Colgate vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colgate vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or U of R? 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 U of R ($28,736 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 11% lower than at University of Rochester ($17,610 vs. $19,792).
• Colgate University is 4.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of R (about $3,226 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at Colgate than at University of Rochester (about $3,226 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at Colgate University (72% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 28.2% larger than aid received by University of Rochester students ($58,334 vs. $45,500).

Colgate vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colgate or U of R? 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 U of R and Colgate.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 10 points higher than at U of R (1480).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at U of R).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; U of R - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at U of R (3.75).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Colgate vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and U of R? 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 University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $8,375 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($16,125 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($166 vs. $253).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.