Head-to-Head Comparison
Colgate University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Colgate Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 15
- Virginia-Main Campus Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Virginia-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,565 vs Colgate University's $28,786, University of Virginia-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Virginia-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $86,863 at ten years.
50 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
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Virginia-Main Campus
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,863 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Colgate University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,565, roughly $7,221 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colgate graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (34% of degrees); Virginia-Main Campus in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Virginia over Colgate University. Median earnings of $86,863 ten years after enrollment vs $85,139.
Pick University of Virginia over Colgate University. Net price $21,565 vs $28,786.
Pick University of Virginia over Colgate University. 95% 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 Virginia are close on paper, but University of Virginia wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 Virginia takes 17%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,508 to 1,480.
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 Virginia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,565, about $7,221 a year below Colgate University's $28,786. Graduates of Colgate University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $28,884 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Virginia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Virginia graduates report median earnings of $86,863, compared with $85,139 at Colgate University. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colgate University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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 Virginia graduates a larger share of its students, 95% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Virginia to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Colgate University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Virginia leans toward Humanities. 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 Virginia's $21,565.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Colgate University's enrollment, and University of Virginia is stronger here.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $15,000 at Colgate University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Virginia's enrollment of 17,597 far exceeds Colgate University's 3,180.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Virginia-Main Campus holds onto its admits more tightly: 40% of admitted students enroll, versus 29% at Colgate — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Virginia-Main Campus (500.0% Early Decision admit rate vs 19.5%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Virginia-Main Campus, where only about 6% 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 Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA · Public
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.
After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.
Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Virginia-Main Campus is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Criminal Justice ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 34% of Colgate's student body and 13% of Virginia-Main Campus's.
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 Virginia-Main Campus).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colgate University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while University of Virginia concentrates in Humanities, 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 Virginia?
Colgate University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 17% at University of Virginia.
Which is more affordable, Colgate University or University of Virginia?
University of Virginia is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,565 after aid versus $28,786 at Colgate University.
Do Colgate University or University of Virginia graduates earn more?
University of Virginia graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,863 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,139 at Colgate University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colgate University or University of Virginia?
University of Virginia has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 91%.
Should you choose Colgate University or University of Virginia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Virginia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Colgate University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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