Colby College vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

Compare Colby College in Waterville, ME with Colgate University in Hamilton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colgate University is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colby College is located in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colby College 9:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Colby College vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby College or Colgate? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Colby College than Colgate ($16,219 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 1.6% lower than at Colby College ($17,610 vs. $17,890).
• Colgate University is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Colby College (about $706 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $69,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Colgate than at Colby College (about $706 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $69,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Colby College than at Colgate University (45% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 18.6% larger than aid received by Colgate University students ($69,201 vs. $58,334).

Colby College vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colby College or Colgate? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Colgate and Colby College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 20 points higher than at Colgate (1490).
• Incoming Colby College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Colgate (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Colgate has a higher acceptance rate (13.9%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Colby College vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby College and Colgate? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Colby College's (91%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Colby College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $73,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $3,220 lower median loan debt than Colby College graduates ($16,125 vs. $19,345).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colby College graduates ($166 vs. $200).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.