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Colgate University vs Washington and Lee University

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

15
Colgate Wins
8
Tied / N/A
19
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Rural
Setting
Town
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
3,180
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1508
SAT Average
1498
33
ACT Midpoint
34
1430-1540
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$28,786
Average Net Price
$23,781
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
13%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
94%
93%
Retention Rate
97%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
18%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

58%
Female
44%
64%
White
68%
10%
Hispanic
9%
4%
Black
5%
5%
Asian
5%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$15,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
79%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

The Overviews

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $85,139 earnings $28,786 net

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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