Colgate vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Colgate University in Hamilton, NY with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Colgate vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or SMU? 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 SMU ($28,736 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 7.6% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($17,610 vs. $19,064).
• Colgate University is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SMU (about $3,266 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.9% higher at Colgate than at Southern Methodist University (about $3,266 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Methodist University than at Colgate University (67% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 55.5% larger than aid received by Southern Methodist University students ($58,334 vs. $37,520).

Colgate vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 70 points higher than at SMU (1420).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at SMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Colgate vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and SMU? 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 Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than SMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $73,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $5,375 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($16,125 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($166 vs. $222).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SMU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 76%)

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.