Colgate vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

Compare Colgate University in Hamilton, NY with Cornell University in Ithaca, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; Cornell University 9:1.

Colgate vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Cornell? 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 Cornell University than Colgate ($26,361 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 9.4% lower than at Cornell University ($17,610 vs. $19,428).
• Colgate University is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornell (about $992 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $69,314.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at Colgate than at Cornell University (about $992 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $69,314.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornell University than at Colgate University (48% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 5.9% larger than aid received by Colgate University students ($61,779 vs. $58,334).

Colgate vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colgate or Cornell? 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 Cornell and Colgate.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 50 points higher than at Colgate (1490).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Colgate).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Colgate has a higher acceptance rate (13.9%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

Colgate vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Cornell? 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).

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Colgate University's (92%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $23,100 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $4,125 lower median loan debt than Colgate graduates ($12,000 vs. $16,125).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colgate graduates ($124 vs. $166).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.