George Washington vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Washington University 13:1; Colgate University 9:1.

George Washington vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington or Colgate? 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 George Washington ($28,736 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 3.9% lower than at Colgate University ($16,920 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than George Washington (about $2,596 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.8% higher at Colgate than at George Washington University (about $2,596 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $67,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at Colgate University (78% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 55.6% larger than aid received by George Washington University students ($58,334 vs. $37,500).

George Washington vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 60 points higher than at George Washington (1430).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at George Washington).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

George Washington vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington and Colgate? 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 George Washington University's (81%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $8,837 lower median loan debt than George Washington graduates ($16,125 vs. $24,962).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $92 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than George Washington graduates ($166 vs. $258).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.