Colgate vs. Hofstra

Comparable Facts

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

Hofstra University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (10,685 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); Hofstra University is in Hempstead, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hofstra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; Hofstra University 13:1.

Colgate vs. Hofstra Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Hofstra? 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 Hofstra ($28,736 vs. $35,792).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 2.6% lower than at Hofstra University ($17,610 vs. $18,082).
• Colgate University is 21.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hofstra (about $12,646 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.9% higher at Colgate than at Hofstra University (about $12,646 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hofstra University than at Colgate University (99% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 66.4% larger than aid received by Hofstra University students ($58,334 vs. $35,061).

Colgate vs. Hofstra Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 170 points higher than at Hofstra (1320).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Hofstra).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Hofstra University 1230/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Hofstra University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Hofstra - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Hofstra (3.74).
• Hofstra has a higher acceptance rate (68.1%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 10.3% at Hofstra.

Colgate vs. Hofstra Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Hofstra? 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 Hofstra University's (58%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $16,100 more per year than Hofstra graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $7,375 lower median loan debt than Hofstra graduates ($16,125 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hofstra graduates ($166 vs. $242).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hofstra students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 72%)

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.