Colgate vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Vanderbilt University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Colgate vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt University than Colgate ($25,186 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 20.2% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($17,610 vs. $22,054).
• Colgate University is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Vanderbilt (about $2,808 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Colgate than at Vanderbilt University (about $2,808 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Colgate University (67% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 10.4% larger than aid received by Colgate University students ($64,404 vs. $58,334).

Colgate vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 50 points higher than at Colgate (1490).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Colgate).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Colgate has a higher acceptance rate (13.9%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Colgate vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Vanderbilt? 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).

• The graduation rate at Colgate is the same as at Vanderbilt University (92% vs. 92%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $2,125 lower median loan debt than Colgate graduates ($14,000 vs. $16,125).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colgate graduates ($144 vs. $166).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanderbilt students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 83%)

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.