Colgate vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Colgate University in Hamilton, NY with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colgate University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Colgate vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University than Colgate ($23,055 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 5.8% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($17,610 vs. $18,685).
• Colgate University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $2,261 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Colgate than at Washington and Lee University (about $2,261 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Colgate University (64% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 9.6% larger than aid received by Colgate University students ($63,945 vs. $58,334).

Colgate vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is the same as at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Colgate students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Washington and Lee (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Colgate vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate and Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University's (91%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $5,375 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($16,125 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($166 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.