Colgate vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colgate vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Drexel? 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 Drexel ($28,736 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 2.7% lower than at Drexel University ($17,610 vs. $18,096).
• Colgate University is 12.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drexel (about $7,894 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.6% higher at Colgate than at Drexel University (about $7,894 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at Colgate University (100% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 66.4% larger than aid received by Drexel University students ($58,334 vs. $35,051).

Colgate vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 150 points higher than at Drexel (1340).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Drexel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

Colgate vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Drexel? 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 Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,118 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($16,125 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($166 vs. $271).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 77%)

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.