Northeastern vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Northeastern vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern 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 Northeastern ($28,736 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 10.1% lower than at Northeastern University ($17,610 vs. $19,580).
• Colgate University is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $4,144 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at Colgate than at Northeastern University (about $4,144 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Colgate University (66% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 15.7% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($58,334 vs. $50,421).

Northeastern vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern 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 Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is the same as at Colgate (1490).
• Incoming Northeastern 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: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Colgate has a higher acceptance rate (13.9%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Northeastern vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern 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 Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $11,750 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($16,125 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $122 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($166 vs. $288).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern 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.