Colgate vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

Providence College is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colgate vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Providence? 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 Providence ($28,736 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 1.3% lower than at Providence College ($17,610 vs. $17,840).
• Colgate University is 10.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Providence (about $6,756 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $63,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at Colgate than at Providence College (about $6,756 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $63,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Providence College than at Colgate University (83% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 83% larger than aid received by Providence College students ($58,334 vs. $31,873).

Colgate vs. Providence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 170 points higher than at Providence (1320).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Providence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Providence has a higher acceptance rate (50.9%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Colgate vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Providence? 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 Providence College's (85%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $68,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,875 lower median loan debt than Providence graduates ($16,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Providence graduates ($166 vs. $279).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Providence students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.