Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs University of Portland
- Colgate Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 13
- Portland Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Portland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Colgate University achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,786 compared to University of Portland's $28,210 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Portland benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,804 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 Portland
- 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
Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,210, roughly $576 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 Portland. Median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick University of Portland over Colgate University. Net price $28,210 vs $28,786.
Pick University of Portland over Colgate University. 0.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Colgate University over University of Portland. 91% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colgate University and University of Portland 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 Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,277.
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 Portland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,210, about $576 a year below Colgate University's $28,786. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $21,370.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $2,304 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Portland 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 $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.26x.
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.
Finishing the degree
Colgate University graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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 Portland does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.9%; at Colgate University, it is 0.9%. University of Portland also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Portland 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 Portland to keep costs and debt down; pick Colgate University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Portland saves about $576 a year, yet Colgate University graduates earn $2,335 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Colgate University is harder to get into, with a 14% admit rate, but University of Portland posts the higher mobility rate, at 0.9%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Colgate University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Colgate University has less business program depth, and University of Portland offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,370, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Colgate offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Portland does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% 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.
University of Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Portland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Oregon ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colgate's top program is Sociology (34% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
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 Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions, 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 Portland?
Colgate University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or University of Portland?
University of Portland is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,210 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Colgate University or University of Portland graduates earn more?
Colgate University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,139 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or University of Portland?
Colgate University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 80%.
Colgate University vs University of Portland: which is better for social mobility?
University of Portland 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 Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Portland 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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