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Colgate University vs Williams College

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

8
Colgate Wins
5
Tied / N/A
29
Williams Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Rural
Setting
Town
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
3,180
Enrollment
2,076
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1508
SAT Average
1533
33
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1430-1540
SAT Range
1490-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$68,560
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,560
$28,786
Average Net Price
$17,716
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,610
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-1,727
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$-1,978
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,594
13%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
95%
93%
Retention Rate
97%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,317
18%
First-Gen Students
22%

Student Body

58%
Female
51%
64%
White
47%
10%
Hispanic
14%
4%
Black
6%
5%
Asian
12%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.73

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$71,754
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$79,082
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$88,665
$15,000
Median Debt
$12,761
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
79%
Earning Above HS
68%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
98.66%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3087.0%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
319.6%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$184,000

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.85
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
10.6%

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.

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $88,665 earnings $17,716 net

With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.

Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.

When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.

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