Colgate vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY at Purchase College is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (3,333 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); SUNY at Purchase College is in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; SUNY at Purchase College 12:1.

Colgate vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Colgate ($18,211 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 6.7% lower than at Colgate University ($16,436 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 685.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $61,353 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 266.1% higher at Colgate than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $51,103 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY at Purchase College than at Colgate University (72% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 459.2% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($58,334 vs. $10,432).

Colgate vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 210 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at Purchase College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; SUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

Colgate vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $35,100 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $6,375 lower median loan debt than Purchase College graduates ($16,125 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Purchase College graduates ($166 vs. $232).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 65%)

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.