19,000 after graduation. While the Pell Grant rate is 14%, students who thrive here often pursue majors in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science, aligning their education with strong job markets.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Notre Dame is featured on the Best Colleges in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Notre Dame leads with Business Administration (27%).
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 Notre Dame).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while University of Notre Dame 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 Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 14% at Colgate University.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame is more affordable, with an average net price of $26,780 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Colgate University or University of Notre Dame graduates earn more?
University of Notre Dame graduates earn more: median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,139 at Colgate University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 91%.
Colgate University vs University of Notre Dame: which is better for social mobility?
University of Notre Dame is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 0.9% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colgate University or University of Notre Dame?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Notre Dame if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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