Colgate vs. Buffalo State College

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY Buffalo State University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (6,188 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); SUNY Buffalo State University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY Buffalo State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1.

Colgate vs. Buffalo State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Buffalo State 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 Buffalo State University than Colgate ($12,023 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY Buffalo State University are 9.2% lower than at Colgate University ($15,986 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 723.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $61,773 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 257.7% higher at Colgate than at SUNY Buffalo State University (about $50,653 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $19,653.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY Buffalo State University than at Colgate University (100% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 398.7% larger than aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students ($58,334 vs. $11,697).

Colgate vs. Buffalo State College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 380 points higher than at Buffalo State College (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; SUNY Buffalo State University 980/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Buffalo State College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.93 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Buffalo State College (2.84).
• Buffalo State College has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 9.2% at Buffalo State College.

Colgate vs. Buffalo State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Buffalo State 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 Buffalo State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $34,600 more per year than Buffalo State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $5,284 lower median loan debt than Buffalo State College graduates ($16,125 vs. $21,409).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buffalo State College graduates ($166 vs. $221).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 59%)

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.