Colgate vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Colgate University in Hamilton, NY with Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colgate University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Colgate vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Dickinson College? 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 Colgate University than Dickinson College ($28,736 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 2.9% lower than at Colgate University ($17,100 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 7.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dickinson College (about $4,656 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.1% higher at Colgate than at Dickinson College (about $4,656 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at Colgate University (96% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 31.1% larger than aid received by Dickinson College students ($58,334 vs. $44,479).

Colgate vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 100 points higher than at Dickinson College (1390).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Dickinson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Colgate vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College's (84%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $4,875 lower median loan debt than Dickinson College graduates ($16,125 vs. $21,000).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dickinson College graduates ($166 vs. $217).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.