Colgate vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

Colgate University is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colgate vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Union 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 Union College ($28,736 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 3.4% lower than at Colgate University ($17,010 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union College (about $1,267 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $69,039.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Colgate than at Union College (about $1,267 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $69,039.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Colgate University (96% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 37.1% larger than aid received by Union College students ($58,334 vs. $42,534).

Colgate vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 90 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Colgate vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Union 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,875 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($16,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($166 vs. $279).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 86%)

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.