Colgate vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

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

Colgate University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colgate vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($28,736 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 17.4% lower than at Colgate University ($14,548 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $7,501 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.9% higher at Colgate than at Muhlenberg College (about $7,501 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Colgate University (99% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 37.1% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($58,334 vs. $42,545).

Colgate vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 160 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Colgate vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,365 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($16,125 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $107 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($166 vs. $273).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.